About - stephaniefranz.com

Stephanie Franz is an award winning, NYC based artist. Her passion for storytelling has led to a range of creative roles in a variety of mediums. She spent a number of years in the theater as a performer before receiving her MS in Digital Imaging and Design from NYU. In recent years she’s been focusing on writing and directing live-action projects. Her films have screened at numerous festivals. She has been known to dip back into theater as a director/dramaturg.

Q&A with Stephanie Franz

What do you want to achieve with the projects you work on?

To take audiences on a journey where they’re so immersed in the story that they forget their troubles. To have them feel connected and seen. To expose them to new people, places, things and/or ideas. I want people to be happy they spent time with these characters and leave them with a lasting impression.

What’s your favorite genre?

I love multiple genres and often combine them to serve the story.

Okay, but you’re particularly drawn to stories with fantastical elements, right?

I do enjoy stories with fantastical elements, whether that’s in our world or some new world. While these stories may be unusual, I like to populate them with characters people can empathize with.

Which comes first, story or character?

It's all connected. I love the saying “Story is King”, but it’s important to make sure that your characters and their choices are driving the story, not the other way around.

Why do you call yourself an “artist” rather than a “filmmaker”?

My passion for storytelling has led to many different creative roles in a variety of mediums including live-action, animation and theater so while I am a filmmaker, it doesn’t encompass everything I do.

What have you been focusing on recently?

I’ve been concentrating on writing and directing live-action projects, but I wear many hats such as script supervisor, script consultant, editor, producer, theater director, etc.

Do you enjoy the collaborative process?

I love collaborating with others to create something special. I’m interested in working with people who are smart, creative, organized, fun and kind. I firmly believe in the “no assholes” rule. Having an atmosphere where people feel comfortable & supported makes all the difference.

Have any of your projects been shown in festivals?

My films have been screened at numerous festivals. I also directed a one-woman play that was part of the Fall-2023 United Solo Theater Festival at Theater Row in NYC.