2026-28 DET Directing Program – Scripted | Kristen Buckels Cantrell

Give it up for 2026-28 DET Scripted Program Director, Kristen Buckels Cantrell, who has been assigned to shadow and direct an episode of ABC/20th’s SHIFTING GEARS. A director, writer and filmmaker based in New York, Kristen’s original directing work has received critical acclaim from the Palm Springs International Shorts Fest, Rogers Film Festival, and Film Shortage. Prior to directing, Kristen worked as a producer to comedians like Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, and was the on-set Creative Producer on HBO Max’s SEARCH PARTY for seven years. An accomplished performer, Kristen’s comedy duo “Most” was recently featured in the Comedy Central special ILANA GLAZER PRESENTS: COMEDY ON EARTH. Kristen has been a fellow in the Sony Pictures Diverse Directors Program, the Warner Bros. Diverse Directors Program, and was a Finalist for AFI’s DWW. Congratulations, Kristen!