Meet Emma Needell
Translating Complex Ideas into Compelling Narratives
Emma Needell is an award-winning writer and director whose work spans film, television, comic books, and digital media, crafting emotionally-driven narratives that resonate across platforms.
Biography:
Emma's breakthrough came with The Water Man, an original screenplay that was produced by Oprah Winfrey, directed by David Oyelowo, and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival before global release on Netflix.
She followed that with Life Rendered, a hybrid live-action/virtual production short film that premiered at Tribeca, qualified for Academy Award consideration, and showcased her ability to merge cutting-edge technology with deeply human storytelling. Emma has since written and developed projects with major studios including Netflix, MGM, Apple, and Amblin, and was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Hollywood & Entertainment.
Outside traditional film and TV, Emma served as Head of Story at tech start-up Tally Labs, where she led world-building and narrative development for Azurbala, a jungle-punk fantasy universe. She’s also brought her storytelling expertise to brand campaigns and cause-based content, including creative work for the American Red Cross.
Whether building original IP, directing on set, or crafting emotionally resonant branded content, Emma’s work is defined by its ambition, emotional clarity, and ability to connect across platforms and audiences.
