David Von Ancken is an American motion picture director, writer, and producer. He is an Executive Producer and regular director for Hell on Wheels. He helmed the series pilot episode. He was brought on as an Executive Producer when the season was picked up. He directed the second episode "Immoral Mathematics", the eighth episode "Derailed" and the first season finale "God of Chaos". He returned as a Consulting Producer for the second season in 2012. He directed the second season premiere "Viva La Mexico".
He wrote and directed the western film Seraphim Falls (2006). He made his directorial debut with the film Box Suite (1997) and followed it with the short Bullet in the Brain (2001). He has worked extensively in television and is a regular director for the Showtime drama Californication.