David Scala is a second-generation Filipino-American writer, director, producer, and editor whose films aim to amplify queer and underrepresented voices, while exploring the emotional truths that connect us all. His work, including five award-winning short films, has been presented at over 150 film festivals worldwide, including SXSW, Seattle International Film Festival, Palm Springs International ShortFest, Outfest, Newfest, Frameline, the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival, and more.

He is an Academy Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting Semifinalist, a Creative Capital Award Quarterfinalist, and a Gold House Futures Member. His feature screenplays have placed and advanced at the screenwriting labs of Sundance, Austin FF, Outfest, Nashville FF, and HamptonsFilm, along with the Final Draft, Screen Craft, Launch Pad, and Creative World Awards competitions. 

His most recent short film ENGAGED (2019) starring Daniel K. Isaac (BILLIONS) and Ryan Jamaal Swain (POSE), screened at over 65 film festivals worldwide, including 7 Academy Award-Qualifying festivals. It won Best Comedy Short at the New Hampshire Film Festival, Best Short Film at ReelQ Pittsburgh, and numerous audience awards. The film was distributed internationally in 2020, and is currently available on YouTube. Another of his short films GROTTO is also available on YouTube, where it has over 3 million views. 

In 2017, he wrote and directed a full-length stage play AMONG THE FURIES, which won the Best of Festival Award for Best Play at the New York Theatre Festival out of 86 productions, in addition to winning Best Actress and Best Scenic Design. He was also nominated as Best Director. The show returned for a sold-out, critically acclaimed run at the 2018 New York International Fringe Festival.

Based in New York, he is currently developing his feature film directorial debut. BFA: NYU Tisch Film.