- Please scroll down bio and awards -
​​
My commitment and dedication to craft and process is essential to collaboration and integrity of the work.
Filmmaking, for me, is a dynamic interplay of precision, creativity, and collaboration. I immerse myself fully in the process, paying close attention to every detail because everything, no matter how seemingly small, is crucial to the success of a project.
Stamina is at the heart of my work ethic. I thrive in the thick of shooting, where the real magic of motion pictures unfolds. I enter every project with a clear plan of execution, yet I remain open to the transformative power of collaboration, knowing that the best ideas often emerge from teamwork. I operate the camera on every project which allows me to stay deeply interconnected with the performers, creating an authentic energy that translates on-screen and the first vantage point of the story within the frame.
​
From the very beginning of my career, I’ve been honored by the trust of incredible talents and mentors. Prince entrusted me with his projects, even when my experience was new at the time, recognizing my ability to extract cinematic work with a discerning eye. Later, Paul Newman chose me to direct his final filmed appearance over a roster of contenders, including Michael Bay. These opportunities (and proven success) aid my approach and reinforced my commitment to creating work that resonates on a deeply authentic level - along with my 207 directing awards and hundreds of credits.
​
While I embrace the unexpected and seek moments of surprise, my aim is authenticity—capturing truths that resonate deeply with audiences. I draw on my extensive experience, but I understand that each project is a fresh canvas. It’s my responsibility to stay focused, keep my eye on the ball, and deliver a film that meets the vision and exceeds expectations on time and within budget.
​​
Scott
​"Top Ten Innovative Minds Disrupting the Entertainment Space" - LA Weekly
​
For reccomendations, reviews, interviews and press, please ask.
BIO
Scott McCullough is a 207-time award-winning director known for his high-end commercials and groundbreaking cinematic storytelling. Named one of the Top Ten Innovative Minds Disrupting The Entertainment Space by LA Weekly, Scott has cemented his place as a creative force in the industry. His contributions to the 2025 Grammy-nominated historical album "Super Deluxe Edition Box Set - Diamonds and Pearls" include his work as director/cinematographer for the acclaimed concert film "Prince Live at Glam Slam." Released by Sony and Warner Bros. on Blu-ray, the film has been hailed as "Sensational" (NPG/Warner), "Superb" (Classic Pop), and "the real prize of the set" (The Current).
A frequent collaborator with Prince during the pinnacle of the artist's career, Scott elevated music videos and home releases to unprecedented levels of visual excellence. His work includes multiple RIAA-awarded titles such as "Gett Off," "Diamonds and Pearls," "3 Chains o' Gold," and "Sexy M.F.," collectively generating millions in sales.
Scott’s ability to merge storytelling with commercial appeal is evident in his work with prestigious brands like NBC/Universal, NASCAR, Ford, Budweiser, Pepsi, Target, Kumho Tires, Coors Light, General Motors, Chevy, Amtrak, and E.A. Sports. Collectively, his campaigns have contributed to Fortune 500 companies with a combined value exceeding $582 billion. Notably, this includes screen legend Paul Newman's selecting Scott to direct his final filmed appearance over Michael Bay.
Demonstrating his multifaceted expertise, Scott conceived, wrote, directed, and shot the groundbreaking 70mm NASCAR experience films "100%" and "No Bull" for Thunder Theater. These innovative productions showcased in the world’s largest mobile theater and introduced cutting-edge effects that paved the way for today’s immersive 4D experiences.
Scott’s talent has extended seamlessly into motion pictures, where he explores profound themes with an artistic vision uniquely his own. The pilot "Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow" achieved 19 festival wins and 28 nominations along with several other films and more awards. Currently, he is helming transformative projects such as "Captain for Dark Mornings," based on Shad Meshad’s critically acclaimed book about PTSD during the Vietnam War, and the effects-driven action/horror feature "Infernal" and many more.
A proud member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA) since 2001 and The Visual Effects Society (VES), Scott McCullough continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, blending passion, precision, and an unrelenting commitment to authenticity across every project he undertakes.
Known Awards and Festival Honors
2025
2025 Grammy Awards - Nominated Best Histortical Album
Major contributor: Director/DP and Editor, videos and concert film "Live at Glam Slam"
Prince "Daimonds and Pearls" Deluxe Box Set (2023 #1 rated)
New York Movie Awards
Best Director
Three Days Gone; Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
2024
​
Best Film Awards
Won, Best Commercial/Promotional "Prince Live at Glam Slam"
Best Commercial/Promotional
director/cinematographer/editor
​
Palma Film Festival - MKX "Man on a Mission" (2024)
Best Dance Video
director, cinematographer, editor
​
Hollywood Best Indie Film Awards
American Short Film Honorable Mention
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Silver Screen film Festival
Best Pilot Episode – Nominee
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
2023
Won, Best Director Award
Best Director for It Won’t Load (2022)
Beyond the Curve International Film Festival
Won, BCIFF Award of Excellence
Best Director for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Won, September Award
Best Director for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
London International Monthly Film Festival
Won, December Honorable Mention
Best Directing for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Won, Munich Music Video Award
Best Musical Film (Feature) Finalist for Prince and the New Power Generation: Diamonds and Pearls Live at Glam Slam (2023)
Tokyo International Short Film Festival
Nominated, Jury Prize
Best Music Video for It Won’t Load (2022)
Belgrade International Film Festival
Best Director
Quarter Final Round (advancement)
LNDN Music Video Awards
Best Editing
"It Won't Load" MKX
Euro Music Video Song
Best Dance Music Video
"It Won't Load" MKX
Euro Music Video Song
Best Director Music Video
"It Won't Load" MKX
Euro Music Video Song
Best VFX
"It Won't Load" MKX
Venice Indie Film Festival
Best International Short Film
Semi Finalist
Venice Indie Film Festival
Best Male Director
Semi Finalist (Judging not complete)
Prague Music Video Awards
Winner: Best Dance Music Video
Director, DP, Editor
Paris World Cinema Festival
WNNER: Best Music Video
"It Won't Load"
London Director Awards
Nominated: Best Director Music Video
"It Won't Load"
Advertising Federation Awards
Music Video - Bronze
"It Won't Load" (only award given in this category)
2022
Austin International Art Festival
Nominated, Festival Award
Best Director - Semi-Finalist for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Semi-Finalist
Brazil International Monthly Independent Film Festival
Won, July Award
Best Director - Medium Length Film for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Nominated, July Award
Best Medium Length Film for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Nominated, Best Drama
Best Director for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Nominated, Best Action, Sci-Fi, or Fantasy
Best Action, Sci-Fi, or Fantasy for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Won, Best Narrative Short Film
Best Director for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Finalist
Won, February Award
Honorable Mention, direction for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Nominated, February Award
Best Director for a Short for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Won, August Competition
Narrative Short Film Competition for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Swedish International Film Festival
Won, Festival Prize
Best Director for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Won, Bronze Telly
Regional TV
Rosa Vodka “Worth the Journey”
Tokyo International Monthly Film Festival
Won, December Award
Best Horror/Thriller Film for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
Won, WIFA June Award
Best Editing for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Dublin World Film Festival
Best Male Director - Finalist
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Palm Springs Shorts *
Winner; Best Male Director
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
The TELLY Awards
General TV Public Awareness - Winner
"Everything I Could" Covid SCCHD
Summit Creative Award
Bronze
Automotive Montage
​
2021
Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival
Won, April Award
Best Directing - Honorable Mention for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Nominated, Best Director Award
Best Music Video for Sore Loser (2020)
Won, Best Director Award
Best Director for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Finalist
Won, Best Director Award
Best Director for Sore Loser (2020)
Nominated, Best Global Short of the Year
Best Short for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Dubai Independent Film Festival
2nd place, Best International Narrative Short
Best Director in Short for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Nominated, Best International Narrative Short
Best Director in Short for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
FilmHaus: Berlin Film + New Media Competition
Nominated, Best Action Drama
Best Film for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Nominated, Best Film
Best Narrative Medium-Length for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Nominated, Best Director
Best Director for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Won, Best Music Award
Best Music Video for Sore Loser (2020)
Won, Gold Star Movie Award
Best Music Video for Sore Loser (2020)
Nominated, Best Short Film
Best Short for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
International Music Video Awards
2nd place, International Music Video Award
Best Director Music Video for Sore Loser (2020)
International Short Film Awards
Won, International Short Film Award
Best Director for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Won, International Short Film Award
Best Director for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
International World Photography Awards
Nominated, IWPA Award
Best Micro Short Film for Worth the Journey (2021)
Won, Jelly FEST Award
Finalist for Sore Loser (2020)
Lonely Wolf International Film Festival
Nominated, Festival Award
Best Film (Medium Length) for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Won, Festival Award
Outstanding Achievement in Cinematic World-Building for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Nominated, Festival Award
Best Streaming Television Series or Pilot Episode for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Mediterranean Film Festival Cannes
Won, Commercial
Commercial for Worth the Journey (2021)
Honorable Mention
Montreal Independent Film Festival
Nominated, Best Director
Directing for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
2nd place, Munich Music Video Award
Best Director for Sore Loser (2020)
Won, Silver Winner
Advertisement for Worth the Journey (2021)
Won, Silver Award
Film for Worth the Journey (2021)
Won, Jury's Choice
Best Director for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Nominated, Best Short Film
Best International Narrative Short Film for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Won, June Award
Best Documentary for Until We Get Home (2017)
Won, March Award
Best Action/Crime Film for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Nominated, SFF Award
Best Director Short Film for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Nominated, SFF Award
Best Thriller Short Film [world competition] for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Seoul International Film Festival
Nominated, Seoul International Film Festival Award
Short Film Main Competition for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Won, Bronze Award
Industry Promotion
Nominated, Festival Award
Best Director for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Tokyo International Monthly Film Festival
Won, November Award
Honorable Mention for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Sacramento World Film Festival
Best Male Director, Semi-Finalist
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Vienna Indie Short Film Festival
Best Director - SF
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Garoa Short Film Festival of Sao Paulo
Nominated - Narrative Short Film
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Best Global Shorts
Best Global Short of the Season - Nominated
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Munich NewWave Short Film Festival
Best Director
International
Seoul International Short Film Festival
Finalist - Best Short Film Main Competition
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Cairo Indie Short Festival
Best Male Director
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Phoenix Shorts
Best Male Director - Semi Finalist
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
International World Photography Awards
Micro Short Film - Nominated
"Worth The Journey"
International Music Video Awards
Finalist
"Sore Loser"
Cannes Film Awards
Nominated
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Santa Monica Shorts
Nominated
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Rome Music Video Awards
Best Music Video Winner
"Sore Loser"
2021 WSXA Barcelona International Awards
WSXA Best Director - SF
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Venice Shorts
Best Director - nomination
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Roma Short Film Festival
Best Director - nomination
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
New Age Cinemas & Scripts
Best Director - Winner
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Best Music Video Award
Best Director - Finalist
"Sore Loser"
San Francisco Indie Short Festival
Best Male Director - Nominated
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
New Wave Short Film Festival
Best Director - WINNER
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
2020
Nominated, Chicago Indie Film Award
Best U.S. and International Narrative Short for Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow (2020)
Nominated, Best Experimental Short
Experimental for Sore Loser (2020)
Nominated, Fade in Award
True Story/Biopic for Captain for Dark Mornings
Won, Best Music Award
Best Music Video for Sore Loser (2020)
Won, Special Mention
Short Film for Sore Loser (2020)
Won, Summit International Leader Award
Emerging Media for Worth the Journey (2021)
Nominated, Best Short Film
Nominated, Best Short Film
Tokyo International Short Film Festival
Finalist, Best Short Film International - Main Competition
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Golden Short Film Festival
Golden Short Film - Nominated
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
The Hollywood First-Time Filmmaker Showcase
Short Live Action Narratives - Nominated
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
SPLICE Film Fest
Music Video - Nominated
"Sore Loser"
New York Tri-State International Film Festival
Narrative Short - Nominated
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
Tokyo International Short Film Festival
Short Films Main Competition - Finalist
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
New York Independent Cinema Awards
U.S. Narrative Short - Nominated
Three Days Gone: Based on the Life of Lucas Snow
2019
Nominated, Fade in Award
True Story/Biopic for Captain for Dark Mornings
Nominated, Fade in Award
Semi-Finalist for Captain for Dark Mornings
Nominated, Winter Film Award
Best Music Video for Sore Loser (2020)
2018
ARFF Amsterdam International Awards
ARFF Amsterdam - Best Trailer - Nominated
The Exorcism Diaries
AIFF Amsterdam Around Film Festival
Official Selection
The Exorcism Diaries
The One Show
Bronze
Public service and social causes
2017
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences College Television Awards
Nominated, Emmy
Public Service Announcement for The Other Note (2016)
Amsterdam International Filmmaker Festival
Nominated, Trophy Award
Best Film for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
Won, CINE Golden Eagle Award for Professional Media
Professional Media for The Other Note (2016)
Directors Circle Festival of Shorts
Nominated, Festival Award
Best Horror Short for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
Filmmakers of the Year Film Festival (FYFF)
Nominated, Gold
International Short Film for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
International Independent Film Awards
Won, Diamond Award
Best Film for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
Won, People's Telly
TV Programs/Segments for The Other Note (2016)
CINE Golden Eagle
Golden Eagle (Best Overall)
Best in broadcast/public service and advertising
Amsterdam Around International Film Festival
Official Selection
Selection
Polish International Film Festival
Official Selection
Until We Get Home
ADDY's
Silver, National Selection
National Veterans Foundation PSA
Docs Without Borders Film Festival
Social Issues - Nominated
"Until We Get Home”
Polish International Film Festival
Best Trailer
The Exorcism Diaries
Tapas Film Festival
Experimental Short Film - Nominated
The Exorcism Diaries
Access Code Film Festival
Experimental Short Film - Nominated
The Exorcism Diaries
International Independent Film Festival
Diamond Award
The Exorcism Diaries
London Golden Scout IFF
Winner
The Exorcism Diaries
ADDY
Silver, National Official Selection
American Advertising Federation
TAPAS Film Festival
Official Selection
India
The Exorcism Diaries
TELLY
People's Telly Bronze
PSA and Social Issues - Film
National Veterans Foundation "The Other Note"
TELLY
Silver
NVF
National Veterans Foundation "The Other Note"
2016
Nominated, Award of Merit Best Shorts
Best Short for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
Won, Award of Excellence
Best Short Film for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
European International Film Festival
Nominated, Festival Award
Best Short Film for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
Won, Best Film
Best Short Film for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
FirstGlance Film Festival, Philadelphia
Nominated, FirstGlance Award
Best Short Film for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival
Nominated, Best Horror Short Film
International New York Film Festival
Nominated, Gold Award
Best Short Film for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
London Independent Film Festival
Won, Best Short Film
Director for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards
Won, LAIFF February Award
Best Horror Short for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
Short Stop International Film Festival
Nominated, Festival Award
Best Director for The Exorcism Diaries (2014)
London Golden Scout IFF
Short Film - WINNER
The Exorcism Diaries
London Short Stop Film Festival
Finalist
The Exorcism Diaries
Hollywood Real Independent Film Festival
Best trailer
The Exorcism Diaries
Eurofest
Selection
The Exorcism Diaries
Accolade International Film Festival *
First Place
The Exorcism Diaries
First Glance Film Festival
Best Trailer
The Exorcism Diaries
2015
National Healthcare Advertising Awards *
Best In Show, Total Integrated Campaign/Gold
All photography, direction/cinematography for the project commercials and print advertising.
TELLY
EEH directing honor, Bronze
EEH Healthcare
Danica Patrick “Healthy Driven”
ADDY
Large Format campaign
EEH Healthcare
Danica Patrick “Healthy Driven”
Fade In Awards
Finalist
The Exorcism Diaries
SUMMIT Awards
Bronze
EEH Healthcare
Danica Patrick “Healthy Driven”
2014
Advertising Federation of America ADDY Award *
Pepsi "Countdown to Now" NBC Universal
Promax bda Awards
Finalist: Director, Cinematography, Editing (director cut)
Pepsi "Countdown to Now"
TELLY awards (24-time winner)
Film Trailer, Music Video, Commercial, Editing
Telly awards various years.
2012
Houston Film Festival
Remi Award short film
"Curious"
ARCHIVED AWARDS
Intercom Awards
Silver Plaque
Ford
Method Fest
Finalist “Gia”
​
Won, Bronze Remi Award
Best Short Film for Curious (2007)
Indie Producer Film Festival
Finalist - Short film
"Audition"
Orinda International Film Festival *
Best Actress, Finalist Short Film "Audition"
CANNES International Creative Awards Awards
Finalist, International Campaign
Rollerblade "Cats"
2nd place, Best Short Film
Dramatic Short for Audition (2004)
Nominated, Jury Award
Best Narrative Short for Audition (2004)
​
International Festival of Cinema and Technology
Won, IFCT World Tour Award
Narrative Short Film - Best Drama for Innocent (2001)
International Cinema and Technology Tour
Featured Film and Honoree
"God's Helper"
​
Biarritz International Short Film Festival
Won, Best Integral Realisation
Won, Best Direction
Won, Director
Best Short Film for Innocent (2001)
Nominated, Festival Award
Best Narrative Short Film for God's Helper (2001)
LA Shorts International Film Festival
Nominated, Short Film
Best Short Film for Innocent (2001)
Los Angeles Short Film Festival
Nominated, Los Angeles Short Film Festival Award
Best Short Film for God's Helper (2001)
Won, Silver Medal
Drama for Innocent (2001)
2nd place, Bronze World Medal
Drama for God's Helper (2001)
New York International Independent Film & Video Festival
Won, Short Film Award
Best Short Film for Innocent (2001)
Nominated, Short Film Award
Best Short Film for God's Helper (2001)
US International Film & Video Festival
Won, Creative Excellence
Short Film for Innocent (2001)
Won, Creative Excellence
Short Film for God's Helper (2001)
Festival International De Biarritz
La Realisation Integral (Jury Prize)
"Innocent" Short Film
Festival International De Biarritz
La Meilleure Actrice: J.C. Brandy (Best Actress)
"God's Helper" short film
​
Biarritz International Short Film Festival
Won, Best Short Film
Special Mention for Innocent (2001)
Nominated, Special Award
Best Short Film for Innocent (2001)
Aurora Awards
Platinum, Best of Show, Finalist
NASCAR
Circe de Ciurito (Italy)
Best Short Film
God's Helper
New York International Film Festival
Finalist "Innocent"
Citation Awards
Regional/National Citation
Sony PlayStation/Code Masters “The Key Ad”
Summit International Awards
Creative Excellence, Gold Award for Creative Excellence
Kumho Tires "Paint Splash"
Cindi Awards (3-time winner)
Gold Award
Polaris, NASCAR
EFFIE Worldwide Awards
Political/TV Bronze
"Ventura For Governor"
USA International Film Festival
Best long form film "Polaris"
FirstGlance Film Festival, Philadelphia
Nominated, FirstGlance Award
Best Short Film for Innocent (2001)
US International Film and Video Festival
Outstanding International Award - Cert. of Creative Excellence
Polaris Snow Check and NASCAR
International Television and Video Association
Award of Excellence
"Snow Check 2000"
Axiem Awards
National Finalist Silver Award
"Jesse Ventura For Governor"
Adweek Best of the Year
"Jesse Ventura For Governor"
Adweek Best of the Year
Target “Single Step”
The One Show
Winner, national commercial
Target “Single Step”
Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity
2nd place, Cannes Lion Award
Film for Wear the Gear
Six RIAA Gold Certificate Awards Selling over $1 million per title
Music Video Sales - Gold Contributions and collaborations
Prince "Gett Off" Home Video
Prince Sexy M.F." Home Video
Prince "Diamonds and Pearls" Home Video
Prince"3 Chain 'o' Gold"
SATBAN Music Video Awards
Best Music Videos (three)
Minneapolis Music Video Awards
ExSample “Make Your Move”
Tony Rome “One Love”
Ernest Kohl “Follow Your heart”
International Television and Video Association
Award of Excellence (Student)
"Hidden Handicap"
Minnesota Music Video Awards
Including 3-time "Director of the Year"
ExSample, Ernest Kohl, Style Posse