Born and raised in upstate New York, Marli Lee’s love for genre began when her older sister/ babysitter introduced her to the films of Wes Craven, John Carpenter, and Guillermo Del Toro. By the age of 14, Marli began her writing career as a music journalist for The Buffalo News, where she interviewed bands such as Paramore, Panic! At The Disco, and Fall Out Boy.

After graduating from Lewis & Clark College with a degree in English Language and Literature, Marli turned to screenwriting and directing, with a literary thriller voice reminiscent of Gillian Flynn coupled with a contemporary and genre-blending style deeply rooted in character.

In 2023, she wrote and directed the horror short film, KNOCK KNOCK, which premiered at the Sitges Fantastic Film Festival the same year. She is currently in active development on THE QUEEN starring Halle Berry with Lee Daniels Entertainment producing and ALL OF US MONSTERS, a pulsating thriller that will be her directorial debut.

<— This is the least awkward picture of her.