Directory Profile
Robert Schiller
Professor of the Practice of Cinematic Arts
Affiliated Divisions:
Division of Film & Television Production
A 2 time Emmy Award winning Director, Rob began making films at the age of 11 and as an actor, got his Equity Card at 17. He hasn’t stopped directing in theatre, film & television since.
He attended Ithaca College for Communications and Buffalo State for Theatre Arts. His first network job was as a Production Supervisor for CBS Sports & Entertainment divisions in NYC.
From there he produced the CBS daytime drama “As The World Turns” by day and worked in the theatre, at night.
Hollywood called to direct the NBC daytime drama “Santa Barbara” for 5 years, then General Hospital.
His first sitcom was “Another World”. Since then, he has Directed over 400 sitcom episodes for every major Network & Studio including Executive Producer- Director of “The King of Queens” on CBS for 9 years. Amongst his achievements, 6 pilots he directed went to series, directed the BBC series “Clone” in London, and did one of the first webisode series for Crackle.
His indie film “And They’re Off” received glowing reviews from the LA Times, his short film “Don’t Be A Drip” won Best Short Award at FilmFest 2016, and Rob's short film "Waiting Around For You To Die....." Made Official Selection in the 2024 French International Modern Film Festival, and the Award of Excellence at Best Shorts Competition.
Rob taught Directing and Production in Beijing for a year, Directing at Chapman for another year and is happy to now be full time at USC. Currently, he is writing a book on Composition for Film,TV & Theatre, and another entitled "So You Want to Direct?" -A "How To" manual for beginning (and some seasoned) directors.