More Subtext, Less Symptoms
Elle Brooks-Tao
Elle Brooks-Tao
AWARDS
Elle’s films and campaigns have earned top honors across the globe. Her commercial work for McDonald’s and the ALS Association took home Gold, Silver, and Bronze Cannes Lions, while her narrative projects for the anti-trafficking non-profit A21 garnered awards at over 31 international festivals and directly led to the rescue of dozens of individuals. Additionally, her feature documentary, I’m Not Crazy I’m Sick, currently holds the highest viewer rating of any autoimmune disease film on major streaming platforms
"[The Documentary] helps show the real story of life with Lyme disease. It offers validation to patients, but moreover, it shows people who can help patients—doctors, insurers, friends, and family members—exactly how support or lack thereof can make or break a patient’s journey."
Jennifer Crystal
GLOBAL LYME ALLIANCE ON ELLES DOCUMENTARY "I'M NOT CRAZY, I'M SICK"
A Lens Shaped by Empathy
Elle brings a deeply layered and humanistic perspective to character-driven storytelling. Her life and career have been dedicated to finding emotional truth in places of adversity.
Navigating the Medical Journey | A childhood spent in and out of hospitals directly informs her observational, fly-on-the-wall perspective and gives her an intimate understanding of chronic illness.
Advocacy and Social Impact | Grounded by her education in social justice, she purposefully weaves human rights awareness into her art to foster real world change and tangible action.
Visual Storytelling | Her extensive background in cinematography balances technical precision with internalized character studies and uniquely immersive camera work.
LEFT, BTS FROM A SHOOT IN ALASKA
ABOVE | AIG - THE GEORGIA
Elle understands that behind every brand campaign or social justice initiative is a human story of survival and identity. She combines the technical execution of a seasoned cinematographer with a profound personal familiarity with adversity, ensuring every narrative is handled with absolute respect and a drive for redemption.
WORKING WITH ELLE
Working with Elle means collaborating with a director who prioritizes emotional impact and multidimensional storytelling. She seamlessly balances technical precision with a deep focus on character development. Her background allows her to build immense trust with her subjects, whether she is directing late stage ALS patients, young rugby players from impoverished neighborhoods, or professional athletes. She weaves social advocacy into her creative process, creating a collaborative space where authentic stories of resilience can truly shine.
LEFT | WOMENS RUGBY
KINSALE SHARK "Young men" shortlist, music video, 2024
KINSALE SHARK "Nike 'Freedom prep'" silver, branded content, 2020
ONE SCREEN "Nike 'Freedom prep'" nominee documentary, 2020
ONE SCREEN "Nike 'Freedom prep'" nominee emerging director, 2020
ONE SCREEN "Nike 'Freedom prep'" nominee best direction, 2020
ONE SHOW / ADC AWARDS "McDonalds 'The flip'" gold, 2019
D&AD Brand experience, "McDonalds 'The flip'" yellow pencil, 2019
D&AD Brand identity, "McDonalds 'The flip'" yellow pencil, 2019
D&AD Use of PR, "McDonalds 'The flip'" bronze pencil, 2019
CLIO Branded content, "McDonalds 'The flip'", gold 2019
AICP Experiential, "McDonalds 'The flip'", gold 2019
AICP Purpose driven advertising, "McDonalds 'The flip'", gold 2019
AICP Best new director, Nike “Dream crazier, FPA” shortlist, 2019
AICP Best new director, ALS Association “Goodnight" shortlist, 2019
AICP Best new director, McDonalds “The flip” shortlist, 2019
THE ONE SHOW McDonalds “The flip”, gold, 2019
ONE CLUB FOR CREATIVITY “Not to be a lady” finalist, 2019
SHOTS AWARDS "Goodnight" + ALS Association, charity/PSA campaign of the year, 2018 shortlist
CANNES LION Gold, “McDonald’s 'The flip'”, 2018
FILM SHORTAGE Daily short picks, Human Rights Watch “Vive la victoire”, 2018
ADWEEK Editor’s pick, ALS Association “Goodnight”, 2018
ADWEEK McDonalds “International Women’s Day, The flip”, 2018
ADWEEK Editor’s pick, Pearle Vision “Olivia”, 2018
ADWEEK Editor’s pick, Pampers “World prematurity day”, 2018
ADWEEK Top Father’s Day spots, Buffalo Wild Wings “Watching”, 2018
YOUNG GUNS Finalist, “ALS Association” 2018
VIMEO Staff pick, "Not to be a lady" 2018