Portrait: NEYO
Leanna Creel graduated with an MFA from UCLA’s Independent Producer’s Program. Upon graduating she partnered with an investment banker and together they spun off a film division, HSX FILMS, from an internet company called The HSX. They eventually formed IGNITE ENTERTAINMENT where Creel served as President of Production, overseeing development, production and delivery of nine feature films. Creel worked with emerging talent such as Kate Hudson, Casey Affleck and director Jamie Babbit as well as established actors such as Ben Stiller and Will Ferrell. With an impressive track record of garnering theatrical distribution for seven films, and cable distribution for the others, the company was purchased in 2000 by Lions Gate Entertainment.
At that time, Creel decided to explore the more creative aspects of the business and began writing and directing, having success with two award winning short films OFFSIDE and PROMTROVERSY. She also began honing her craft by getting back to visual basics with still photography. Creel has been on the forefront of web content production, where she is often the writer, director, producer and even editor when needed. Creel is often drawn to projects that explore current social issues. She started PHOTOPIECE in 2001, a non-profit after school photography program in downtown Los Angeles