Alex Mechanik (born October 18, 1986) is an American filmmaker. For his work on the Todd Haynes drama May December, he was nominated alongside his wife Samy Burch at the 96th Academy Awards.

Early life

Mechanik was raised in Tampa, Florida. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from New York University Tisch School of the Arts in 2009.

Career

After graduating from college, Mechanik worked as a production assistant on reality television programs such as The Apprentice. He served on the casting department for features such as Allegiant and Ant-Man, where he is credited as Woody Mechanik.

Mechanik collaborated on a series of short films with his partner, Samy Burch. The pair later collaborated on the screenplay for May December, a 2023 feature directed by Todd Haynes and starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. Mechanik is also an editor for the "Open Door" video series produced by Architectural Digest.

As of early 2024, Mechanik is set to direct a feature film starring O-Lan Jones for Gloria Sanchez Productions, the company that produced May December, based on a script he developed with Burch.

Personal life

While studying at New York University, Mechanik met Samy Burch, with whom he would collaborate on a number of short films as well as the story for May December. The pair married in 2023.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleEditorWriterNotes
2013All You Can EatYesYesShort film; Co-directed with Samy Burch
2016BevYesNo
2017Crown PrinceYesYes
2023May DecemberNoYesShares "Story by" credit with Samy Burch

Television

YearTitleNotes
2019 – 2020Gourmet MakesEditor, 2 episodes
2020 – 2024Architectural DigestEditor, 24 episodes
2024Almost Already FamousEditor, TV movie

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNominated workResultRef.
2014Slamdance Film FestivalSpirit of Slamdance AwardThe GreggsWon
Best Narrative ShortNominated
2023Indiana Film Journalists AssociationBest Original ScreenplayMay DecemberRunner-up
Florida Film Critics CircleBest Original ScreenplayNominated
Golden OrangeRunner-up
2024Columbus Film Critics AssociationBest Original ScreenplayNominated
Online Association of Female Film CriticsBest Original ScreenplayRunner-up
Austin Film Critics AssociationBest Original ScreenplayNominated
North Dakota Film SocietyBest ScreenplayNominated
Portland Critics AssociationBest ScreenplayNominated
Independent Spirit AwardsBest First ScreenplayWon
Academy AwardsBest Original ScreenplayNominated
Writers Guild of America AwardsBest Original ScreenplayNominated

Notes

External links