Katharine O'Brien is a multifaceted creative professional with a rich background in both writing and directing. Born and raised in a unique cultural fusion between Santa Barbara, California, and South Boston, she developed a strong foundation in the English literature at Wellesley College.
Her academic pursuits continued at Columbia University, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in film directing. This formal education laid the groundwork for a successful career in the film industry.
Katharine's professional journey began as a writing assistant for the acclaimed Canadian sketch comedy troupe, The Kids in the Hall. She further honed her skills by working on the ABC sitcom "Carpoolers" directed by the Russo Brothers, and in development at MUSE Film.
In addition to her work in television, Katharine made a significant impact in the music world by directing concert films for prominent bands such as Iggy Pop, The Dead Weather, Guns N Roses, Crystal Castles, and Courtney Love. Her impressive portfolio of short films has garnered numerous accolades at various film festivals.
One of her most notable achievements is her Columbia thesis film, "Illusive Fields," which premiered at the prestigious Miami Basel in 2015.
Katharine's feature film, "The Automatic Hate," received widespread critical acclaim after its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in 2015. The film went on to play at top international festivals, including Busan, Mar del Plata, Tallin Black Nights, and won the Audience Award at the Mill Valley Film Festival.
As a passionate advocate for the arts and independent film culture, Katharine is actively involved in promoting these causes in Los Angeles. She is a member of LACMA's Contemporary Friends committee and serves on the Board of Directors at the Cinefamily Foundation.
