Cole Sax is an award-winning filmmaker and creative leader whose work lives at the intersection of global cultures, raw human emotion, and cinematic storytelling. From the Himalayan foothills to the rice fields of the Philippines, Cole has directed films for some of the world's most influential platforms-YouTube Originals, Snapchat, VICE, Facebook, Google, Nike, and the Olympic Channel-garnering hundreds of millions of views and a shelf of accolades including Cannes Silver, multiple Gold Tellys, a Clio Entertainment Award, a Shorty, and a Daytime Emmy.

At the heart of Cole's work is a belief: storytelling should move us-toward each other, toward truth, and toward possibility. His films explore today's culture through character-driven narratives that don't just entertain, but connect and inspire. In partnership with Boardwalk Pictures-the studio behind Chef's Table and Last Chance U-Cole directed the award-winning feature documentary World Debut, which follows skateboarding, surfing, and climbing on their 20-year journey to Olympic inclusion. Executive produced by Tony Hawk and distributed by YouTube Originals, the film is a masterclass in cultural storytelling.

His work doesn't stop at the screen. Cole's breakout series Far From Home spurred real-world impact, helping launch India's first winter Olympic training facility. His stories have led him to the TEDx stage, into workshops with the U.S. State Department, and into collaborations with The Obama Foundation and Khan Academy. Across each project, Cole brings a signature style: emotionally grounded, globally aware, and relentlessly human.

Today, Cole serves as the co-founder and head of creative at Think Less, a production studio dedicated to telling the stories that shape culture and challenge convention. He is a Sports Emmy Judge, a sought-after mentor, and a vocal advocate for storytelling that builds bridges between people, brands, and purpose.

When he's not behind the camera, you'll find him globetrotting, scaling mountains, or commanding a karaoke mic. Because for Cole, life is the greatest story-and he's here to tell it, one frame at a time.

World Debut: From Outsiders to the Olympics

See photos of celebrities before they hit the big-time.

Cole Sax

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Camera and Electrical Department