Nicole McDonald leads a multidisciplinary studio investigating how storytelling can thrive with audience participation. In parallel to her work in games, film, advertising, and the art world, she writes and directs her own independent interactive films.

Her passion is discovering unique, revolutionary ways to emotionally and viscerally connect the audience - to narrative.

Her innovative work has premiered at the 59th La Biennale di Venezia, Sundance Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Future of Storytelling.  In 2019 she was the first ever Artist in Residence at Disney’s StudioLAB and was a fellow at New Inc ONX Studio in 2021 and Venice Biennale College Cinema in 2023. She has pioneered conversation around the role of AI in the animation pipeline and how to develop connective emotional stories that are impactful, in a time where we need it most. She has had the pleasure to speak about her passion at Google Sandbox, SXSW, Off Festival, Digital Design Days, and Engadget Alternate Realities.

By working from the ground up- from Production Artist to Creative Director, Nicole has amassed a collaborative method to leading a team. She believes that collaborative communication with clients and colleagues fortifies ideas and allows them to blossom in their intended medium. Reach out and say hello@nicolemcdonald.com cv

DREAM TEAM

I've been more than fortunate to work with an amazing group of people, who have enhanced my work and projects in immeasurable ways. You should check them all out and work and play and grow and laugh together (as they are all not only beyond talented, they are pure joy to work with).

KC AUSTIN is a ridiculously talented creative developer with a meticulous eye.

ANDREW MCDONALD is a mastermind of creativity. He is not only an amazing artist, his storytelling ability fortifies everything he works on.

ELIZABETA BETINSKI is an amazing writer, creator, and advocate for artists within the LA art scene. She runs BardoLA.

JESSICA HUNDLEY is an amazing creative force (a writer, a filmmaker, a doer). 

AMY JO DIAZ is a mulit-talented art director and artist (she makes things happen above and beyond).

DAVID MCFARLAND is an amazing Director of Photography whose knowledge is endless and willingness is humbling. A true painter of light.

NICOLAS JODOIN is a music producer and runs Valentine Recording Studios, he will make your projects sing and swoon.

STEVIE LAUX is an amazing creative mind (creative direction, art direction, editor, you name it).

ANITA FONTAINE is a delightful and masterful creative mind with crazy interactive chops.

JULIA MARKIEWICZ is a writer and ACD, she also is a dream collaborator. 

CANDICE BIRNS is THE hair stylist that you want to work with (never mind that you'll fall madly in love with her).

HEATHER CVAR is a highly talented make-up artist (and is totally in it to win it).

JASMINE ALBUQUERQUE is a seriously creative choreographer and dancer (she is one of the members of Wife, they are mind blowing).

RYAN HEFFINGTON is a force of nature in the dance community (he choreographed the very famous sia, chandelier video).