Audrea Topps Harjo

United States

Director

Audrea Topps Harjo has worked in the entertainment industry for over thirty years. She founded InclusionFX, which is a platform designed to support and amplify underrepresented voices in VFX

Biography

Audrea Topps Harjo's impressive career spans the entertainment industry, where she has made her mark with major players, contributing her expertise and vision to an array of notable projects. With a career trajectory that has touched virtually every aspect of the industry, Audrea is a multi-talented professional with a diverse and impactful portfolio.

Audrea's journey commenced in the realm of visual effects and animation at Sony Pictures Imageworks. She left an indelible mark on projects like "CONTACT," "STARSHIP TROOPERS," and "STUART LITTLE." Her passion and ingenuity took her to various esteemed organizations, including Obsidian Pictures ("EPOCH OF LOTUS"), Cinesite ("X-MEN 2"), Ring of Fire ("SKY CAPTAIN"), Electronic Arts ("MEDAL OF HONOR"), and WETA FX in New Zealand ("RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES," "THE AVENGERS," "MAN OF STEEL," "PROMETHEUS"). Audrea's journey also led her to James Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment, where she contributed to the "AVATAR SEQUELS."

In 2015, Audrea returned to her hometown, Washington, D.C., and took on a new role as a director, producer, and key player in the film industry. Her creative flair has shone through in numerous commercials and a portfolio of feature films, including "SECRETS," "ALL IN" (which garnered the prestigious Best Narrative Feature award at the American Black Film Festival in 2019), "AVAILABLE WIFE," and "THE FIRST LADY OF BMF: THE TONESA WELCH STORY" (streaming on BET+).

Diving even deeper into the industry, Audrea's career path led her to serve as the VFX Producer for "Mind and Machine" and Ridley Scott's "RAISED BY WOLVES." Her journey also saw her take on the role of Chief Operating Officer at A44 Games in Wellington, New Zealand.

Recognizing the need for inclusivity and diversity in the world of VFX, television, and game development, Audrea founded InclusionFX, a groundbreaking platform aimed at uplifting underrepresented voices in these fields.

In January 2023, Audrea's remarkable contributions were recognized by the OCTFME when she was named Filmmaker of the Month.

A native of Washington, D.C., Audrea's academic journey includes The College of William and Mary, where she majored in theatre arts with a minor in dance, and Howard University, where she earned her M.F.A. in film. Her dedication and passion for her craft were evident even in her early career, with her thesis film "HARD CANDY" earning a nomination for a Student Academy Award in 1993. Her transition to Los Angeles marked the beginning of a prolific three-decade journey, working behind the scenes on diverse projects ranging from independent feature films to high-end visual effects, animation, and mobile and console games development.

Audrea's skill set extends beyond her technical prowess to her unique ability to turn chaos into order, mentor and inspire others, provide dynamic leadership, and excel in directing and producing. Her specializations encompass a rich tapestry of talents and experiences, making her an extraordinary force in the entertainment industry.