Monty DeGraff
is a working director in series television. The journey to this point in his career was circuitous, but never without vision.
He was born, raised and educated in NYC, where he graduated from DeWitt Clinton H.S. After getting his B.A. in History from the Univ of Rochester, he made a brief detour to the Univ of San Diego School of Law, which fulfilled part one of his dream - to be a Californian. But soon he realized that the law was simply not his calling. Despite having few contacts, Monty made the first of many bold decisions and was able to secure a position as a page at A.B.C. Shortly thereafter he became an apprentice editor in the film department.
This exposure convinced Monty that here was his true calling, as a storyteller in the world of entertainment.
Monty’s first job as an Editor was on Dick Wolf’s legendary procedural series, LAW AND ORDER where he contributed for 5 seasons, and led to him becoming the first Black picture editor to work on a network series. What better place for a future director to learn the core
fundamentals of storytelling - performance, pacing, point of view, and crafting a memorable scene. These became the foundation stone for all that Monty has accomplished since.
In the years that followed, Monty’s creative acumen led to working with other high-level producer/director/showrunners on outstanding series such as DAREDEVIL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR, CARNIVALE, MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and NARCOS: MEXICO.
Fast forward to 2020 when the script for “Raising Kanan” crossed his desk. The characters, dialogue and storytelling were so vivid and wonderfully rendered that Monty just knew he had to be a part of it. He was chosen to edit the pilot and at the end of the first season he was given the opportunity to direct on season 2. To date Monty has directed 6 episodes of the popular drama, where he also served as Co-Exec Producer and Supervising Director.
In directing, Monty has found his true calling. His natural charismatic energy and keen sense of visual storytelling have enabled him to productively collaborate on set with the actors and crew.
He is an asset to any series he brings his talents.