A New York based screenwriter and director. I like to think of myself as an auteur with a dedicated commitment to always push the medium forward in a profound and meaningful way.  I love stories that are bold, intense, and thrilling, while confronting some of humanity's most introspective questions.

I primarily write feature narrative screenplays that fall in the dramatic thriller, action, and horror genres (although I feel quite strongly about not being put in a box). I have several accoladed spec screenplays in my portfolio and I’ve directed several short films including my last award winning short, The Showdown, available on amazon prime.  

Common thematic explorations in my work are personal evolution, the pursuit of identity, fighting for independence against an oppressor, and navigating the complexities of relationships. The essence of the work is to break molds, challenge authority, and disrupt dated societal constructs.

I am looking forward to working with you.

- michael zanowiak

My film inspirations are Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, Michael Mann, James Cameron, Gasper Noe, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Jordan Peele, Kelly Reichardt, Alfred Hitchcock, Jean-Luc Godard, Federico Fellini, Nicholas Winding Refn, Lars Von Trier, Cohen bros, Brian de Palma, and the Safdie bros.