Ian Van der Werff is a New York–based film director, producer, and DGA 1st Assistant Director with over 15 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production. He is the founder of Litebreak Studios, an independent production company focused on cinematic storytelling in sci-fi, drama, and branded content.

As a director, Ian’s work is defined by minimalist visuals and emotional depth. His short film Relationship Deli gained viral traction online with over 10 million views. He continues to develop original projects for both film and television while collaborating with top-tier talent and production teams.

Ian began his career in Seattle before moving to Los Angeles, where he worked on shows like Scorpion, Ray Donovan, Animal Kingdom, and House of Lies. His feature film credits include major productions such as Disney’s A Wrinkle In Time and Transformers: Bumblebee. Since joining the Directors Guild of America in 2020, Ian has established himself as a trusted 1st AD on studio and indie projects alike—including The Crowded Room (Apple TV+) and Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (FX).

Through Litebreak Studios, Ian produces original films and short-form content, blending high-level execution with story-first intent. Litebreak functions both as his creative banner and formal production entity, representing his approach to thoughtful, scalable filmmaking.