DIRECTOR OF RIVER OF ANGELS
Shawn Welling – Biography
Shawn Welling is a Houston-based filmmaker, choreographer, and storyteller whose career has spanned dance, film, and community-centered projects. Founder of Planet Funk Academy and Welling Films, Welling has directed over 13 feature films, 30 short films, and two television series, winning more than 150 international festival awards. His work has reached global audiences, amassing more than 150 million downloads, while his choreography has been showcased at NBA, NFL, and NHL halftime shows, Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion, and on Good Morning America.
Family and Faith
At the heart of Welling’s career and creative drive is his family. He is married to Michelle Welling, whose support and partnership has been instrumental in every stage of his journey. Together they are the proud parents of EmmaRain and LillySky, daughters who inspire both his artistic and personal life. His children have been involved in many of his productions, carrying forward his passion for storytelling and performance.
Welling is a devoted Christian, and his faith serves as both a foundation and a guiding compass in his life and career. His family’s spiritual life is deeply connected to their community, with their daughters’ godparents being legendary actor Lee Majors and his wife Faith Majors—longtime family friends whose influence and presence have been a blessing in the Welling family’s journey.
Welling Films
Launched in 2007, Welling Films has become a powerhouse in independent cinema. The studio has produced 13 feature films, 30 short films, and two television web series, with a slate that ranges from heartfelt dramas to visionary science fiction. Collectively, Welling Films’ productions have earned over 150 festival awards worldwide, including recognition for directing, cinematography, screenwriting, and ensemble performances.
Planet Funk Academy
Founded in 1994, Planet Funk Academy was the nation’s first urban dance studio, breaking new ground for street, hip-hop, and contemporary performance. Under Welling’s direction, the studio produced over 1,000 stage shows and an impressive 17 Off-Broadway performances, influencing generations of dancers and shaping the national conversation about urban dance. Diane Sawyer once called Planet Funk “legendary” on Good Morning America, underscoring its cultural impact.
A Life of Storytelling and Service
Welling’s recent projects reflect his dual dedication to artistry and community. His feature film The Sound of Willow (2025) tells the moving story of a young girl overcoming a brain tumor, while his documentary River of Angels (2025) chronicles the voices of survivors, first responders, and community heroes during the catastrophic Kerr County floods. Both projects stand as testaments to his commitment to telling stories of hope, resilience, and faith.
Legacy
Beyond the accolades, Shawn Welling’s true legacy is defined by his family, his faith, and his mission to inspire future generations through film and dance. Whether behind the camera, on stage, or at home with Michelle, EmmaRain, and LillySky, he continues to live out a life guided by creativity, love, and belief in the power of stories to heal and connect.
Beyond film, Welling’s choreography and photography have been showcased worldwide, and he has spoken at universities and festivals on the art and craft of storytelling. He lives in Houston with his wife, Michelle, and daughters, EmmaRain and LillySky.
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