Valerie Weiss, a critically-acclaimed, award-winning writer-director-producer, is the founder of PhD Productions. She completed her first feature film, Losing Control, a fresh and funny independent comedy about a female scientist who wants proof that her boyfriend is "the one." Losing Control is decidedly quirky and absurd, and explores the universal fear that each person encounters at some point: that there is a right way to find love, and he or she is going about finding it the wrong way. Her comedic sci-fi short, Transgressions, has played in over 30 film festivals internationally and has won several awards, including a BAFTA.
Originally from Philadelphia, Dr. Weiss began her writing and directing career while at Princeton where she earned a dual degree in Molecular Biology and Theatre and directed five plays by playwrights such as Christopher Durang, Paul Shaffer and Edward Albee. After Princeton, she founded Harvard University's renowned Dudley Film Program and served as its Filmmaker-in-Residence while earning her Ph.D. in Biophysics at Harvard Medical School. While writing her dissertation, Valerie directed her first film and, two weeks after wrapping production, defended her Ph.D. thesis...and never did another experiment. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Los Angeles, where she completed the American Film Institute (AFI) Directing Workshop for Women. Her training also includes an exclusive invitation to study under Michael Lehmann, director on HBO's hit series True Blood. In this experience, Valerie participated in all of the director's preparatory meetings, including concept meetings with Series Creator and Executive Producer Alan Ball, storyboard meetings, casting sessions, cast table readings, and location and tech scoutings, as well as being on set every day of shooting and literally Mr. Lehmann's shadow as he set up shots and gave direction to actors.
In addition to her work as a scientist and a filmmaker, Valerie has appeared in an advisory role in several capacities. She has appeared on the L'Oreal For Women in Science: Shaping A New Image Panel, where she spoke alongside astronaut Sally Ride about the importance that film and television will play in reshaping our image of women scientists. She also participated alongside Laura Ziskin and Lauren Shuler-Donner on the Newsweek Advisory Committee for its Women in Leadership issue.
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