Ellen Ancui

Ellen is a middlescent, bi-sexual, neuro-diverse, writer for TV, film, theater and podcasts. Her special sauce, “traumadies,” is a mix of Catskills schtick blended with a feminist edge, featuring strong female protagonists who dig their own graves, but rebel as they climb their way out. Raised on Long Island, Ellen’s Sicilian mom converted for her Jewish dad, but would sneak ham sandwiches in the garage, so it’s no wonder Ellen loves storytelling and food. Ellen was a private chef in NYC for Oscar-winning writer Horton Foote and other luminaries. Ellen founded SOLO ARTS GROUP, a theater in NYC, and gave the original Upright Citizens Brigade (Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh, Matt Besser & Ian Roberts) their first home. Ellen moved to LA after the success of 2, one-woman shows, ZEL REBELS! (Public Fringe) and JUMPING OFF THE FRIDGE (HBO Workspace). She was a staffed on the sitcom, MALCOLM & EDDIE and her play GLORY PIE was sold-out at the Coronet Theater. Ellen inadvertently fulfilled her parents’ dream by working in legal after she adopted her Chinese daughter and after eighteen years running downtown law firms she returned to writing full time. Other professional credits: BROWN & FRIENDS (Netflix), BONNIE SCREWS UP (podcast), SIZZLER (Next Stage Press) THE STORY OF DAVID (Braid Theater, LA.) Ellen’s directorial debut and short film, SAVERIO (winner-Hollywood Just 4 Shorts Festival, official selection THE PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL)

Honors & Awards

OFFICIAL SELECTION PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL, 2025 - SAVERIO

SEDONA FILM FESTIVAL SEMI-FINALIST, 2025 - THE SOLICITOR

FOX INCUBATOR (TOP 10 OF 1400), 2024 - THE SOLICITOR