‘As a Director, My job is to keep everyones’ visions in line with the scripts original intent… It’s controversial with the Auteur notion but I don’t believe anyone can be totally rigid in their vision… then you miss out on what someone else brings to the table.’
- Courtney L. Rowe
Behind the monitors at video village, Courtney Rowe watches a take with triple vision. “My overall philosophy as a director is to guide the vision of the script. You have your ‘vision’ and it’s important to cultivate that. It’s equally important to understand and be able to service the script you’re working with, making sure everyone’s visions align. Once the actors come on board, they have a certain want for the character they are embodying, the Cinematographer, the Production Designer all have their visions.. It’s really a creative collaboration, and as director, your job is to keep the train on the tracks and let no one thing or person derail (the vision).”
Practically raised in the film industry, Courtney has been writing and directing since 2002. Early projects like “On the Outs”, a comical journey about a young woman discovering her homosexuality, and “In the Land of Cocktails”, a look into the heady beverage and food culture of post-Katrina New Orleans, won audience awards in national and international film festivals.
In 2010, Courtney was selected for AFI's prestigious Directing Workshop for Women where she wrote and directed the short film “Sunnyview.” A sharply comedic and sweet tale about two elderly women who plan an escape from a nursing home at all costs, the film paved the transition for Courtney to directing on the small(er) screen. She directed the 100th episode of the Bill Lawrence TBS series "Cougar Town” starring Courteney Cox, as well an episode of the international hit TNT series "The Librarians” starring Rebecca Romijn.
Courtney honed her craft by working up through production. She has a unique ability to understand the behind the scenes need of producers and executives from years of work as a 1st AD, leaving her free to be creative while on set with actors. When prompted about working with Courtney, the cast of “The Librarians” stated simply, “it's her easy-going manner and quick wit that makes her a favorite of actors. She respects the acting process, she encourages a dialogue and loves to push actors to try new and different approaches.” For Courtney, “I believe casting is the most important part of the process. If you cast correctly then most of your work is done for you.”
With years of breaking down scripts, Courtney has a comprehension of tone and story arch that allows her to easily communicate ideas to cast and crew. Her understanding and compassion for the crew make her a favorite director of any set Courtney has helmed.
