Rachel McDonald is an award-winning director with an adept sensitivity to her subjects. Born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, she is a natural storyteller with an innate curiosity that drives her exploration of the world and its characters. Rachel got her start on feature films working for acclaimed directors Frank Darabont, Nancy Meyers, and Clint Eastwood, learning the craft firsthand. She has since made her mark as a commercial director with notable campaigns for Mercedes-Benz (starring Camila Cabello), Cadillac (starring Regina King), Thinx, Gatorade, Facebook, Microsoft, IKEA, HP, BMW, Ford, Toyota, the Grammys, and Peloton. Her “Behind the Post” PSA for the One Love Foundation earned multiple awards including a Silver Cannes Lion and continues to be used as part of the organization’s curriculum for recognizing and preventing relationship abuse. Rachel was one of ten directors included in Free The Work’s Super Bowl Shortlist in 2023. In addition to commercials, Rachel has also written and directed multiple award-winning narrative and documentary short films including “Thirst” (starring Melanie Griffith), “Uganda: Friends of the Gorilla,” “Dancing Warrior,” and “Hermanos.” “Hermanos” was inspired by the real-life stories of immigrants affected by harsh policies and forced separation at the U.S.-Mexico border, and has earned multiple awards including from Ciclope and the Houston Latino Film Festival. She is currently in development on the short film “Wild Horses.” Based in Los Angeles, Rachel is represented by Biscuit Filmworks. When she’s not on set, she’s traveling or surfing – or ideally, both.