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About Me

Janelle Lee Austin is a Texas-based writer, filmmaker, and producer creating character-driven stories that live between comedy and drama. Her work centers on voices rarely given the spotlight—women wise in their years—exploring reinvention, resilience, intimacy, and the complicated humor of lived experience.

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After nearly two decades in the tech world leading global communications, event production, and community-building initiatives, Janelle made a deliberate pivot into filmmaking, trading corporate strategy for storytelling full-time. She is a graduate of Texas State University’s film program and a former board member of Women in Film & TV Austin.

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Her work has earned recognition from the Austin Film Festival, ATX TV Festival, Shore Scripts, and the Big Apple Screenplay Competition, and more. Her projects reflect a deep commitment to inclusive, women-led creative teams.

 

Janelle’s work challenges how women over 50 are portrayed on screen—proving that growth, desire, and transformation don’t fade with age.

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Janelle is currently available for freelance work or permanent remote/hybrid opportunities and welcomes collaborations across film, television, branded content, and live event experiences. She is open to projects as a writer, director, or film producer, as well as corporate and nonprofit event production, creative strategy, and community-focused storytelling.

 

If you’re looking for a seasoned collaborator who brings vision, structure, and heart to a project—let’s work together.

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Photo by Elizabeth Lloyd

Awards & Recognition

April 2024

The Comedy Film Festival

Best Texas Short Film - "Life Coach"

March 2025

Voyage Austin "Janelle Lee Austin"

Local Stories

November 2022

Code2College

Women's Leadership Community Champion

IDEA Awards

November 2025

Voyage Austin "Big Country Studios"

Hidden Gems

January 2026

Austin Woman Magazine

2026 Change Maker Nominee

February 2026

Janelle Receives 2025 Austin Film Society's Short Film Grant for Pressure Points

Austin Chronicle
Austin Film Society

Let's Collaborate!

512.460.1020
create@bigcountrystudiostx.com

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© 2026 by Janelle Lee Austin / West of Weird LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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