From 'Aquaman' to Netflix Rom-Coms: Director Christine Luby on Breaking Into Hollywood and Building a Global Filmmaking Career

Industry Insider Profile: Christine Luby

With nearly 100 production credits across film and television, director Christine Luby has built a career that spans continents, genres, and some of Hollywood’s biggest productions. After working behind the scenes on blockbuster films like Aquaman, Elvis, and The Wolverine, Christine has emerged as a distinctive voice in the streaming space, known for visually dynamic storytelling and emotionally grounded romantic comedies. In this conversation, Christine reflects on the journey from small-town New Hampshire to directing for platforms like Netflix and Disney+, the making of You, Always!, and the creative challenges that continue to push their filmmaking forward.

You’ve had an unconventional path to directing, from growing up in New Hampshire to building your career internationally. How did those early experiences shape your perspective as a filmmaker?

I used to think I was unique in ‘feeling like an outsider’, but now, approaching my 20th year in the biz, I realize that most people feel this way, so it’s like I’m part of a cool club of peeps who busted into the industry against all obstacles.

Coming from a small town and moving to London, then to Australia, then back to the States over the course of 20+ years has given me a culturally global perspective that I could never have gained by staying in my small town forever, and I’m grateful to have continually pushed beyond my comfort zone. As a director, I’m drawn to all kinds of stories about people from different walks of life, and I have usually met someone on my travels who helps inform my characters. But truthfully, it’s my lived experiences that most heavily inform my filmmaking, which wouldn’t have been as accessible in my younger years, so it’s great to be exploring this now!

Before becoming a director, you worked as an Assistant Director on major films like Aquaman, Elvis, and The Wolverine. How did that large-scale production experience influence the way you approach directing your own projects?

I allow myself to dream bigger, to push the boundaries and the budgets where I can, while still being safe and staying on time and on budget. For instance, I was told I couldn’t have a grip department on a certain film, so I cut a shoot day so we could afford a Chapman Dolly and a grip department. It was the right sacrifice to make because it informed the entire look of the film!

I’m constantly exploring out-of-the-box thinking and creative scheduling to get around production issues- like a pre-call for B-camera to get the sunrise establishing shot or finding nearby locations to avoid a full company move. I’m very conscious of waste, which is a luxury afforded to bigger productions, so I’m clear and decisive about what we’re shooting and what we’re not, because if the art department only has to dress one side of a room, those savings can go to another priority set instead.

Your latest film, You, Always!, blends romance, friendship, and personal growth. What drew you to this story, and what did you want to explore within the romantic comedy genre?

I love a good love triangle, and because this was for Netflix, we got to push the boundaries a little, so in the first 10 minutes, we have a naked butt, penis slang, a jetski sequence, a CPR rescue, and a cleaning montage inspired by Deadpool and Wolverine. Talk about mixing it up a bit! This script was also really attractive to me because it isn’t about people in their 20’s falling in love for the first time. It’s about second chances, dating after divorce/as a single parent, and finding oneself. Of all my rom-com’s, this one truly digs deep, thanks to our amazing lead Jessica De Gouw, who has the audience laughing in one moment and in tears the next. When I saw people sobbing in our test screening, I knew we did good!

You’ve become known for a distinct visual style that emphasizes rhythm and movement, influenced by your background as a dancer. How does that translate on set and shape the emotional tone of your films?

I’m always thinking about the rhythm and musicality of a scene, often choosing music in advance and imagining where the cut points might be to create rhythm. I combine spatial awareness, timing, proximity, and physical gesture with unique camera movements so that each scene becomes a little dance.

One scene in You, Always has Ethan (Adrian Grenier) and Matilda (Yasmin Kassim) shows Matilda asking Ethan out while moving around a jetski and has just the right amount of moving parts to keep the scene energized and interesting, whilst creating intimacy between the two characters. The blocking completely changed on the shoot day as the actors and I felt it out, and now it’s my favorite scene in the film!

After the global success of This Little Love of Mine, you’ve become a sought-after director in the streaming space. How have platforms like Netflix and Disney+ influenced the kinds of stories you’re able to tell?

It’s deeply satisfying to know that millions of people around the planet have watched my films, and having my work on the streamers makes that all possible. There’s a certain freedom in catering to what audiences want on the different streamers (and knowing what you can get away with). Like, we wouldn’t be opening a Hallmark film with a naked butt, BUT I know that a Netflix audience will be down for that! I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries and pairing the right streamer with the right story.

With nearly 100 production credits across film and television, your career has been incredibly prolific. As you continue this momentum, what kinds of stories or creative challenges are you most excited to take on next?

I like to be genre agnostic, so I’m attached to a wide range of upcoming projects from Horrors and Thrillers, to Comedy, Action, and Period Films. Anything that gets me out of my comfort zone as a director is a place for me to explore further!