Sonia Bhalla

A first-generation South Asian (Indian), Emmy nominated Film and Television Director/Writer, Sonia represents the modern era of global storytelling. A leader with a vision, Sonia is versatile in directing single and multi-camera narratives. In Nov 2022, she received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Directing Multicamera. Sonia is known for bringing in all projects on time and budget while maintaining high morale on set. Sonia is honored to be a recipient of the ABC/DISNEY Television Directing fellowship. Sonia worked her way up the DGA ranks, often the only woman on the Directorial team. Sonia has held the coveted position of 1st & 2nd Assistant Director for visionary film directors; M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable), Ron Howard (Ed/Tv, The Grinch), Paul Thomas Anderson (Punch Drunk Love) and Jason Reitman (Thank You For Smoking, Up In The Air.) With two decades of film, television, and commercial experience as a DGA Assistant Director, from big-budget studio blockbusters to independent movies and the fast-paced world of network television and OTT, Sonia has been entrenched in every aspect of filmmaking and production. Twice nominated for DGA award for Best Feature Film – Directorial Team - for her work on The Sixth Sense and Up in The Air. Sonia repeatedly collaborated with Emmy-nominated directors in television, including Joe Russo, Reggie Hudlin, and Ken Kwapis. Sonia was a Blue Ribbon Panel Judge for the 75th DGA Best Director Children's programming category. Sonia has Emmc'd for TIE black Tie gala where she helped drive "in the moment" fundraising, which raised over 100k in less than an hour. She has hosted VC events and fireside chats with keynote speakers, including Ashok Amritraj of Hydepark entertainment. Upon graduating from Syracuse University, Sonia performed Stand-Up comedy in NYC and was offered to write for the show KIDS IN THE HALL. Her scientist parents refused that proposal, fueling her spirit and passion for storytelling even further, and today her jokes are always welcome!