Biography

Shelagh O'Brien is one of Canada's most respected and distinguished live TV directors. Her award-winning portfolio includes international galas, ceremonies and specials - programs with global superstars that have been viewed by millions. She is a passionate and celebrated leader with a multi-faceted career.

A 42-year veteran of hundreds of live, national broadcasts in every possible genre, Shelagh brings a calm demeanor, a deep background in dance, choreography and photography and a passion for detail. She thrives in the complexities and challenges and inspires through vision, fearlessness and excellence. Her highly diverse career allows her to adapt creatively and seamlessly. A gift for perceptive storytelling and an enthusiastic nature result in programs that entertain, inform and connect.

Shelagh has been honoured with 31 Best Directing nominations for the Canadian Screen Awards - where she has won 9 times. These nominations span 6 different categories: Variety, Comedy, Drama, Reality, Performing Arts and Lifestyle. She also has garnered 3 Canadian Comedy Award nominations, winning once, and a Rosie Award (AMPIA) nomination, also winning.

Her other notable broadcast highlights have included over 25 live network award shows, over 200 Just For Laughs comedy galas, over 35 figure skating specials, 7 years as a Distinguished Director in Residence at Ryerson University, 11 years as the Artistic Director of the Scottish Dance Company of Canada, and Director of 4 feature films from the Stratford Shakespearean Festival: Hamlet, Macbeth, The Tempest, Caesar & Cleopatra.

Her international career as the World Feed Director have seen her at the helm of the following mega specials: 2022 Saudi Arabia National Day, 2022 Riyadh Season Opening, 2022 Saudi Games Opening Ceremony, 2018 UAE Qasr Al Hosn Inauguration in Abu Dhabi, 2018 Saudi Arabia National Day, 2017 UAE National Day, 2017 Invictus Games Opening/Closing Ceremonies, 2015 UAE National Day, 2015 Pan Am Opening/Closing Ceremonies, 2015 Parapan Am Opening/Closing Ceremonies, 2014 Sochi Olympic Opening Ceremony (Dir 2) and 2014 Sochi Olympic Medals Ceremonies.
- IMDb mini biography by: Shelagh O'Brien