Alumni Reveal How They Landed Their First Paid Gigs
What does the immediate post-grad landscape actually look like for a film major? Here are the long-form answers related to film school alumni's first paid filmmaking role as well as the achievements they're most proud of over their career.
Assistant Editor
Production Assistant
Assistant Director
Production Assistant
Camera op
Teaching
Post production
Creative Producer
Avid Instructor
It was before film school. 2nd AD on a miniseries. First after school was as senior editor for an internet startup.
Writer
I was already freelancing as a videographer in undergrad, but landed my first TV gig 2 years after graduation as a PA in reality tv.
Dailies Editor
Wedding editing
Cinematographer
Covering Script Supervisor
Videographer at UCLA
Script Supervisor
Mailroom
Editing feature
My first paid filmmaking job was as a production assistant on an indie film.
Pa / directors assistant
Working for a lighting rental house
Entertainment PR and Location Manager for 10 hotels in Vegas
Director
I did various paid jobs in school, and quite a lot of Union Set Electric work after graduation.
Production Assistant, Casey’s Pizza Commercial
Location Assistant
Editor for a local small production company
Freelance advertising promo
Temporary Executive Assistant
PA Music Video
producer's assistant
Office assistant at indie film company
1st AD
I worked as a PA while I was still in school
Screenwriter for project development
Assistant at film international sales company
PA on Transformers
Videographer/Editor for youtube channel
Grip/electric
Production Assistant on an independent movie
Writers Asst
Producer
AD / Producer
Development Assistant
Grip
PA for a commercial
Assistant
1st ac
Executive Assistant to Filmmaker
Office Production Assistant
Editor
Assistant editing
Production Assistant - Reality TV. 4 months
Clinical Assistant Professor
PA on General Hospital
Digital Imaging Technician
Screenwriter, TV miniseries
Art Assistant
Post Production Assistant
UPM on Vertical Drama
Admin Assistant
Line Producer for an independent short and a paid part-time development role, almost simultaneously
Freelance Gigs - Photography/Videography/Editing
producer assistant
Temp assistant to a major producer
Post Production Assistant
Talent Agent Assistant
staff writer on netflix show
directing a short film
Assistant at an Agency
Freelance contract jobs
I landed in Video Games (Production Coordinator)
Jr. Execuitve Assistant
Covid Compliance Officer
Avid Technical Support
Taught film for 3 years then got a temp job through alumni connections at CAA. Then, transferred from temp to Mailroom.
Post gig through a friend
I worked as an event manager after graduating and those skills translated well to being a Producer.I also freelanced editing conference sessions which I think was helpful to becoming a producer
Someone quit and they called me to fill in.
The producer on my thesis film who was a fellow student got a job and hired me.
COVID forced me to return to my home country to make my thesis film. My producer friend who helped me on the film ended up working with a company looking for new directors. He put in a word and showed my thesis to the company and they decided to take a gamble on me.
Best Friend and business partner was a PA on this gig and referred me.
Networked with alumni and called them when I moved to Los Angeles
One of my dad’s coworker’s wife was hiring
I was recommended for an assistant position while I was in school and took a year off for the job. I was hired by one of my professors to work on a project directly after graduating.
Made a friend in uni who needed me to cover him for a weekend
Friend from internship/unpaid film work referred me to the job as she was leaving LA for NY to start over.
Aunt worked at Steiner studio
I explained to the Producer / Director why he needed script supervision.
Was hired from my internship
While studing I was working mostly on documentaries. Profesors from documentary departament were visiting us in editing room for consultation and one of them liked my work. He asked me if I want to colaborate on his move as an second editor but after rough cut he decided to let me finish the movie. So I finished this movie as my master film and right after masters exames we went to premiere movie in Venice.
I secured my first filmmaking job through a friend I met in film school who recommended me for the role. They needed an extra PA for a short film, and I applied without hesitating. I showcased my eagerness and previous experience, which left a good impression.
Family friend knew a writer that had a film going into pre production. He got me an interview with the director.
A friend from High school worked at the organization already. He got me the interview.
By chance older brother had a connection with unit production manager
A contact at a Sundance film festival.
My very first one I was referred by a friend from school to a feature film that was being filmed in the college’s city — it was volunteer based, and I got brought on to 2nd AC
Secured financing for independent film I wrote and directed
Parents work in the industry, worked in the industry before and during film school
I signed up for Mandy.com and got the job there through however I sold myself. I remember trying to come off as both humble in personality and confident in skills.
I was the most motivated, charismatic and eager to learn and apply myself student in my class. I talked to my teacher about how mich i wantwd to work in the industry. I applied myself out of the classroom, which helped prove to him that i should be brought on.
Hit up the state film office that connected me with the contacts at the Production Office. Invited to interview after submitting resume.
I had interned at the company during my senior year, and they offered me a part-time gig editing for them. Was severely underpaid but thrilled.
I made a promotional video for a tennis facility that a coworker of my dads son trained at.
Supervisor from previous internship reached out to fill a temporary position.
Internships from school and friendships from internships
My professor hired me as an assistant for her independent film company.
A graduate student professor that liked me recommended me to this company to work as a PA
I was recommended by a individual who was also getting into PA work in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, they were often recommending me for jobs that they were unavailable for.
It had a lot to do with what I had learned at Film School: how to pitch in a professional environment, how to develop a writing project, how to properly cold email / self-promote.
Met with alumni who referred me to another alumni. That second alum offered me an unpaid internship, then as I was leaving they had a job open up that I took
Friend’s sister got me in
A peer from school who had graduated before me was working at this job and recommended me.
Fellow graduate landed on a job and got me hired
I partnered up with 4 other people from film school who wanted to move to LA. We all did together. One of us had a friend who was doing a lot of shooting in LA and wanted to start building his camera and G/ETeam. So all of us got a few small gigs right away.
I responded to a post on Facebook calling for PAs
Friend I made through USC script list put me up for the job
I worked with a Professor from my University before graduation and landed the job after graduation.
Was on Indeed, did well during the interview because of my Resume
Friend gave a word of mouth referral, my name got passed around to a couple productions and I booked the gig over a phone call.
From the school's listserv
After moving to Los Angeles (roommates) with acquaintances met at college; one of my roommates was asked to day-play on the evening of Valentine’s Day and it was unavailable. So she recommended me for the job.
Was put in touch through a film professor
I hit various productions companies numerous times and eventually got a job offer
USCs job person got me it
Met an agent at a party who hooked me up with an assistant gig to an actor.
Series was looking for a PA, an instructor from my MFA program recommended me.
My editing professor knew the VP of post production for Boardwalk Pictures and connected us. He hired me on for one of their shows.
Friends hired me for a low budget feature
Was living in San Diego and my friend was a PA in LA, he called me and asked if I needed work for a day, I said I sure as crap do!
My first filmmaking jobs were during and after undergraduate. Internships that led to office PA on a show that led to personal assisting for more than a decade. I went back to school later so I think I'm a different case. With all of my experience, it was easy to find a high-paid job right out of school-- although it's not related to screenwriting. That career is something I'm having to pursue on the side. My current job has some creative elements as my boss preps a movie he's written and will direct and produce.
An alumni working as a Production Supervisor and Coordinator in NJ/NY who I reached out to + have been in contact with offered me an unpaid internship on a feature she was working on. There was a change, and it turns out the production didn't have room for an intern. Few days later she reaches out to me saying that a full-time paid office PA role opened up and is mine if I'm interested. I took the job and started four days later!
A friend of a collaborator needed and editor for an indie project.
Referred
Close friend of mine from film school who graduated 1 year before me recommended me for the job.
I did teaching assistantships while in graduate school and then applied for many faculty positions during my last year of school. I also had an established successful record of film work with festival and award recognition. I found my first job through Higher Ed Jobs
They needed many PAs and asked film schools for us
My graduate program was part of an initiative of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment in New York City. They were hiring students who could do below the line work while union members did department leads.
Landed an office job at a studio and hit up production companies from there. I eventually got a chance to work on a film from those visits.
Alum reached out to faculty member who recommended me.
A former colleague of my Mother gave me an opportunity to Interview
Peer connections from college friend > Unpaid internship > Paid PA job
Asked someone who graduated the year above me and working in verticals for a job in production.
Applied via EntertainmentCareers.net
It was posted on the SCA groupchat and the person hiring knew a guy at school that I’d produced a student project for and had heard good things about me.
I can't remember what my first gig was - but my main sources for gigs in the beginning was social media + connections from film school peers.
Applied to be an intern via the UTA job list and then our boss fired his asst, so he needed a temp asst while he searched for a person with more experience than I had.
Craig’s List
I interned for a talent manager in LA and through her I was able to get a job with a talent agency in Toronto (where I'm from). They co managed clients
i worked at the writers union (wga) and met a writer who staffed me
They had an idea and I went to pitch how I would write and direct it. They ended up hiring another writer but hired me to direct.
Combination of internship experience (important! Paid or unpaid) and networking with peers/alumni
I hopped right back in what I was doing prior to attending grad school, so it's hard to say what my "first" job after grad school.
My friend from undergrad ended up helping me secure an interview at that job
Gotta be honest, I don't know, I think I just manifested it. I got a call one day from a recruitment agency I had never applied to, but they had my resume and they got me the interview. No idea how they got my resume (I checked my Google search history and everything) but it worked
I interned at Avid during senior year of college and I worked hard while there. I must have impressed them where they asked if I wanted to be interviewed for the job.
Love the people. Dislike nothing
I liked that I was thrown to the wolves and it was a full time position. I didn't love the commute or pay
Education was great but I needed more real world experience before I taught others.
Loved that I was working everyday. Hates the content and the executives.
I love the relative creative freedom they gave me for a first-time TV writer & director. I hated the low pay and the very short production time, but that's what the budget in Thailand could afford for a project of this nature.
loved the on-set experience gained and lifestyle, hated the long hours.
Loved getting full-time work with benefits; hated that it was nighttime hours.
Loved the pay, the environment, learning. Hated that it wasn’t “secure”, no benefits, I had to invoice them
Job was fascinating. Hours were utterly miserable.
Poor money
Loved the feeling - it was REAL. I disliked the script and topics covered.
No creative and career progression. Steady work every month from 2012-2019.
It was pretty simple which good and bad there no credit but I did see Steven Spielberg
Being a script supervisor is not a creative task, I considered it as part of building production experience for IATSE membership (call sheets). Discovered this was not for me.
It was fairly mundane but was consistent and taught me how to manage professional relationships while getting visibility into industry norms. Led to several new positions at the company before leaving for studio and what I really wanted to do
I saw it as an oportunity to become real editor. What I didn't realized that time was that because that movie was directed by older generation and was succeful at festival etc I had a problem to get another work after that because I was no enough experienced for older generation but for younger generation I was over experienced so it took me another year to work on another movie.
What I loved most about my first job was the hands-on experience and the chance to work creatively with a dedicated team. However, I disliked the long hours and sometimes chaotic environment that came with short film shoots.
Access learning. Lack of respect
Loved learning about new equipment. The thing I disliked most was my boss' poor time management.
Wish it was more consiste
Cool experiences. Disliked the pay and hours.
It was the first time I ever worked with a real crew (they flew in from LA), the first time I ever saw an Alexa, it was amazing — I asked so many questions, took so many pictures, and was a great learning experience — and then it led to my first paid role which was another feature right afterwardOnly caveat was that it was unpaid, the food wasn’t great, and the whole crew slept on the floor of an abandoned funeral home (the P.O. at the time)
I loved that I was on a big production in my own hometown, and i got a taste of what the professionals really do. I got to work around real working industry filmmakers and i loved it.At the time, i disliked having to do the PA desk work at the end of the production. Not for me.
Loved working with very talented people from the start. No bad habits learned.No extreme dislikes, the hours were extreme.
I like getting paid for film and being my own boss but it was a boring video. I also didn’t enjoy negotiating my own rates.
Enjoyed that it was based in current series/development, didn’t like the low pay and temporary nature
Cool subject, but bad working hours
I liked that I got a job right away and had a lot of autonomy and decision making, but hated the politics and dealing with egos.
I liked how much it paid me at the time as a college student, there wasn’t much I disliked
I love that I was working in the industry and that I was forced out of my comfort zone and just had to dive head first into learning and making sure the production stayed on track.
It happened right after graduation, and it gave me the impression that things were going to be easier than they ended up being.
Lots of good stories but being a PA was crap work. Min 16 hour days, plus drive time and getting ready before and after bed. I was lucky if I got 6 hours of sleep per night.
Very flexible bosses and owners who let me work on my own side projects as well. I disliked being the only one to work there and was very removed from any real film sets or jobs.
Loved I was working. Did not love that I was a PA.
It was fun to finally get paid and our equipment was in such better shape than film school. But the hours were long and physical.
As an independent, we had to do a lot of the locations work and driving work since we didn’t have a transpo or locations department. We also didn’t have a fully staffed team, so I operated as a 2nd 2nd AD for the PA rate.
But I just loved being on a film set. And I loved the smaller size of the crew as it helped us make connections at all levels.
Toxic environment, but paid well
It was my first time Producing a feature film and I learned a lot. It was and is the most difficult job I have ever done for many reasons I won't go into here.
Good freedom but no overtime due to flat rates
Being on set. Hated the hours and low pay.
Liked - cammaraderi; Disliked - Long hours, night hours
Loved that I finally got to start working with real gear. Hated that it was overnight prepping gear to travel 4pm-4am.
Learned a lot on the job and continued making connections in the area. Wasn’t quite ready for a true 12 hour day was
I loved everything and had no regrets
I was a PA so great to be on a real, professional set. disliked how it was so temporary.
I loved that I was going to be mentored by a well known filmmaker. Instead I was shorted on pay for 3 years and received no help in advancing my career.
That it was a PA gig I was over qualified for
I wished I was paid more, I enjoyed the team and friendly atmosphere. I also learned a lot from the lead AE.
Fun to work on a feature with friends, low rates all around
Liked being on set, learning a bit about things, and free food. Disliked the 16 hour day, kept watching my hourly rate drop and drop!
I'm still working it! It's relatively low budget, so the lack of benefits (lunch, good crafty) is probably my least favorite thing. BUT the people I'm meeting are all really cool, and it's so amazing to see stuff I've only learned about being put into action.
It was barely paid.
It was a job
Loved getting to finally work in the business, cut my teeth on a tough job, and learn from folks who’d done it a long time. That said, it was docu/reality and I wanted to be in scripted, so it was hard at first adapting to the landscape.
I enjoyed teaching but didn't like the location (Huntsville, TX). It also didn't offer financial support for my film projects.
Being on set
I loved learning the needs for dailies. I disliked the unrealistic expectations that a DIT would also do Dailies processing along with media management.
Just enjoyed the whole process. I have nothing bad to say of the experience.
Loved research and writing; hated boorish Italian producers
I liked working with my hands and being on my feet. I liked the attitude of my peers.Hated being shutdown.
Loved learning and being in the industry, struggled to survive on minimum wage pay
Not a lot to like. It's a credit and it's some money. I was pretty open minded going in and accepted every task given but learnt very quickly that vertical companies make profits off of having "skeleton" crews(very limited crew members) working insane hours for pay that doesn't really compensate for the burnout/physical exhaustion. Most people take the jobs anyway since they are just out of film school and do not have any other paid job hiring them.
I didn’t want to work in Post so it really wasn’t my cup of tea but money is money.
Very chaotic leadership. Would be more cautious going forward about outlining responsibilities
I like the freedom, flexibility, and creative expression of freelancing. I don't love how much pay fluctuates, and how much self-promotion is required.
It was honestly a hellish job and I really didnt like any of it since the boss was very toxic. Only thing I liked was the idea that I had my whole career in front of me and this was just the beginning.
Meeting new people was nice but the pay was terrible
Lack of pay
I loved everything about it. Though it was covid and zoom rooms were hard
It was a small production but very fun and organized, well paid.
Love: the experience, learning a lot, meeting a lot of peers; Dislike: the hours, lack of creativity
Flexibility
I love getting to work on video game trailers and work alongside my awesome coworkers. Hate how women don't seem to get that many creative jobs here. Also some of the men are pretty toxic
Being an assistant at a production company could be super boring at times, especially and unscripted TV one. But I liked the people and I learned a ton about unscripted development
I loved that I had an Avid at my desk and was trained all about the system. I learned how to edit with it, take it apart, reinstall everything, and troubleshoot problems. I also took all of the official Avid classes and eventually got certified to teach the Avid classes. The least favorite part was actually doing the phone support which was my real job. I was able to help people which was great but doing phone support is never fun. My coworkers were great though.
Mostly commercials and corporate videos
A list film and tv, some reality and indie features when I was starting out.
Features, docs, anthology series, improv comedy series, tv, streaming, kids shows, comedy, sci fi, thriller, shorts, music videos
Thai feature film 'Homestay' (2017, writer, prior to MFA degree,) Netflix Thailand's 'Terror Tuesday: Extreme' - EP 04 - The Vow (anthology show, writer & director,) Netflix Thailand's 'Tomorrow & I' - EP 03 - Buddha Data (anthology show, writer), Netflix Thailand's Unannounced Cyber Thriller (writer & story editor, 7 episodes.)
Unscripted, Reality, Doc, music video and promotional for local artists/business
Indie films, big budget studio films
High end hour long dramas mostly on streamers
Independent features, narrative shorts, documentary features, unscripted TV, broadcast commercials, music videos, corporate video, social media
Mostly short films or independents
Mostly indie projects with no pay
Mainly small crew commercial/interview productions.
Mostly short personal projects for other people, 1 blockbuster (Tomorrowland) as synth programmer, 2 independent films (one DP the other script supervisor)
I have been post production staff for Fox and searchlight for 15 years
Mostly european art house hybrid movies
I've worked on various short films and commercials as a production assistant, helping with all aspects of the production process.
Indy features 100k to $7mm
I've had a 25 year career, I've worked in the set lighting department on everything from tiny commercials to massive studio features, as well as work for live broadcast like sports announce and news desks.
A variety of indie features, documentaries, music videos, commercials, corporate, etc
Independent horror film
Mostly indie features, some branded content and unscripted social media stuff, one vertical editing job
I've been paying the bills as a Sustainability PA/Coordinator on union features and TV shows since 2022.
Ive worked on vertical drama productions, independant feature films , music videos, short films and commercials
Fincher projects, Marvel projects, multiple A24, neon, filmnation
I have mostly worked freelance and done marketing videos. These have been either one man band shoots, or smaller YouTube series content. I have also written and directed my own feature film and short films.
Commercials as an AD but PAd on everything under the sun to get here
Several independent features, however most were in pre-production when COVID hit and only one did I get to see through completion. The rest still have not been made.
Commercials, music videos, shorts, docs, tv, movies
I've worked primarily on independent webseries as a Producer / Line Producer and a few TV series as a Production secretary.
I've worked as a writer and currently showrunner for Studio TV series (Prime Video in Europe), as well as writer, cowriter and script editor of independent features.
Free movies, personal projects,
Independent short and feature films, commercials, documentaries, corporate videos, interviews.
Documentary feature, indie feature, unscripted tv
I usually work as an editor or assistant editor on scripted TV. But have recently started directing some of my own feature films.
Largely staffed and additional PA work on studio features and studio scripted television with some commercials, AD and PA positions on verticals, and AD and PA positions on independent features and shorts
I have produced an independent feature comedy, I have produced short films and documentaries, I have directed/produced short films and documentary shorts, I have worked as DP and Camera Op on documentary work, I
have worked extensively as a paid Grip/Gaffer/Swing on short films and music videos.
Mostly student films and independent short films
Too many to count over a 20 year career. Mostly TV
I work Production on large budget $10million+ reality network shows (Netflix, Bravo, E!). Either as Production Supervisor or Production Manager. I primarily oversee the entire physical production team and/or field locations.
Indie narrative has been the bulk of it, balanced out with some commercial/music video work. And more corporate style docs than I ever expected
Feature films, TV projects, amusement parks
Mostly student films, one professional commercial, one indie feature film
Lots of music videos and a few features and tv series
Currently working on an animated feature as an assistant art director. Other projects were live action features and tv series.
Feature Documentaries, Documentary Series, Corporate/Social Media Videos, and Short Films
Mainly short form content, commercials, web, some indie features
My only scripted tv gig was as a feature editor for 5 years on a seasonal weekly college sports show. Other than that I have been an independent producer/shooter/editor for 20 years working on branded projects, and currently work on an in-house design team as an editor and animator.
On set assistant to talent
All types
Jailbirds (Netflix), Live Rescue (A&E), Home Sweet Home (WB), Basketball Wives (VH1), Perfect Match (Netflix), Ted Season 1 (Peacock), Top Combat Pilot (Fox Nation), Love Island S5 (Peacock), High Horse: The Black Cowboy (Peacock)
Mostly episodic TV with a few features here and there
I have been a mastering technician at Harbor Picture Company where I worked on shorts, features and episodics. At Radical Media, I was a Post Engineer on several documentary features and episodics.
Split between VFX films and animated features.
Feature documentary, commercial television
I have worked on 10 Local productions and 7 large American features in my home country
Indie films and unscripted TV series
vertical dramas, shorts.
Two that are out this year: “Michael” and “The Odyssey”
Shorts, verticals and long form development
Mostly development and production for major studio projects: BACK IN ACTION, UNFROSTED, THE TERMINAL LIST, AMERICAN CRIME STORY, Y THE LAST MAN, AMERICAN SPORTS STORY, FLAKED, A FUTILE AND STUPID GESTURE, etc
Animated movies, animated tv, unscripted tv, corporate video
netflix tv show. was a pro actor in my pre-school life
Primarily non-fiction corporate media
Indie feature film, indie feature and short documentaries, now I do social media
I started out in music videos, transitioned to documentaries and independent features. Eventually landed into unscripted reality TV which has been the majority of my work. I've been a lead editor and producer for a huge Discovery network show for the past 11 years.
Seeing my name in credits never gets old! Super proud of designing pipeline and workflow for one of the largest projects in the world, ever.
I have an Emmy nomination, a Webby, a bunch of Tellys, I’ve worked with the muppets, I’ve produced and directed features and cable series, show run a web series, including individual episodes, more than 200 credits as a producer/director.
My thesis film and my episode on 'Terror Tuesdays: Extreme'
Was a movie studio lawyer for 8+ years
All of it
Work in the permanent collection of MOMA and various other museums.
Worked on a reel film in April
None.
Worked on films before covid
My book, Evoke, on the topic of creating a beholder’s share through applying cognitive neuroscience to filmmaking.
Jojo Rabbit was one of my first searchlight projects.
Both of the featers I edited and are already released were premiered and awarded at Venice IFF. One is called 107 mothers and second Photophobia. Also I got 2 nomination for national awards and was awarded by Asociation of Slovak film editors for best documentary editing.
I'm proud of my involvement in a short film that won an audience award at a local film festival. It was a great team effort and a significant learning experience.
Documentary webby award winning ea games spot
Thesis film
Directed like 5 independent pilots which I’m proud of
National Geographic 'Watchers of the Land', and 'Mariachi Recolucion' (in progress).
Co-Produced an indie feature before going to film school (~650k budget)
While working staffed on an apple production in 2024 monday-friday, I was also producing and directing my feature film debut over the weekends, essentially working 84-hour work weeks to chase my dreams.
My own short films.
Several projects I’ve worked on that win many awards. I don’t necessarily take credit for those wins.
Making my own feature film
Making it out of “3rd area”
No awards, just a paycheck
A web series pilot that I worked on [ 3 Blind Mice (2023) ] won Diversity in Cannes for best Short.
The feature film 'Sleepless City' ('Ciudad sin sueño'), which I co-wrote, premiered at Cannes Film Festival's Semaine de la Critique, where it earned the Best Screenplay award.It was later nominated for the Spanish Film Academy's Goya Awards (our country's equivalent to the Oscar / César awards).
I was the DP on Coca-Cola Refreshing Films: Expand which won the grand jury prize and played across theaters in the US and Canada during the summer of 2023.
I’m very proud of my first feature film Intoxication. And the excellent TV shows I’ve been a part of.
Key PA on May December
I was a Student Academy Award semi-finalist with my first short film I created in Grad School. I have recently been awarded grants for my own work now that I'm out of school and it is very rewarding and validating to create
work that I am directing.
2nd Place and $7,500 for my thesis film at nyu festival
A few Emmy nominations and one win.
Top Chef: for actual content we make!
Worked on numerous Academy and Emmy winning films
My thesis film
Webby and Clio awards in advertising
Edited a short film that screened at Tribeca and won the Features Films x Jet Blue Student Showcase. Also, worked as an Assistant Editor on a Documentary Mini Series that was nominated for an ACE Eddie and a PGA award.
Getting director jobs for various commercial, music video projects
My short documentary about cycling the Kentucky bourbon trail was pretty cool
One of my unproduced scripts.
My thesis short film about the 2017 Muslim travel ban. My time as LP’s Assistant on Ted. The short I’m currently working on and am excited to shoot later this year.
Premiering at Slamdance, six regional EMMY nominations, directing The Heroin Project (my first larger scale film project on an important topic), becoming a professor
Working with the filmmakers who got me excited about this business as a little boy
Just proud of being part of award winning films
Documentary feature’s festival response.
I am proud of the relationships I have built with my local prop houses, Art Dept community and friends in the industry who seek me out for their jobs
Major festival premieres
I would say the thesis films I worked on. They challenged me the most creatively and mentally, but I do think i became a better producer and line producer because of them. They are definitely extremely draining(for a producer) and you might hate your life for a those few months, but when you are done and look back on it you will see how much you have grown (even if your thesis team is horrible, which happened a lot in my year).
I'm most proud of the work I've done as a producer and my photography.
THE TERMINAL LIST, while not my personal cup of tea, was the first project I was on beginning (option) to end (release on Amazon).
Being booked on multiple project because people want to work with me
Having films I financed and distributed in major film festivals like Venice and TIFF
Academy Nicholl Fellowship
Became a teacher and my students films are what I'm most proud of!
Getting an Emmy-winning director attached to my script
I won Telly awards for two commercials I did when I was first starting out in the early 2000s. I'm very proud of the Discovery show that I've been working on for the past decade.
What was that first PAID filmmaking job or role?
PAAssistant Editor
Production Assistant
Assistant Director
Production Assistant
Camera op
Teaching
Post production
Creative Producer
Avid Instructor
It was before film school. 2nd AD on a miniseries. First after school was as senior editor for an internet startup.
Writer
I was already freelancing as a videographer in undergrad, but landed my first TV gig 2 years after graduation as a PA in reality tv.
Dailies Editor
Wedding editing
Cinematographer
Covering Script Supervisor
Videographer at UCLA
Script Supervisor
Mailroom
Editing feature
My first paid filmmaking job was as a production assistant on an indie film.
Pa / directors assistant
Working for a lighting rental house
Entertainment PR and Location Manager for 10 hotels in Vegas
Director
I did various paid jobs in school, and quite a lot of Union Set Electric work after graduation.
Production Assistant, Casey’s Pizza Commercial
Location Assistant
Editor for a local small production company
Freelance advertising promo
Temporary Executive Assistant
PA Music Video
producer's assistant
Office assistant at indie film company
1st AD
I worked as a PA while I was still in school
Screenwriter for project development
Assistant at film international sales company
PA on Transformers
Videographer/Editor for youtube channel
Grip/electric
Production Assistant on an independent movie
Writers Asst
Producer
AD / Producer
Development Assistant
Grip
PA for a commercial
Assistant
1st ac
Executive Assistant to Filmmaker
Office Production Assistant
Editor
Assistant editing
Production Assistant - Reality TV. 4 months
Clinical Assistant Professor
PA on General Hospital
Digital Imaging Technician
Screenwriter, TV miniseries
Art Assistant
Post Production Assistant
UPM on Vertical Drama
Admin Assistant
Line Producer for an independent short and a paid part-time development role, almost simultaneously
Freelance Gigs - Photography/Videography/Editing
producer assistant
Temp assistant to a major producer
Post Production Assistant
Talent Agent Assistant
staff writer on netflix show
directing a short film
Assistant at an Agency
Freelance contract jobs
I landed in Video Games (Production Coordinator)
Jr. Execuitve Assistant
Covid Compliance Officer
Avid Technical Support
Please go into detail on how you secured your first filmmaking job
Got it through an alumniTaught film for 3 years then got a temp job through alumni connections at CAA. Then, transferred from temp to Mailroom.
Post gig through a friend
I worked as an event manager after graduating and those skills translated well to being a Producer.I also freelanced editing conference sessions which I think was helpful to becoming a producer
Someone quit and they called me to fill in.
The producer on my thesis film who was a fellow student got a job and hired me.
COVID forced me to return to my home country to make my thesis film. My producer friend who helped me on the film ended up working with a company looking for new directors. He put in a word and showed my thesis to the company and they decided to take a gamble on me.
Best Friend and business partner was a PA on this gig and referred me.
Networked with alumni and called them when I moved to Los Angeles
One of my dad’s coworker’s wife was hiring
I was recommended for an assistant position while I was in school and took a year off for the job. I was hired by one of my professors to work on a project directly after graduating.
Made a friend in uni who needed me to cover him for a weekend
Friend from internship/unpaid film work referred me to the job as she was leaving LA for NY to start over.
Aunt worked at Steiner studio
I explained to the Producer / Director why he needed script supervision.
Was hired from my internship
While studing I was working mostly on documentaries. Profesors from documentary departament were visiting us in editing room for consultation and one of them liked my work. He asked me if I want to colaborate on his move as an second editor but after rough cut he decided to let me finish the movie. So I finished this movie as my master film and right after masters exames we went to premiere movie in Venice.
I secured my first filmmaking job through a friend I met in film school who recommended me for the role. They needed an extra PA for a short film, and I applied without hesitating. I showcased my eagerness and previous experience, which left a good impression.
Family friend knew a writer that had a film going into pre production. He got me an interview with the director.
A friend from High school worked at the organization already. He got me the interview.
By chance older brother had a connection with unit production manager
A contact at a Sundance film festival.
My very first one I was referred by a friend from school to a feature film that was being filmed in the college’s city — it was volunteer based, and I got brought on to 2nd AC
Secured financing for independent film I wrote and directed
Parents work in the industry, worked in the industry before and during film school
I signed up for Mandy.com and got the job there through however I sold myself. I remember trying to come off as both humble in personality and confident in skills.
I was the most motivated, charismatic and eager to learn and apply myself student in my class. I talked to my teacher about how mich i wantwd to work in the industry. I applied myself out of the classroom, which helped prove to him that i should be brought on.
Hit up the state film office that connected me with the contacts at the Production Office. Invited to interview after submitting resume.
I had interned at the company during my senior year, and they offered me a part-time gig editing for them. Was severely underpaid but thrilled.
I made a promotional video for a tennis facility that a coworker of my dads son trained at.
Supervisor from previous internship reached out to fill a temporary position.
Internships from school and friendships from internships
My professor hired me as an assistant for her independent film company.
A graduate student professor that liked me recommended me to this company to work as a PA
I was recommended by a individual who was also getting into PA work in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, they were often recommending me for jobs that they were unavailable for.
It had a lot to do with what I had learned at Film School: how to pitch in a professional environment, how to develop a writing project, how to properly cold email / self-promote.
Met with alumni who referred me to another alumni. That second alum offered me an unpaid internship, then as I was leaving they had a job open up that I took
Friend’s sister got me in
A peer from school who had graduated before me was working at this job and recommended me.
Fellow graduate landed on a job and got me hired
I partnered up with 4 other people from film school who wanted to move to LA. We all did together. One of us had a friend who was doing a lot of shooting in LA and wanted to start building his camera and G/ETeam. So all of us got a few small gigs right away.
I responded to a post on Facebook calling for PAs
Friend I made through USC script list put me up for the job
I worked with a Professor from my University before graduation and landed the job after graduation.
Was on Indeed, did well during the interview because of my Resume
Friend gave a word of mouth referral, my name got passed around to a couple productions and I booked the gig over a phone call.
From the school's listserv
After moving to Los Angeles (roommates) with acquaintances met at college; one of my roommates was asked to day-play on the evening of Valentine’s Day and it was unavailable. So she recommended me for the job.
Was put in touch through a film professor
I hit various productions companies numerous times and eventually got a job offer
USCs job person got me it
Met an agent at a party who hooked me up with an assistant gig to an actor.
Series was looking for a PA, an instructor from my MFA program recommended me.
My editing professor knew the VP of post production for Boardwalk Pictures and connected us. He hired me on for one of their shows.
Friends hired me for a low budget feature
Was living in San Diego and my friend was a PA in LA, he called me and asked if I needed work for a day, I said I sure as crap do!
My first filmmaking jobs were during and after undergraduate. Internships that led to office PA on a show that led to personal assisting for more than a decade. I went back to school later so I think I'm a different case. With all of my experience, it was easy to find a high-paid job right out of school-- although it's not related to screenwriting. That career is something I'm having to pursue on the side. My current job has some creative elements as my boss preps a movie he's written and will direct and produce.
An alumni working as a Production Supervisor and Coordinator in NJ/NY who I reached out to + have been in contact with offered me an unpaid internship on a feature she was working on. There was a change, and it turns out the production didn't have room for an intern. Few days later she reaches out to me saying that a full-time paid office PA role opened up and is mine if I'm interested. I took the job and started four days later!
A friend of a collaborator needed and editor for an indie project.
Referred
Close friend of mine from film school who graduated 1 year before me recommended me for the job.
I did teaching assistantships while in graduate school and then applied for many faculty positions during my last year of school. I also had an established successful record of film work with festival and award recognition. I found my first job through Higher Ed Jobs
They needed many PAs and asked film schools for us
My graduate program was part of an initiative of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment in New York City. They were hiring students who could do below the line work while union members did department leads.
Landed an office job at a studio and hit up production companies from there. I eventually got a chance to work on a film from those visits.
Alum reached out to faculty member who recommended me.
A former colleague of my Mother gave me an opportunity to Interview
Peer connections from college friend > Unpaid internship > Paid PA job
Asked someone who graduated the year above me and working in verticals for a job in production.
Applied via EntertainmentCareers.net
It was posted on the SCA groupchat and the person hiring knew a guy at school that I’d produced a student project for and had heard good things about me.
I can't remember what my first gig was - but my main sources for gigs in the beginning was social media + connections from film school peers.
Applied to be an intern via the UTA job list and then our boss fired his asst, so he needed a temp asst while he searched for a person with more experience than I had.
Craig’s List
I interned for a talent manager in LA and through her I was able to get a job with a talent agency in Toronto (where I'm from). They co managed clients
i worked at the writers union (wga) and met a writer who staffed me
They had an idea and I went to pitch how I would write and direct it. They ended up hiring another writer but hired me to direct.
Combination of internship experience (important! Paid or unpaid) and networking with peers/alumni
I hopped right back in what I was doing prior to attending grad school, so it's hard to say what my "first" job after grad school.
My friend from undergrad ended up helping me secure an interview at that job
Gotta be honest, I don't know, I think I just manifested it. I got a call one day from a recruitment agency I had never applied to, but they had my resume and they got me the interview. No idea how they got my resume (I checked my Google search history and everything) but it worked
I interned at Avid during senior year of college and I worked hard while there. I must have impressed them where they asked if I wanted to be interviewed for the job.
What did you love the most and dislike the most about your first filmmaking job?
Loved the work I did, hated the companyLove the people. Dislike nothing
I liked that I was thrown to the wolves and it was a full time position. I didn't love the commute or pay
Education was great but I needed more real world experience before I taught others.
Loved that I was working everyday. Hates the content and the executives.
I love the relative creative freedom they gave me for a first-time TV writer & director. I hated the low pay and the very short production time, but that's what the budget in Thailand could afford for a project of this nature.
loved the on-set experience gained and lifestyle, hated the long hours.
Loved getting full-time work with benefits; hated that it was nighttime hours.
Loved the pay, the environment, learning. Hated that it wasn’t “secure”, no benefits, I had to invoice them
Job was fascinating. Hours were utterly miserable.
Poor money
Loved the feeling - it was REAL. I disliked the script and topics covered.
No creative and career progression. Steady work every month from 2012-2019.
It was pretty simple which good and bad there no credit but I did see Steven Spielberg
Being a script supervisor is not a creative task, I considered it as part of building production experience for IATSE membership (call sheets). Discovered this was not for me.
It was fairly mundane but was consistent and taught me how to manage professional relationships while getting visibility into industry norms. Led to several new positions at the company before leaving for studio and what I really wanted to do
I saw it as an oportunity to become real editor. What I didn't realized that time was that because that movie was directed by older generation and was succeful at festival etc I had a problem to get another work after that because I was no enough experienced for older generation but for younger generation I was over experienced so it took me another year to work on another movie.
What I loved most about my first job was the hands-on experience and the chance to work creatively with a dedicated team. However, I disliked the long hours and sometimes chaotic environment that came with short film shoots.
Access learning. Lack of respect
Loved learning about new equipment. The thing I disliked most was my boss' poor time management.
Wish it was more consiste
Cool experiences. Disliked the pay and hours.
It was the first time I ever worked with a real crew (they flew in from LA), the first time I ever saw an Alexa, it was amazing — I asked so many questions, took so many pictures, and was a great learning experience — and then it led to my first paid role which was another feature right afterwardOnly caveat was that it was unpaid, the food wasn’t great, and the whole crew slept on the floor of an abandoned funeral home (the P.O. at the time)
I loved that I was on a big production in my own hometown, and i got a taste of what the professionals really do. I got to work around real working industry filmmakers and i loved it.At the time, i disliked having to do the PA desk work at the end of the production. Not for me.
Loved working with very talented people from the start. No bad habits learned.No extreme dislikes, the hours were extreme.
I like getting paid for film and being my own boss but it was a boring video. I also didn’t enjoy negotiating my own rates.
Enjoyed that it was based in current series/development, didn’t like the low pay and temporary nature
Cool subject, but bad working hours
I liked that I got a job right away and had a lot of autonomy and decision making, but hated the politics and dealing with egos.
I liked how much it paid me at the time as a college student, there wasn’t much I disliked
I love that I was working in the industry and that I was forced out of my comfort zone and just had to dive head first into learning and making sure the production stayed on track.
It happened right after graduation, and it gave me the impression that things were going to be easier than they ended up being.
Lots of good stories but being a PA was crap work. Min 16 hour days, plus drive time and getting ready before and after bed. I was lucky if I got 6 hours of sleep per night.
Very flexible bosses and owners who let me work on my own side projects as well. I disliked being the only one to work there and was very removed from any real film sets or jobs.
Loved I was working. Did not love that I was a PA.
It was fun to finally get paid and our equipment was in such better shape than film school. But the hours were long and physical.
As an independent, we had to do a lot of the locations work and driving work since we didn’t have a transpo or locations department. We also didn’t have a fully staffed team, so I operated as a 2nd 2nd AD for the PA rate.
But I just loved being on a film set. And I loved the smaller size of the crew as it helped us make connections at all levels.
Toxic environment, but paid well
It was my first time Producing a feature film and I learned a lot. It was and is the most difficult job I have ever done for many reasons I won't go into here.
Good freedom but no overtime due to flat rates
Being on set. Hated the hours and low pay.
Liked - cammaraderi; Disliked - Long hours, night hours
Loved that I finally got to start working with real gear. Hated that it was overnight prepping gear to travel 4pm-4am.
Learned a lot on the job and continued making connections in the area. Wasn’t quite ready for a true 12 hour day was
I loved everything and had no regrets
I was a PA so great to be on a real, professional set. disliked how it was so temporary.
I loved that I was going to be mentored by a well known filmmaker. Instead I was shorted on pay for 3 years and received no help in advancing my career.
That it was a PA gig I was over qualified for
I wished I was paid more, I enjoyed the team and friendly atmosphere. I also learned a lot from the lead AE.
Fun to work on a feature with friends, low rates all around
Liked being on set, learning a bit about things, and free food. Disliked the 16 hour day, kept watching my hourly rate drop and drop!
I'm still working it! It's relatively low budget, so the lack of benefits (lunch, good crafty) is probably my least favorite thing. BUT the people I'm meeting are all really cool, and it's so amazing to see stuff I've only learned about being put into action.
It was barely paid.
It was a job
Loved getting to finally work in the business, cut my teeth on a tough job, and learn from folks who’d done it a long time. That said, it was docu/reality and I wanted to be in scripted, so it was hard at first adapting to the landscape.
I enjoyed teaching but didn't like the location (Huntsville, TX). It also didn't offer financial support for my film projects.
Being on set
I loved learning the needs for dailies. I disliked the unrealistic expectations that a DIT would also do Dailies processing along with media management.
Just enjoyed the whole process. I have nothing bad to say of the experience.
Loved research and writing; hated boorish Italian producers
I liked working with my hands and being on my feet. I liked the attitude of my peers.Hated being shutdown.
Loved learning and being in the industry, struggled to survive on minimum wage pay
Not a lot to like. It's a credit and it's some money. I was pretty open minded going in and accepted every task given but learnt very quickly that vertical companies make profits off of having "skeleton" crews(very limited crew members) working insane hours for pay that doesn't really compensate for the burnout/physical exhaustion. Most people take the jobs anyway since they are just out of film school and do not have any other paid job hiring them.
I didn’t want to work in Post so it really wasn’t my cup of tea but money is money.
Very chaotic leadership. Would be more cautious going forward about outlining responsibilities
I like the freedom, flexibility, and creative expression of freelancing. I don't love how much pay fluctuates, and how much self-promotion is required.
It was honestly a hellish job and I really didnt like any of it since the boss was very toxic. Only thing I liked was the idea that I had my whole career in front of me and this was just the beginning.
Meeting new people was nice but the pay was terrible
Lack of pay
I loved everything about it. Though it was covid and zoom rooms were hard
It was a small production but very fun and organized, well paid.
Love: the experience, learning a lot, meeting a lot of peers; Dislike: the hours, lack of creativity
Flexibility
I love getting to work on video game trailers and work alongside my awesome coworkers. Hate how women don't seem to get that many creative jobs here. Also some of the men are pretty toxic
Being an assistant at a production company could be super boring at times, especially and unscripted TV one. But I liked the people and I learned a ton about unscripted development
I loved that I had an Avid at my desk and was trained all about the system. I learned how to edit with it, take it apart, reinstall everything, and troubleshoot problems. I also took all of the official Avid classes and eventually got certified to teach the Avid classes. The least favorite part was actually doing the phone support which was my real job. I was able to help people which was great but doing phone support is never fun. My coworkers were great though.
What types of paid projects have you worked on and what positions have you held on those projects?
Post unscripted and feature film writingMostly commercials and corporate videos
A list film and tv, some reality and indie features when I was starting out.
Features, docs, anthology series, improv comedy series, tv, streaming, kids shows, comedy, sci fi, thriller, shorts, music videos
Thai feature film 'Homestay' (2017, writer, prior to MFA degree,) Netflix Thailand's 'Terror Tuesday: Extreme' - EP 04 - The Vow (anthology show, writer & director,) Netflix Thailand's 'Tomorrow & I' - EP 03 - Buddha Data (anthology show, writer), Netflix Thailand's Unannounced Cyber Thriller (writer & story editor, 7 episodes.)
Unscripted, Reality, Doc, music video and promotional for local artists/business
Indie films, big budget studio films
High end hour long dramas mostly on streamers
Independent features, narrative shorts, documentary features, unscripted TV, broadcast commercials, music videos, corporate video, social media
Mostly short films or independents
Mostly indie projects with no pay
Mainly small crew commercial/interview productions.
Mostly short personal projects for other people, 1 blockbuster (Tomorrowland) as synth programmer, 2 independent films (one DP the other script supervisor)
I have been post production staff for Fox and searchlight for 15 years
Mostly european art house hybrid movies
I've worked on various short films and commercials as a production assistant, helping with all aspects of the production process.
Indy features 100k to $7mm
I've had a 25 year career, I've worked in the set lighting department on everything from tiny commercials to massive studio features, as well as work for live broadcast like sports announce and news desks.
A variety of indie features, documentaries, music videos, commercials, corporate, etc
Independent horror film
Mostly indie features, some branded content and unscripted social media stuff, one vertical editing job
I've been paying the bills as a Sustainability PA/Coordinator on union features and TV shows since 2022.
Ive worked on vertical drama productions, independant feature films , music videos, short films and commercials
Fincher projects, Marvel projects, multiple A24, neon, filmnation
I have mostly worked freelance and done marketing videos. These have been either one man band shoots, or smaller YouTube series content. I have also written and directed my own feature film and short films.
Commercials as an AD but PAd on everything under the sun to get here
Several independent features, however most were in pre-production when COVID hit and only one did I get to see through completion. The rest still have not been made.
Commercials, music videos, shorts, docs, tv, movies
I've worked primarily on independent webseries as a Producer / Line Producer and a few TV series as a Production secretary.
I've worked as a writer and currently showrunner for Studio TV series (Prime Video in Europe), as well as writer, cowriter and script editor of independent features.
Free movies, personal projects,
Independent short and feature films, commercials, documentaries, corporate videos, interviews.
Documentary feature, indie feature, unscripted tv
I usually work as an editor or assistant editor on scripted TV. But have recently started directing some of my own feature films.
Largely staffed and additional PA work on studio features and studio scripted television with some commercials, AD and PA positions on verticals, and AD and PA positions on independent features and shorts
I have produced an independent feature comedy, I have produced short films and documentaries, I have directed/produced short films and documentary shorts, I have worked as DP and Camera Op on documentary work, I
have worked extensively as a paid Grip/Gaffer/Swing on short films and music videos.
Mostly student films and independent short films
Too many to count over a 20 year career. Mostly TV
I work Production on large budget $10million+ reality network shows (Netflix, Bravo, E!). Either as Production Supervisor or Production Manager. I primarily oversee the entire physical production team and/or field locations.
Indie narrative has been the bulk of it, balanced out with some commercial/music video work. And more corporate style docs than I ever expected
Feature films, TV projects, amusement parks
Mostly student films, one professional commercial, one indie feature film
Lots of music videos and a few features and tv series
Currently working on an animated feature as an assistant art director. Other projects were live action features and tv series.
Feature Documentaries, Documentary Series, Corporate/Social Media Videos, and Short Films
Mainly short form content, commercials, web, some indie features
My only scripted tv gig was as a feature editor for 5 years on a seasonal weekly college sports show. Other than that I have been an independent producer/shooter/editor for 20 years working on branded projects, and currently work on an in-house design team as an editor and animator.
On set assistant to talent
All types
Jailbirds (Netflix), Live Rescue (A&E), Home Sweet Home (WB), Basketball Wives (VH1), Perfect Match (Netflix), Ted Season 1 (Peacock), Top Combat Pilot (Fox Nation), Love Island S5 (Peacock), High Horse: The Black Cowboy (Peacock)
Mostly episodic TV with a few features here and there
I have been a mastering technician at Harbor Picture Company where I worked on shorts, features and episodics. At Radical Media, I was a Post Engineer on several documentary features and episodics.
Split between VFX films and animated features.
Feature documentary, commercial television
I have worked on 10 Local productions and 7 large American features in my home country
Indie films and unscripted TV series
vertical dramas, shorts.
Two that are out this year: “Michael” and “The Odyssey”
Shorts, verticals and long form development
Mostly development and production for major studio projects: BACK IN ACTION, UNFROSTED, THE TERMINAL LIST, AMERICAN CRIME STORY, Y THE LAST MAN, AMERICAN SPORTS STORY, FLAKED, A FUTILE AND STUPID GESTURE, etc
Animated movies, animated tv, unscripted tv, corporate video
netflix tv show. was a pro actor in my pre-school life
Primarily non-fiction corporate media
Indie feature film, indie feature and short documentaries, now I do social media
I started out in music videos, transitioned to documentaries and independent features. Eventually landed into unscripted reality TV which has been the majority of my work. I've been a lead editor and producer for a huge Discovery network show for the past 11 years.
What are achievements and filmmaking projects are you the most proud of?
Projects I worked on for video game trailers won a few awardsSeeing my name in credits never gets old! Super proud of designing pipeline and workflow for one of the largest projects in the world, ever.
I have an Emmy nomination, a Webby, a bunch of Tellys, I’ve worked with the muppets, I’ve produced and directed features and cable series, show run a web series, including individual episodes, more than 200 credits as a producer/director.
My thesis film and my episode on 'Terror Tuesdays: Extreme'
Was a movie studio lawyer for 8+ years
All of it
Work in the permanent collection of MOMA and various other museums.
Worked on a reel film in April
None.
Worked on films before covid
My book, Evoke, on the topic of creating a beholder’s share through applying cognitive neuroscience to filmmaking.
Jojo Rabbit was one of my first searchlight projects.
Both of the featers I edited and are already released were premiered and awarded at Venice IFF. One is called 107 mothers and second Photophobia. Also I got 2 nomination for national awards and was awarded by Asociation of Slovak film editors for best documentary editing.
I'm proud of my involvement in a short film that won an audience award at a local film festival. It was a great team effort and a significant learning experience.
Documentary webby award winning ea games spot
Thesis film
Directed like 5 independent pilots which I’m proud of
National Geographic 'Watchers of the Land', and 'Mariachi Recolucion' (in progress).
Co-Produced an indie feature before going to film school (~650k budget)
While working staffed on an apple production in 2024 monday-friday, I was also producing and directing my feature film debut over the weekends, essentially working 84-hour work weeks to chase my dreams.
My own short films.
Several projects I’ve worked on that win many awards. I don’t necessarily take credit for those wins.
Making my own feature film
Making it out of “3rd area”
No awards, just a paycheck
A web series pilot that I worked on [ 3 Blind Mice (2023) ] won Diversity in Cannes for best Short.
The feature film 'Sleepless City' ('Ciudad sin sueño'), which I co-wrote, premiered at Cannes Film Festival's Semaine de la Critique, where it earned the Best Screenplay award.It was later nominated for the Spanish Film Academy's Goya Awards (our country's equivalent to the Oscar / César awards).
I was the DP on Coca-Cola Refreshing Films: Expand which won the grand jury prize and played across theaters in the US and Canada during the summer of 2023.
I’m very proud of my first feature film Intoxication. And the excellent TV shows I’ve been a part of.
Key PA on May December
I was a Student Academy Award semi-finalist with my first short film I created in Grad School. I have recently been awarded grants for my own work now that I'm out of school and it is very rewarding and validating to create
work that I am directing.
2nd Place and $7,500 for my thesis film at nyu festival
A few Emmy nominations and one win.
Top Chef: for actual content we make!
Worked on numerous Academy and Emmy winning films
My thesis film
Webby and Clio awards in advertising
Edited a short film that screened at Tribeca and won the Features Films x Jet Blue Student Showcase. Also, worked as an Assistant Editor on a Documentary Mini Series that was nominated for an ACE Eddie and a PGA award.
Getting director jobs for various commercial, music video projects
My short documentary about cycling the Kentucky bourbon trail was pretty cool
One of my unproduced scripts.
My thesis short film about the 2017 Muslim travel ban. My time as LP’s Assistant on Ted. The short I’m currently working on and am excited to shoot later this year.
Premiering at Slamdance, six regional EMMY nominations, directing The Heroin Project (my first larger scale film project on an important topic), becoming a professor
Working with the filmmakers who got me excited about this business as a little boy
Just proud of being part of award winning films
Documentary feature’s festival response.
I am proud of the relationships I have built with my local prop houses, Art Dept community and friends in the industry who seek me out for their jobs
Major festival premieres
I would say the thesis films I worked on. They challenged me the most creatively and mentally, but I do think i became a better producer and line producer because of them. They are definitely extremely draining(for a producer) and you might hate your life for a those few months, but when you are done and look back on it you will see how much you have grown (even if your thesis team is horrible, which happened a lot in my year).
I'm most proud of the work I've done as a producer and my photography.
THE TERMINAL LIST, while not my personal cup of tea, was the first project I was on beginning (option) to end (release on Amazon).
Being booked on multiple project because people want to work with me
Having films I financed and distributed in major film festivals like Venice and TIFF
Academy Nicholl Fellowship
Became a teacher and my students films are what I'm most proud of!
Getting an Emmy-winning director attached to my script
I won Telly awards for two commercials I did when I was first starting out in the early 2000s. I'm very proud of the Discovery show that I've been working on for the past decade.
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