Scott Alexander Ruderman is a documentary film director and cinematographer recognized for his work across platforms such as Netflix, BBC Studios, Paramount+, HBO, PBS, CBS Discovery+ and many film festivals around the world. He was named a 2024 DocNYC 40 Under 40 honoree for his contribution to documentary filmmaking.
His directorial debut, PAY OR DIE (2023), executive produced by Sheila Nevins and Sarah Silverman and acquired by MTV Documentary Films, premiered at SXSW Film Festival and was the closing night film at The Human Rights Film Festival in NY. PAY OR DIE won Best Documentary Feature at Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival, a 2024 SIMA Award, and the Cinema for Peace Dove in Global Health Award. Currently streaming on Paramount+, PAY OR DIE has been lauded for its verité style and exploration of healthcare rights.
As a cinematographer, Ruderman has shot THE ACCIDENTAL SPY (2024), directed by Anthony Wonke, which premiered at the Warsaw International Film Festival, and THE QUILTERS (2024), directed by Jenifer McShane and executive produced by Abigail Disney, which premiered at DC/Dox. He also lensed the upcoming film FRUIT IS RIPE, a TELUS Original set to air in 2025. Additionally, he served as an additional cinematographer on the Emmy-nominated FLOYD ABRAMS: SPEAKING FREELY (2023) for PBS's AMERICAN MASTERS. Ruderman is also a series DP for CBS’s 48 HOURS and Magnolia Network’s IN WITH THE OLD.
In 2021, Ruderman directed and filmed PIANO CRAFTMAN, a short film that screened at BIG SKY Doc Fest and Mountain Film Fest in 2021, winning Best Director at the Madrid Art Film Festival. His approach to storytelling, which explores a broad range of social, cultural, and human-centered themes, resonates with audiences worldwide.
Ruderman holds a Master’s degree from the School of Visual Arts (SVA) and is a member of the Documentary Cinematography Alliance (DCA). He is a 2022 Gotham Project Alumn, a 2023 participant in Chicken & Egg Pictures’ Project Hatched, and a member of the Portrait Creative Network.