Janelle Lee Austin

About Me
I’m an Austin-based writer, director, producer, and script supervisor, drawn to intimate, character-driven stories that sit at the intersection of humor, discomfort, and emotional truth. I’m especially interested in complex women, grappling with desire, identity, regret, and the quiet fractures of relationships.
My path to filmmaking hasn’t been traditional, and that’s exactly what shapes my voice. After more than 20 years leading creative direction, large-scale productions, and audience engagement in the corporate and nonprofit world, I decided to step away from a long career and go back to school. I earned my BFA in Film at Texas State University, proving to myself (and hopefully to others) that it’s never too late to bet on your creative life.
That experience didn’t just sharpen my craft—it expanded my perspective. I’ve learned how to blend artistic instinct with real-world execution, how to lead with both empathy and efficiency, and how to build environments where people feel supported enough to do their best work.
I’m the founder of West of Weird Productions and Big Country Studios, a creative hub in the Texas Hill Country built to support filmmakers, actors, and photographers with accessible, professional resources. Through my work and my community involvement, I’ve built a network of hundreds of local filmmakers across Austin, allowing me to collaborate quickly with people who care deeply about story and craft.
I care a lot about how films get made, not just what ends up on screen. I prioritize hiring women, mentoring emerging filmmakers, and creating opportunities for standout students to step into professional environments. I believe in collaboration over competition, and I bring an infectious, solutions-oriented energy to every set I’m part of.
My recent short, Pressure Points, received the 2025 Austin Film Society Short Film Grant, and my writing has been recognized by the Austin Film Festival, Big Apple Screenplay Festival, and ATX TV Festival.
At the end of the day, I’m here to tell honest, human stories, and to build a creative life that makes space for others to do the same.

Photo by Elizabeth Lloyd
Awards & Recognition
April 2024
The Comedy Film Festival
Best Texas Short Film - "Life Coach"
November 2025
The University Star
March 2025
Voyage Austin "Janelle Lee Austin"
November 2022
Code2College
Women's Leadership Community Champion
IDEA Awards
November 2025
Voyage Austin "Big Country Studios"
January 2026
Austin Woman Magazine
February 2026
Janelle Receives 2025 Austin Film Society's Short Film Grant for Pressure Points