Gabriella Maselli McGrail

Director/Producer

M.A. Screenwriting UWS, B.A. Literature & Performing Arts Hons, UCLA, Melbourne University

“Driven by a lifelong dream to launch a film company, my goal is to create meaningful and inspiring content, highlight the talents of female creatives, and inspire young people to kickstart their careers.”
Sydney Film Director Gabriella Maselli McGrail

Gabriella is a seasoned Writer, Director, Dramaturg, Producer, Coach, and Actor with a diverse career spanning theatre, film, speaking, and writing. She has built a reputation for capturing raw authenticity in performance-based works, whether with talent or non-talent, across drama and comedy.

Gabriella prides herself on fostering mutual respect with performers, a key factor in the genuine moments she brings to life, particularly when working with children. Her filmmaking approach empowers creatives through collaboration, reflecting her dynamic career and commitment to championing women.

As a commercial director, Gabriella has cultivated a profound understanding of how to elicit compelling performances. Her diverse experience ranges from earning a scholarship for her Media Studies Master of Arts to casting TVCs in Sydney and Los Angeles, authoring an eBook on the casting process, and acting in countless commercials.

Gabriella conceptualized, directed, and produced two fun and quirky advertising campaigns for Surf Plow Co, mixing comedy, youthful energy, and a seamless integration of the ocean into the narrative. She excels at working closely with clients to refine core concepts, ensuring they align with campaign goals and achieve maximum impact.

Her latest short film, Ocean Is She, earned her the Randwick City Council’s Creative Grant, and she is currently in preproduction for Treading Water and Surf Zombies. Gabriella has directed actors, shot and edited showreels, produced and directed social content, and worked in studios supporting casting directors. She also specializes in dramaturgy for TV commercials, with notable work on children’s performances, such as Telstra’s Christmas Call Santa and Optus’ Living campaigns. Through Maselli Films, she offers NSW Active and Creative Kids Vouchers, showcasing her broad expertise in filmmaking and drama.

Starting her writing career at 23, Gabriella won the Young Australian Playwright of the Year and has written for media magazines and published an industry eBook. As a leading coach, she trains actors, presenters, and public speakers at top academies. Her company also received the Screenrights Cultural Fund for the Women in Water program, creating career pathways for female water cinematographers.

Maselli films poster 'Ocean Is She'