Carl Bird McLaughlin grew up in the northern stretches of Los Angeles County. As a child of two actors, he immediately answered a calling to perform, creating short films with his mother's home movie camcorder as well as involving himself in school plays. He began to study film directing at College of the Canyons where he received the Filmmaker of the Year award two years in a row. He later attended CalArts for his undergraduate degree. His films navigate themes of family, mental illness, and spirituality. He currently teaches at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).