Teah Strandjord

Based in NYC and LA, I am a writer, director, and editor.   

After growing up an actress and model (who also wrote and directed the neighborhood plays), I transitioned to work behind the camera rather accidentally. It was 2011 and I was bored with acting opportunities in Minneapolis, so I entered a short film contest with my friend Shane Nelson. When our little short called "Respect" won "best film", the professional work offers started coming in. But more importantly, I was bitten by the film director bug, buried myself in books by masters like Sidney Lumet and Walter Murch, took a film history class at the U of M, and spent weekends making short films for fun. 

Since then I have edited, produced, and directed for some of the greatest brands in the world. And I've worked with some not too shabby talent to boot. In early 2016, I worked with Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron for two days on a sound stage at Universal Studios, where I donned the coveted title "2nd Unit Director" (and the VIP parking to go along with it). Later that year I became adjunct faculty at the School of Visual Arts teaching film editing in Adobe Premiere. And the fun is just getting started. 

The styles I work in range from doc-style "branded content" to scripted visually-driven work that evokes emotion (either tears or chuckles). I love bold colors, quirky characters, and backlit flowers. Being a writer has helped me gain the reputation as "story editor" in the editing world. Being a dancer has enabled me to embrace movement in the way I approach the camera and the cut. Being an actress has empowered me to coach an actor's performance.

The near future holds some exciting new branded projects as director, another short film called Guest Toothbrush, and the development of my first feature film. And hopefully a collaboration with you!  

My last name, pronounced Stran-Yord, is Norwegian and it means "Beach Land".   

EDITOR | DIRECTOR | WRITER | SVA FILM SCHOOL FACULTY