Crystal Whaley Director Reel

creating thoughtful and authentic stories

Crystal Whaley

Director Reel

bio

Crystal Whaley is a writer, director and multiple EMMY Award winning producer in film/TV/digital with over 20 years of experience, specialized expertise in content development and content creation. Crystal recently co-executive produced 2024 & 2023 Critics Choice Award Nominated, 2024 NAACP Image Award Nominated premium documentary series, ‘Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip Hop’ currently streaming on Netflix, served as a supervising producer for 2023 Emmy nominated MSNBC documentary series, ‘Model America’ as well as the producer of 'Un(re)solved' a digital interactive eight episode series for Frontlines/PBS which won a 2022 Emmy award for Outstanding Interactive Media: Innovation category and was nominated for a 2023 Peabody award.

A talented non-scripted and scripted director, Crystal made her directorial debut with her feature length documentary film, ‘The Sound She Saw’, after its successful film festival run it is currently touring museums nationwide. Crystal made her scripted directing debut in 2023 for episode seven of the eight episode scripted series,

‘The Table’currently streaming on BlackOakTV.

My approach

I have always been captivated by the intricacies of human experience and authenticity in storytelling. My approach to crafting compelling and unforgettable stories is rooted in my passion for creating thought-provoking, and immersive experiences that leave a lasting impact on the audience. I look forward to continuing to craft authentic, gripping stories that challenge, entertain, and push boundaries by sparking conversations that inspire change.

scripted work

2023

The Table - Digital Series

Episode 7 / ‘Lent’

"The Table" follows the relationship of Ed and London over seven years, primarily at their dining room table. The eight episode digital series narrates the life of a modern day Black couple

non-scripted work

2022

The Sound She Saw -

Feature Documentary

The Sound She Saw is a documentary film featuring contemporary, ground-breaking Black women photographers. The film reveals the history and struggle of Black women photographers while showcasing and celebrating their work and answering the question: What happens when a Black woman photographer has the agency and the control to reverse the gaze and see the world through her unique lens? The photographers featured in The Sound She Saw challenge the status quo by collectively redefining the narrative, image by image.