Cory Reeder
May 20, 20221 min read
Cory Reeder is an award-winning director, producer, and screenwriter renowned for blending disability-inclusive storytelling with cinematic excellence. His work has been featured in festivals worldwide and amassed nearly a billion views online.
Since 2015, Reeder has been a trailblazing advocate for disability inclusion in TV and film. Notably, collaborating with artists such as System of a Down, Korn, Seether, Hayley Kiyoko, and 5FDP, his productions championed inclusive casts and crews. In addition, he has written and directed seven award-winning short films, all with disabled lead characters.
During the pandemic, Cory redirected his creativity toward developing long-form narrative stories. He is currently pitching two compelling features: "Last Chance Group," a contained, dark comedy, and "Best Friend," a broad high school comedy. Both are authentically driven by disabled characters and draw inspiration from award-winning I.P.
Adding dimension to his portfolio, Cory has completed his debut novel, "Deconstructing the Boogeyman." Rooted in his personal journey of healing trauma through forgiveness, the novel is a heartbreaking and hilarious exploration of the human experience.
Cory Reeder's dedication to inclusive storytelling, coupled with his diverse body of work, positions him as a visionary artist shaping the future of the entertainment industry.
Current Projects:
The Last Chance Group (Screenplay) - During a biblical downpour, four misfits gather at a twelve-step meeting and must choose between truth or sarcasm to survive the night.
Best Friend (Screenplay) - a high school comedy about an East Coast fashionista with Down syndrome who must adapt to her new hometown: Hollywood!
Deconstructing the Boogeyman (Novel) - a memoir about family trauma, the search for acceptance, and finding redemption through forgiveness.
Shenanigans - (Pilot) a sitcom about an alcoholic wedding planner looking for love.
Life Sentence (screenplay) - one man's journey of finding the courage to face his biggest fear, the killer who murdered his sister and destroyed his family.
2023 – NOM – Smash or Pass, Best Film, Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (Writer/ Director)
2023 – NOM – Smash or Pass, Best Director, Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (Writer/ Director)
2020 – NOM – Best Friend, Official Selection, SLAMDANCE (Writer/Director)
2019 – NOM – I Can, Best Film, Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (Producer)
2018 – WIN – Best Friend, Best Film, Canine Film Festival (Writer/ Director)
2018 – WIN – Best Friend, Best Comedy Short, People of Passion Int. Film Fest (Writer/ Director)
2018 – NOM – Ain’t Woke, Best Filmmaker, Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (Writer/ Director)
2017 – WIN – Best Friend, Best Film, Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (Writer/ Director)
2017 – WIN – Best Friend, Audience Award, Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (Writer/ Director)
2017 – NOM – Best Friend, Best Filmmaker, Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (Writer/ Director)
2017 – WIN – Best Friend, Best Comedic Short, Directors Circle Film Festival (Writer/ Director)
2017 – WIN – Unlikely Temptations, Best Short, Picture This Film Festival (Director)
2016 – WIN – Unlikely Temptations, Best Comedy Short, Maui Film Festival (Director)
I write for fun and work, about things I like and don't like, inspirations and desires, and they all usually involve either coffee or bacon.