Meeshelle ‘Meesh’ Neal is a director, screenwriter, and author, with a background in producing and acting, known to tackle difficult subjects with a surreal edge while remaining grounded in the nuanced complexity of human emotion.
Her directing work spans a wide variety of genres, and has screened at festivals worldwide as well as on networks such as Apple+, CityTV, CTV, Lifetime, Crave, and Paramount+.
A queer, multi-award winning filmmaker in the industry for many years, Meesh worked her way up through various departments in television and independent films.
Meesh received rave reviews for directing Smart Home Killer (Lifetime), with Shovan Roy at High on Films praising her.
“[Smart Home Killer is] A film that perfectly captivates its audience. It’s a compelling choice for a weekend watch. Natalie Brown leads the narrative skillfully, supported by a talented cast that beautifully interprets Meeshelle Neal’s vision.”
Her smash hit Sweet Release consistently garnered awards for Best Film, Best Actor(s), Best Director and Best Screenwriter. Select moments from her aired work to date can be seen in her filmmaker reel (below).
Meesh’s craft was further honed by industry heavy-hitter Gary Harvey who mentored her from 2018 – 2021. With Gary, Meesh experienced extensive hands-on apprenticeships*, where she was directly involved from prep through to post on: Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), Welcome to Christmas (Hallmark), Hudson & Rex (Citytv) & Tiny Pretty Things (Netflix).
CONTACT for FILM and TV INQUIRIES
Anna Archer
Agent, Lucas Talent
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*Apprenticeships with Gary Harvey: Meesh first approached Gary in 2018 to shadow through a show. Gary turned his need for a translator (and her need to learn the ropes) into a unique mentorship / apprenticeship position and offered her a job instead. Gary’s theory was that an assistant would have unfettered access and be involved in the entire process of how and why all decisions (from prep to post) are made – access not available to average shadowing directors.
Meesh’s job was to learn his process, become attuned to his speech, and in turn be his voice when needed.
Understanding Gary’s plans, then watching them in action helped Meesh develop a firm grasp on all aspects of TV production and elevated her abilities to execute a clear vision on time and on budget.
Excerpt from Gary’s 2022 Screen Scene interview, “Meeshelle Neal was an active listener – rare in this business, outside of actors – and she learned to unpack a lot of my speech. She became my voice when I needed that support. She’d follow up with each actor after I‘d deliver a note to ensure they understood, re-delivering it on my behalf if needed. She’d spot crew members who’d missed a beat of instruction, and she’d clean it up. She filled any holes that she could spot in the communication roadblocks we’d encounter. By clearing paths around my disability for me, we were creating paths of accessibility for her. She was also my safe space to discuss my disability and learn what that means to talk openly about it. Prior to that, all my cultural cues from childhood to adulthood told me to “Stop whining! Suck it up!” She helped me shed that and get me to where I am today.
Expanding my own capacity by using her skills gave me the confidence to develop more bullet-proof communication tools for the entire crew. My prep material was entirely overhauled to accommodate for others who might want clearer detail. That wouldn’t have been possible without the backup that Meeshelle gave me. I’m grateful to have developed this process with her.
She’s moved on now, as she should. It’s been four years since we started this journey, and she is about to direct her third MOW.”
Meesh also received rave reviews for directing I Won’t Let You Go (Lifetime), with The Cinemaholic praising her for making a ‘thriller film [that] will keep you hooked. The authentic backdrops and excellent performances elevate the movie even further.’ Her smash hit Sweet Release consistently garnered awards for Best Film, Best Actor(s), Best Director and Best Screenwriter. Select moments from her aired work to date can be seen in her filmmaker reel (below).
Meeshelle Neal 
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