Shannon Murphy

Shannon Murphy is a multi-award-winning, internationally acclaimed film, television, commercial and theatre director.  She’s known for her expansive body of work across mediums, always injecting her singularly relatable sensibility regardless of genre. 

Her debut feature Babyteeth, executive produced by Jan Chapman and starring Essie Davis, Ben Mendelsohn and Eliza Scanlen, premiered in the Official Competition at the Venice Film Festival to critical acclaim. The film earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Director and the Kering Women in Motion award at Cannes, and went on to win nine AACTA Awards including Best Film and Best Director. It also received international nominations at the BIFAs and Film Independent Spirit Awards, cementing her status as a bold new voice in cinema.

Murphy’s work in television has been equally impactful. She directed and executive produced Dying for Sex for FX, starring Michelle Williams, including the pilot. She also directed and executive produced the opening block of Dope Girls, Polly Stenham’s gritty new series for Bad Wolf and the BBC. Additionally, Murphy directed standout episodes of Killing Eve (BBC America/Sid Gentle), The Power (Amazon/Sister Pictures), and Dave (FX/Temple Hill), always toeing the line of drama and comedy with a confident touch.

In the commercial space, Murphy made an immediate mark with her powerful debut spot for TENA and AMV BBDO, “#lastlonelymenopause.” Tackling women’s health with honest and nuanced storytelling, the film earned Gold at the British Arrows, Channel 4’s Diversity Award, and recognition from Campaign as one of the year’s Top 15 Commercials, alongside a spot on their Top 10 Directors list.
Murphy began her career in theatre, directing productions for companies including Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir St Theatre, Griffin Theatre Company, Seymour Centre and The Old Fitzroy. Her feature development slate includes The Silent Patient (Plan B/Annapurna), Migrations (SunnyMarch/Anonymous Content, with Claire Foy attached), and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (Origin/Searchlight).