WIFMCO October Member Newsletter

Q: What is your field of focus?

A: My field of focus in the film and television industry is as a filmmaker. This is very broad, I know. While my passion is directing, I can often be found behind a camera, handling logistics as producer or associate producer, casting and so on. I find it hard to pigeonhole myself to solely one position. Many people say "if you are good at everything you are great at nothing." I wholeheartedly disagree and strive to prove that wrong. My interests are broad and therefore, so is my skillset. 

Q: Tell us about your journey thus far in your career? Did you study? If so, where or are you still in school? (tell us about your journey from PA to Director)

A: What a journey it has been indeed! I've been in this industry for a very short 2 years. I started this journey fall of 2015, when I began my Master's degree at the University of Denver. I studied video production there for the following two years and graduated June 2017. Attending DU was the absolute best thing I ever did. Project DU F.I.L.M is the only reason I have a career of any kind at this point. In 2015, Project DU F.I.L.M created Happy F-ing Valentine's Day which was the first film set I ever set foot on. I went into shooting as a PA not knowing a single thing and I came out the other side of shooting completely addicted to the magic of filmmaking.From, this set I met a plethora of WONDERFUL people. Who I've since worked with more times than I can count. People who have referred me and handed work over to me and vice-versa. Since then, I've worked on feature length films and other shorts in positions from PA to AD to Director. I've also started a small production company with my two cohort members called SUM Media House. While each of us were doing freelance work, we started getting quite a bit of work as a team. “SUMsorta” just happened to us and we gave a name to it. 

Scary Lucy is the most recent project I'm working on. This was the second project created by Project DU F.I.L.M. I was lucky enough to be chosen by Sheila Schroeder to direct. This was really the first time I've truly been able to direct, by that I mean directing being my one and only job on set. Generally, I work with such small teams that I really end up wearing several hats. It was better than I ever could have dreamed of or asked for.
 
Q: What was your inspiration to get into this industry? Do you have any mentors you want to mention?
 
A: This is tough one to answer. There are MANY reasons why I got into this industry. Prior to this, I worked in the healthcare industry, which I enjoyed, but I was lacking a creative outlet. Quite frankly, it drove me crazy. When I think back to why I chose film it was because I wanted to effect positive change in people and, in my opinion, there is nothing more powerful than doing that through film and television. People consume the medium like water. If by chance I can create something that can help someone, shed light on a topic, or change peoples prejudices/biases then I've done what I set out to do. Also, it's freaking fun! 

A: Sheila Schroeder has been the foundation of my career. She's a brilliant professor and mentor and the most go-getting producer I could ever work with. She has gracefully guided me through this crazy industry in an Oz-behind the curtain-esque way. She's pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to ask and answer all the hard questions. I'm not sure how I'll ever repay her for all the opportunity she has provided me but she is at the top of my list. 
 
Q: Tell us about your favorite project you've worked on? Any take-a-ways?

A: Scary Lucy is by far my favorite. It was literally a dream come true. When I came out to Denver I came with this dream that "I want to direct films." Two years to the day, I was on set of Scary Lucy doing just that. My list of take-a-ways from that set is just too long to list here but the main thing I learned is that directing is exactly what I want to be doing and that I have a long way to go SO much to learn. 
 
Q: Any projects coming up? 

A: Yes and no, since we are in post with Scary Lucy my focus will be getting the film done in the next few months so we can get it going into the festival circuit. In addition to that, I'm doing a lot of writing. If all goes according to plan, that will be my next project.

Q: What are your hopes for the film, television and media scene in Colorado?

A: I have HIGH hopes for film and television in Colorado. While it's not at its peak at the moment, I'm pretty sure there is change in the air. Denver is at the top of people minds and it’s becoming much more than just a place where people visit. It's fun, young, and flourishing and the world eats that sh*t up (excuse my French) 
 
Q: Any advice/wisdom to fellow actors, filmmakers, writers etc etc?
 
A: Whatever it is you want to do, do it. But more importantly, believe in yourself because if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will. Also, don't be a butthead. There's enough of that in this industry and no one wants to work with a butthead. (hahaha)