Laura Ricciardi

Laura Ricciardi is a filmmaker, writer, director and lawyer. She is best known for co-directing and co-producing the critically acclaimed true crime documentary series "Making a Murderer" alongside Moira Demos. The series, which premiered on Netflix, gained widespread attention for its in-depth investigation into the controversial case of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man who was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault and later charged with murder after being exonerated.

Ricciardi, who is a lawyer, leveraged her legal expertise to meticulously dissect the case, examining issues of police misconduct, systemic failures, and the broader implications of the criminal justice system. "Making a Murderer" earned numerous awards, including several Emmys, and helped spark national discussions around wrongful convictions and judicial reform.

Beyond "Making a Murderer," Ricciardi continues to be involved in documentary filmmaking, focusing on complex, socially relevant topics that challenge the status quo.

About "Making a Murderer": Ricciardi and Demos met while graduate students in Columbia University's film program in 2005. The two learned about Steven Avery, a convict in Wisconsin released due to DNA evidence, only to be accused of another crime, after reading an article in the New York Times. Both thought the case could make for an interesting documentary. Before meeting with Netflix, the company that ultimately chose to produce the series, Demos and Ricciardi met with executives at PBS and HBO, but neither network was interested in the project. The series premiered in December 2015 to positive reviews.