Factual biographies for programs, publications, production materials, and speaking engagements.
Kai Swanson is a Los Angeles-based DGA theatrical director, screenwriter, producer, and author. Swanson directed and produced the feature Atomic Fondue, now in post-production. Other work includes Hot Minute, The Tenth Circle, experimental films, and the book Behind the Laughter. Swanson is a former Assistant Professor of Cinema & Television Arts at Elon University.
Kai Swanson is a Los Angeles-based DGA theatrical director and screenwriter working across features, shorts, series, and experimental cinema. Directing work includes Atomic Fondue, the six-episode crime comedy Hot Minute, The Tenth Circle, Trash People, and the 2025 proof-of-concept short god's favorite angels. The feature version of god's favorite angels is in development. Swanson began as a dancer and actor and holds an MFA in Film & Video Production from the University of Iowa.
Kai Swanson is a creative producer, DGA theatrical director, and screenwriter based in Los Angeles. Producing credits include Atomic Fondue, Love Me Tender, Unseen Borders, Layaway, Hot Minute, and two seasons of #millcore. Swanson was associate producer and script supervisor on East of Middle West. Producing experience spans development, grants, financing, casting, budgets, schedules, guild coordination, production, post-production, festivals, and distribution.
Kai Swanson is a screenwriter, author, and filmmaker. Screenplays include god's favorite angels, Soft Launch, Hawk River, and Up in Flames, co-written with Jesse Riback. Swanson participated in Stowe Story Labs' 2025 Remote Writers' Retreat with Soft Launch and the 2025 Fall Feature Campus with god's favorite angels. Swanson is the author of Behind the Laughter: History, Writing, and the Production of American Comedy, published by Kendall Hunt in 2025, and has contributed film criticism to MovieWeb.
Kai Swanson is a filmmaker, author, and educator whose teaching spans filmmaking, screenwriting, comedy, entertainment business, and global film culture. Swanson served as an Assistant Professor of Cinema & Television Arts at Elon University and previously taught Cinematic Arts at the University of Iowa. Teaching work also includes audio and video production at Laurus College. Swanson holds an MFA in Film & Video Production from the University of Iowa and is the author of Behind the Laughter.