Native to Connecticut, Lee Friedlander moved to Los Angeles after a childhood of regional and off-Broadway theater where she both performed and directed. Friedlander continued her life-long pursuit of the Arts when she attended Connecticut State University where she studied all courses offered in theater, television, and communications. As a child, her dreams weren’t limited to life in the Arts; she was also a competitive, and then turned professional, figure skater in her early years, training since the tender age of 4. Prior to her current pursuit of directing films, Lee has an extensive background in Hollywood producing and a natural panache for acting as well. Upon her arrival to Hollywood, she appeared in some “not so memorable” horror movies and daytime drama. From there, she refocused and began her fruitful career as a producer.

Lee’s list of producer credits in film include: A Woman Reported (an official Sundance Selection in 2004), Wasabi Tuna, The Ten Rules, Fish Don’t Blink (MGM), Unspeakable (after a theatrical release in 2004, it aired on Showtime, starring Dennis Hopper), Drive In, Toto…Out (Audience Award at Digidance, Sundance, 2000), The Contract, Duty Dating, The Boy’s Club (Disney), The Wallet and Best Enemies. Other Friedlander work as a producer includes War Reporter (series), Love Sick (series) and Beanie Babies (animation).

Friedlander recently directed her fourth film, Girl Play, taking home two of the sixteen prestigious awards from the festival which screens almost 300 films; “Outstanding Lesbian Narrative Feature” and “Outstanding Actress in a Film” shared by the two lead actors, Robin Greenspan and Lacie Harmon. Girl Play, a romantic comedy, starring Lacie Harmon, Robin Greenspan, Mink Stole, Dom Deluise, Lauren Maher and Katherine Randolph was the follow up to her feature directorial debut, Wasabi Tuna, starring Anna Nicole Smith, Tim Meadows, Antonia Sabato Jr. and Jason London. Wasabi Tuna had a theatrical release. Since beginning the pursuit of her lifelong dream of directing, other Friedlander films include award-winning films, The 10 Rules (a narrative Lesbian Survival Guide) and Give or Take an Inch, written by Erin Eckles and starring Michele Greene and Amanda Bearse. Both films have screened at film festivals around the world and continue to win awards such as “Best Short” at festivals in Fresno, Boulder, Long Island, Washington DC and “Audience Award” at the Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Film Festival and “Winner” of the Rainbow award at the Germany Festival. While The 10 Rules caught the attention of and won awards from many, most importantly her recognized directing talent garnered the attention of POWER UP and as a result, she was awarded the prestigious POWER UP Grant to direct her second film, Give or Take an Inch in 2002.

Friedlander has also made a name for herself in the business as a respected speaker on panels at festivals around the world, a workshop coach for aspiring actors across the country and a creative consultant and collaborator to filmmakers throughout the industry. In addition to winning the 2002 Power Up Directing Grant, Lee has been featured in magazines such as Curve (Hollywood’s Most Powerful Women edition) and Flavor. Most recently, Lee directed the feature film, Out At The Wedding and a pilot presentation of Exes & Oh's for LOGO Network, which was picked up and is currently airing as a new series. As well, Lee continues producing and coaching in the industry. For more information about Lee Friedlander and her projects, or, if you are interested in seeing her reel, please contact her Manager, Anne McDermott (323) 384-2320.