Jessica Sharzer is an American screenwriter, director, producer, and editor known for her dynamic work across film and television. Her writing credits include the screenplays for Nerve (2016), the television remake of Dirty Dancing (2017), and the stylish thriller A Simple Favor (2018). In television, she gained recognition for her work on the groundbreaking Showtime series The L Word and the anthology horror hit American Horror Story, where her storytelling versatility and genre-blending talents were on full display.

Born in Iowa City, Iowa, Sharzer was raised in a Jewish family and spent most of her formative years in New York City. She attended the prestigious Horace Mann School, later graduating from Wesleyan University before pursuing film studies at New York University. Her diverse academic background contributed to her intellectual approach to storytelling, while her film education provided her with the tools to bring those stories to life onscreen.

Initially, Sharzer seemed destined for a career in academia, even studying at the University of California, Berkeley. However, a summer course at the New York Film Academy changed her path entirely. Realizing her passion lay in filmmaking, she made a bold move to leave academia and commit fully to the craft of cinema. Her instincts were validated when she won NYU’s prestigious Wasserman Award in 2002 for her graduate thesis film The Wormhole, a recognition that jumpstarted her professional journey.

Since then, Sharzer has continued to establish herself as a creative force in the industry. Her ability to blend sharp character development with engaging plotlines has made her a sought-after screenwriter, particularly for projects that balance drama, suspense, and emotional depth. Whether working in horror, thriller, or romance, Jessica Sharzer brings a distinctive voice and vision that have left a lasting impact on both television and film.

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