As a partner and producer at Story Mill Entertainment, Vanessa Claire Stewart has a passion for discovering untold exciting stories and helping them grow into movie and television magic. A native of Louisiana, she grew up in a vibrant culture which culminated into a passion for music, acting and writing. She developed her storytelling skills while receiving her B.F.A at Webster Conservatory, then later went on to study classical theatre at Oxford School of Drama.

In Los Angeles, Vanessa served as co-Artistic Director of Sacred Fools Theater, a hub of emerging artists new to the city. While there, her own plays Louis and Keely: Live at the Sahara and Stoneface went on to win several awards including the Ovation award for “Best Musical” (Louis and Keely), LA Drama Critics Circle award for best new play (Louis and Keely) and the Stage Raw award for Production of the Year (Stoneface). In 2022, she was part of a coalition of Artistic Directors that passed legislation to create a fund to help pay artists working in small theatres in California (Senate Bill SB1116).

Prior to Story Mill Entertainment, Vanessa cut her teeth in TV/Film development having worked in LA for Walden Media (Ray, Sahara, Lion Witch and the Wardrobe), Third Star Films (Chase the Slut) and Pistol Lady Productions (How to Have a Happy Marriage). She looks forward to helping more emerging artists tell their stories in Southern Georgia. She’s thankful to her amazing husband French and daughter Helene for making the move across the country to this wonderful opportunity.