Nikolai Vanyo

Nikolai Vanyo grew up outside of San Francisco, California. He wrote his first feature-length screenplay at age 17, following it up with his first foray into short film, and was prompted to apply to film school. In 2007, he was accepted into the top-ranked University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, majoring in Film Production. While at USC, Nikolai made upwards of twenty short films, in and outside of classes. One of those short films, "Oneironauts" was accepted into the 2010 Cannes Film Festival's Short Film Corner. That same summer, Nikolai worked with director JC Chandor on his first feature, "Margin Call" as an assistant to the producers. After graduating in 2011, he worked as an assistant to director John Krokidas on his first feature, "Kill Your Darlings". Both films were accepted to Sundance and received positive critical response. During this period, Nikolai was writing several feature scripts, intending to raise the money to direct one of them.

In early 2013, Nikolai made his feature directorial debut with the film "Before" which he wrote, directed, produced, and edited. The film stars Austin Mitchell, Tyler Lueck, and Meryl Williams, and features music by artists such as Matt Vasquez and the Generationals. At present, the film is anticipating a 2014 release at a festival to be determined. Nikolai is presently working on several other feature film scripts and directing music videos and commercials.