Valerie Weiss facts for kids

Valerie Heather Weiss is an American filmmaker and producer. She is known for directing episodes of popular TV shows like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Outer Banks, and How to Get Away with Murder. Valerie is also a scientist, holding advanced degrees from top universities.

Valerie's Early Life and Education

Valerie Weiss grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She loved both science and filmmaking from a young age.

Studying Science and Film

Valerie went to Princeton University for her college studies. There, she focused on molecular biology, which is the study of tiny parts of living things like cells and DNA. After Princeton, she continued her education at Harvard Medical School. She earned a Ph.D. (a very high degree) in biological chemistry and molecular pharmacology. This means she studied how chemicals work in living bodies and how medicines affect them. She also got a master's degree in medical sciences.

While at Harvard, Valerie combined her love for science with her passion for film. From 1999 to 2003, she started and led the Dudley House Film Program. This program was a place for graduate students to explore filmmaking. She was the "filmmaker-in-residence," meaning she was the main filmmaker there, and she also organized film festivals.

Starting Her Film Career

Later, Valerie was accepted into the American Film Institute's Directing Workshop for Women. This special program helps women become film directors. During her time there, she directed a science fiction film called Transgressions. This movie used a sci-fi story to make a point about society.

Valerie's Film Company

In 2004, Valerie Weiss started her own film company called PhD Productions. She founded this company with her husband, Robert Johnson. The "PhD" in the name is a clever nod to her science degree!

Valerie's Personal Life

Valerie met her husband, Robert Johnson, when they were both students at Princeton University. They were acting together in a play called Cyrano de Bergerac.

Valerie's Work in Film and TV

Valerie Weiss has directed many different movies and TV shows. She has also worked as a producer, which means she helps manage the making of a film or show.

As a Director

Valerie has directed episodes for many well-known TV series. Here are some of the shows she has worked on:

• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2023)
• Outer Banks (2020, 2021, 2023)
• Echoes (2022)
• Monarch (2022)
• Mixtape (2021)
• Prodigal Son (2019)
• Why Women Kill (2019)
• For the People (2019)
• The Resident (2019)
• The Rookie (2019)
• How to Get Away with Murder (2018)
• Impulse (2018)
• Scandal (2018)
• The Librarians (2018)
• Suits (2017-2019)
• Chicago Med (2017-2018)
• Chicago P.D. (2017)
• The Archer (2017)
• An American Girl Story: Maryellen 1955 Extraordinary Christmas (2016)
• A Light Beneath Their Feet (2015)
• Losing Control (2011)
• In the Mix (2009)
• Transgressions (2006)
• I Love You (2004)
• Dance By Design (2003)

As a Producer

Valerie has also produced several films, helping to bring them to life from behind the scenes:

• A Light Beneath Their Feet (2015)
• Bread and Butter (2014)
• Losing Control (2011)
• I Love You (2004)

As a Writer

She has also written for some of her projects:

• Losing Control (2011)
• I Love You (2004)
• Dance By Design (2003)

As an Actress

Valerie even acted in one of her early films:

• Dance By Design (2003)