Ian McFarland is an American film and television director, producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for his work on the Netflix series, Stranger Things.
McFarland was born on August 4, 1971 in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in a small town outside of the city, and was surrounded by art and culture from a young age. His father was a film editor, and his mother was a painter.
McFarland attended the University of Southern California, where he studied film and television. After graduating, he began working at a production company in Los Angeles, where he quickly rose up the ranks and became a director.
In the early 2000s, McFarland worked on various television shows, including Las Vegas, Life, and The Office. He also directed a number of feature films, including The Babysitter (2008) and The Finder (2012).
McFarland's big break came in 2016 when he was hired to direct the first season of Stranger Things. The show was an instant hit, and McFarland was praised for his direction and vision. He went on to direct the second and third seasons, as well as executive produce the fourth.
McFarland has won numerous awards for his work on Stranger Things, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series and a Producers Guild of America Award for Best Episodic Drama. He has also been nominated for several other awards, including a Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a Dramatic Series.
McFarland is currently working on the upcoming fifth season of Stranger Things. He is also attached to direct a feature film adaptation of the popular video game series, Bioshock.
McFarland is an accomplished director who has made an impact on the industry with his work on Stranger Things. He has become one of the most sought after directors in Hollywood, and continues to prove that he is a force to be reckoned with.
