Norma Jean Straw, Director + Writer + Producer
Professional Bio:
Norma directs, produces and writes films, TV series, commercials, PSAs, music videos, short documentary and educational videos for TV, live events and digital platforms. She recently completed the experimental short film UNDERTOW and is currently at work on her original short narrative film, TOPLESS. The 100+ episodes of TV she has produced garnered 16 Emmy nominations and 2 wins in various categories; received Parent’s Choice awards, and an Environmental Media Award. As a producer, she has received two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Series for HIP HOP HARRY (Discovery Kids, 2007) and BIZKID$ (APT, 2013). She got her start in filmmaking as a producer on the feature film EVERGEEEN which premiered in dramatic competition at the Sundance Film Festival (2004). Her film projects have screened at festivals around the world. She is a voting member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and a governor-appointed trustee of Washington Film Works.
Norma is also a life-long community builder and champion of social justice and active community engagement. She helped launch the Americorps and Learn and Serve America programs in the mid-90s and worked with schools to increase student voice and power within the public school system. While serving as co-director of Metrocenter YMCA's Young Adult Civic Connector Initiative (funded by Pew Charitable Trusts) she created the Get Engaged: City Boards and Commissions program to place young adults on Seattle's public boards and commissions. Over fifteen years later, that program is thriving and has created a path for hundreds of diverse young people to have influence and power within city government. She has also served as an advisor and board member to many non-profit organizations including Bike Works, Northwest Film Forum, Three Dollar Bill, Teen Feed, YMCA of the USA, Seattle Public Libraries, and Humanities Washington.
Norma was born in Glasgow, Scotland and moved to the US as a wee lassie. She currently lives on a small island near Seattle with her wife, Angie.