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Bio

 

Originally from Lubbock, Texas, and growing up on the films of Spielberg and Zemeckis, I’ve worked in Hollywood for 17 years, directing three indie features, shorts, and commercials. 

 

A graduate from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, my 35mm senior thesis short film, the John Steinbeck inspired Waiting on the Lost, won awards at the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival and led to my first feature after graduation.

My first feature was the medical thriller The Drone Virus, based on the novel of the same name, and shot in 2003.  Starring Billy Wirth (Lost Boys) and Maeve Quinlan (90210) the movie gained worldwide distribution with Shoreline Entertainment in 2005 and can be seen on Netflix. 

 

2004 was spent making the road trip comedy 29 Reasons to Run.  Shot across the country from California to Georgia with a skeleton crew, the film was a film festival hit playing at festivals such as Newport Beach and San Diego Film Festival winning 8 awards, 4 for best picture.

My third feature, the apocalyptic thriller, Deadland stars Gary Weeks (Outer Banks), Brian Tee (Chicago Med) and William Katt (Greatest American Hero), and was distributed through Phase 4 Films after winning best picture and best director on the film festival circuit.

 

I worked at Relativity Media for 5 years, directing commercials and original narrative digital content. Notable projects include: a Brick Mansions sports commercial starring Washington Wizards John Wall, balling against parkour basketball players that aired during the 2014 playoffs, and a neighborhood adventure short promoting Earth to Echo starring NBA athletes Ricky Rubio, Shawn Marion, and DeAndre Jordan that played in front of all PG & PG-13 movies in Cinemark theaters nationwide.  Both projects won Telly Awards.

 

January 2016 I was chosen by New Form Digital (owned by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer) to be a part of their Incubator 3 Series, writing and directing a sci-fi digital pilot entitled Phantom Nights. Campanario Entertainment brought on writers/producers John Herrera & Nina Fiore (The Handmaid's Tale) and the series was pitched to HBO, Showtime, Paramount, Hulu and AMC but unfortunately the series did not sell.

In 2019, I wrote, directed, and produced the gritty rodeo drama, Hung Up, starring Melissa Jackson, Kevin Kane (Inside Amy Schumer), and Catherine Curtin (Stranger Things). Shot in Texas, the exciting bull riding short follows ruff rider Patty "Duke" who risks everything for one last ride. Screening at film festivals world-wide, it has won 12 awards. I was also a producer on Farsh, a short film by Iranian-American filmmaker Shane Nassiri about an unsuspecting family who brings home a Persian carpet that is imbued with murderous and magical powers.

Currently, I'm in development on a fantasy series with Magic Factory.

Referrals

 

“I’ve worked with Damon several times and am enormously impressed with his talent, leadership, and character.  I’ve been a part of productions he has directed and feel sure he has fantastic success ahead of him.” -  Randall Wallace, writer/director Braveheart, Secretariat, Heaven is For Real

 

“Damon O’Steen is smart, stylish, and always prepared. He’s a calm but commanding presence on set, who knows how to make actors feel comfortable. He’s got a great ear for dialogue, and even better taste in music and photography. If you think these traits might make Damon a good director, you’re right.”  - Jason Tracey, writer/producer Burn Notice, Elementary

 

“Damon did a superb job directing and producing several digital shorts for us. Specifically, his work with our athletes on the Brick Mansions comercial featuring John Wall, Earth to Echo Cinemark commercial and the RelativityAvengerables helped expand the services we provide to our clients as well as increase our own brand visibility. Damon's creativity and ability to execute his vision brings value to all projects he works on.” - Josh Swartz, President Relativity Sports

 

“Never has anyone given me the imaginative prowess to envelope a character more than Damon.  His vision and filmmaking genius is so creative, it makes him someone I respect, admire and want to work with again.” Brian Tee, actor Chicago MedFast & Furious: Tokyo Drift, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II.

 

“Damon is truly an actors director.  He has choices and suggestions that actually make sense and elevate performance.  He’s also a Gent and leader on set.”  Ross McCall, actor Band of Brothers, Green Street Hooligan 1 & 2

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