Kelly Nygaard began her directing career in the commercial world, creating spots for brands FIAT, Redvines, and The Donor Network.  She found her strength in both emotional and comedic work - receiving recognition as an emerging director for Shoot Magazine’s Director Showcase for her short for Ad Council, and an Addy Award for her PSA for Stop the Bleed.  Branching her commercial experience with her love for narrative work, Kelly has directed short films for Netflix and Comedy Central.  Most recently, Kelly directed the comedic short “Vasectopia” as part of the film Give Me An A - an anthology of short films made in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.  

Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Kelly moved to Los Angeles to attend USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.  After graduation she received the incredible opportunity to work as Terrence Malick’s assistant on the set of Knight of Cups.  She spent the next few years shadowing directors in the commercial world until she decided to delve into directing herself.  Kelly runs her small production company, The Cinema Floor, from Los Angeles, with her husband, daughter, and two malamutes.