| Gabriel Cowan | |
| Nationality: | American |
| Education: | California Institute of the Arts |
| Occupation: | Director Composer Film producer |
| Parents: | Geoffrey Cowan |
Gabriel Cowan is an American film director, composer and film producer.[1] He has made documentaries, horror films, dramas, and comedies.
Gabriel Cowan was originally a musician. At 18, he worked with Robbie Robertson to score the film Jimmy Hollywood and signed a contract with Geffen Records. He later formed a band with David Arquette that helped score Scream 2 and Scream 3. After an unfulfilling career in which he scored television commercials, Cowan returned to school and graduated with a master's degree in film directing. While at CalArts, he co-wrote and co-directed Breathing Room with John Suits, whom he met at film school.[2] He also directed, shot, and produced Flower in the Gun Barrel, a documentary that explores the complexities of forgiveness and reconciliation in post genocide Rwanda. The film is produced by Amiee Clark and Monica Forouzesh, and is narrated by Martin Sheen.[3] After graduating, Cowan directed Growth, which became the number one horror rental on iTunes.[2] Cowan and Suits then collaborated on Extracted and Static.[3]
In 2012, Cowan directed and produced 3 Nights in the Desert.[4] With New Artists Alliance, which he formed with Suits, he produced Bad Milo!, The Scribbler, and Cheap Thrills.[5]
In 2013, Cowan produced Just Before I Go, Courteney Cox's directorial debut.[6]
Cowan grew up in Los Angeles. His grandfather created The $64,000 Question, and Spike Jonze is his 3rd cousin.[7] Cowan's great-great-grandfather was Joseph Spiegel, the founder of the Spiegel Catalog. His great-grandfather, Modie J. Spiegel, eventually took over the catalog in 1893. Modie's brother, Arthur Spiegel, was the great-grandfather of Spike Jonze and Sam Spiegel.[8] His aunt was Rachel Cowan, the first female convert to Judaism to be ordained as a rabbi in Reform Judaism.