Ariane Cordeau studied communication at UQÀM, majoring in cinema. Her first short film, Pretzelle, shot in 16mm, was shown at the Cinémathèque québécoise in 1995 and again in St-Malot, France as part of the Office franco-québécois pour la jeunesse. She has worked in various capacities in the television and film industries: actress, editor, television host and reporter, in addition to a "baby break" (3 in 4 years). She made several short films on her return to work while living in France from 2002 to 2006, including Un poil occulte, which was shown at the Rendez-vous du cinéma québécois in January 2007.