Andrew DeYoung

Andrew DeYoung is an American director, screenwriter, and producer. His television directorial credits include episodes of series such as Shrill (2019–2021), Pen15 (2019–2021), Our Flag Means Death (2022–2023), and The Chair Company (2025–present). DeYoung co-wrote and directed the variety special Would It Kill You to Laugh?, for which he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. His frequent collaborators include Kate Berlant, John Early, and Tim Robinson.

In 2024, DeYoung wrote and directed his feature film debut, Friendship, which was nominated for a Critics' Choice Award and an Independent Spirit Award.

Early life and education DeYoung was born in 1981 or 1982, and raised in Fresno, California. He studied screenwriting at California State University, Northridge and graduated in 2005.

DeYoung is inspired by filmmaker Terrence Malick, who wrote a heartwarming letter to DeYoung before Friendship 's SXSW premiere.

Career DeYoung began his directing career after college, and met comedians John Early and Kate Berlant in improv classes.

DeYoung thought of the idea for Friendship after a negative experience with a colleague. DeYoung decided on casting his friend Tim Robinson while writing the film's screenplay, whom he had first met at the wedding of Conner O'Malley and Aidy Bryant, the former of which also appears in Friendship. The film was shot in Yonkers, New York, with actors Kate Mara and Paul Rudd joining the main cast. The film premiered at Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024 and was the second runner up for the People's Choice Award: Midnight Madness. A24 acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film, and the film was theatrically released on May 9, 2025. It was positively reviewed and went on to be nominated for the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Comedy and the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay.

Filmography

Film

Television

Awards and nominations