Originally from New Jersey; TK Shom left behind a successful career in the mortgage business to enter the film industry in 2000. While learning the business, TK worked as a First Assistant Director on a varied assortment of short and indie films and cable television shows. He quickly moved on to doing larger budget films and then network television shows as a First AD.

TK First AD-ed on a wide array of television shows from half-hour comedies such as Grownish, Trial & Error and Hulu’s first original content, Battleground, to dramas such as Sorry For Your Loss for Facebook, Kindred for FX and The Rookie for ABC. TK’s film resume is just as diverse as films for Netflix, MGM, and Searchlight, among many other studios. All of these experiences helped him focus on his goal of directing.

In 2019 TK directed a short film called “Sidewinder” that gained entry into film festivals such as Beverly Hills Film Festival, Studio City Film Festival, Santa Fe Film Festival and many others.

TK was one of only seven participants selected to the prestigious Disney Directing Program’s class of 2023. TK joins the ranks of other Disney Directing Program alums such as Tessa Blake (A Million Little Things), Pete Chatmon (black-ish), Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Zetna Fuentes (Jane the Virgin), and Regina King (Insecure) among others.

TK’s first network television directing assignment was on Season 5 of The Rookie.

Managing a crew of hundreds and giving clear and precise direction is a skill that TK has honed through his many years of First AD-ing. His attention to detail and tireless work in prep give him the edge in crafting excellent stories.

In between takes with Lisseth Chavez and Nathan Fillion; The Rookie episode 519
Working out a shot with DP, Paul Theriault on The Rookie episode 519
Going over notes with Lisseth Chavez on The Rookie episode 519
TK Shom on set
At the monitor with DP, Chris Manley and Script Supervisor, Alexandra Wolff during the filming of Sidewinder
TK Shom on set working with crew
Script notes with Alexandra Wolff and Writer, Ryan Toyama during Sidewinder
TK Shom poses with slates on the set of The Rookie
In the bullpen on The Rookie episode 519
TK Shom talks framing
Framing a shot during the filming of Sidewinder
TK Shom in action
Giving notes during the shootout scene in Sidewinder
TK Shom behind the scenes of rigged car
Shooting on the pod car on The Rookie episode 519