Female Filmmaker Friday: Claire Scanlon, Director of the Netflix Hit, "Set It Up"

Claire Scanlon is an American director and editor from Chicago, Illinois.

Scanlon studied English at The University of Chicago. She then moved to California and studied film at The University of Southern California. From there, Scanlon found success as an editor, working on many great television shows, of which she also went on to direct episodes. These shows include The Office, Suburgatory, The Goldbergs, Life in Pieces, The Mindy Project, Modern Family, Fresh Off the Boat, Black-ish, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Netflix’s comedy Glow. Her success on television has materialized in many awards, including a Primetime Emmy and an Eddie Award, both for Editing on The Office.

In 2018, Scanlon directed her first feature, a Netflix original, Set It Up. The film has been said to be a hit with fans, and Scanlon is being credited with “rejuvenating the rom-com genre.” While most might think that genre has never gone out of style, many have specifically commented on the directorial style, the acting, dialogue, and ultimate freshness and diversity Set It Up brings. There has already been requests for a sequel. While probably not the most influential or groundbreaking film, Scanlon can be please with the joy Set It Up brings its viewers in a time when most people need a little cheesy romance and light-hearted humor in their lives.

Here is an interview with Claire Scanlon and her editing partner David Rogers: