Ellen H. Schwartz has produced and contributed to some of the highest-grossing and beloved films of the past few decades. Schwartz began her career as a DGA trainee working in New York – one of the few women assuming such a role at the time. The first feature film she worked on as a trainee was THE FLAMINGO KID, which was the start of a 25 year friendship and working relationship with Garry Marshall.
Ellen is the hardest-working person in show business. She blazed a trail for women as a First AD and now as an Executive Producer, and she is a fierce mama bear on set.
~ Rebecca Cutter, Toastmaster
She worked alongside Marshall as his assistant director and producer on films such as BEACHES, PRETTY WOMAN, RUNAWAY BRIDE, PRINCESS DIARIES 1 and 2, EXIT TO EDEN, DEAR GOD, FRANKIE & JOHNNY, THE OTHER SISTER and RAISING HELEN.
In addition to working with Marshall, Schwartz has had a long working relationship with director Donald Petrie – with whom she began work on the ground-breaking television show, THE EQUALIZER. Schwartz and Petrie have collaborated on MISS CONGENIALITY, JUST MY LUCK and HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN TEN DAYS.
Her diverse experience has earned her assistant director positions with Paul Verhoeven on SHOWGIRLS and Anne Fletcher on the hit films STEP UP and 27 DRESSES, as well as senior production roles on DRILLBIT TAYLOR, DANCE FLICK and GET HIM TO THE GREEK.
Ellen was also the executive producer on SOMETHING BORROWED for Warner Brothers and YOU’RE NOT YOU for eOne Films. From 2013 to 2018 she worked at Black Label Media as the Executive VP of Physical Production. She was the executive producer on THE GOOD LIE, BREAKING A MONSTER, SICARIO, DEMOLITION, REBEL IN THE RYE, ONLY THE BRAVE, SOLDADO, SIERRA BURGESS IS A LOSER, BROKEN DIAMONDS a n d 12 STRONG.
Ellen has been the Executive Producer on HIGHTOWN for STARZ for Seasons 1, 2, and 3. She has been lucky enough to have joined forces with the incredibly talented filmmaker, Edward Burns. Ellen has produced with him and Aaron Lubin, MILLERS IN MARRIAGE and FINNEGAN’S FOURSOME. Ellen is a member of the DGA, PGA and SAG as well as the TV Academy and AMPAS.
Women in Media has done trailblazing work creating a more equitable environment in the film and media industry. Having worked behind the camera for a few decades and seen first-hand the necessary change – and the impact of Women in Media – I am truly grateful for this recognition.
~ Honoree Ellen H. Schwartz
