Meet Andy Tsagaris, a photographer based in Connecticut, United States and a member of the StudentFilmmakers Filmmakers Network. See Andy’s Network profile to connect.
Filmmakers Networking This Month’s Featured Networkers
Work: “My work tells stories whether they be conceptual photography or comedic situations. On the photography side, I shoot everything from high profile portraits to advertising to fashion to products. The variety of work is a big plus. Writing is my other great love. I write about the funny situations I see daily.”
Current Projects: “A feature film based on a novel by Michael Altieri; working title is Still Life. Several fundraisers coming up and various advertising shoots.”
On Location Scouting: “Location scouting is an amazing process. It’s like trying to find the right brush to paint your canvas. When you do, it enhances the painting, adding detail and vibrance so it is beautifully put together. Location is key to a great shot.”
On Writing: “Writing is an art that allows you to create characters and situations as you envision them where you have control of their destiny.”
Biggest Challenge: “We are challenged every day in our profession. Each experience has its own unique situations and challenges. One that sticks out in my mind – I was doing a shoot at a warehouse and the lighting situation was poor. The ceilings were very high and totally absorbed the lighting we needed for a good shot. I needed additional reflectors to maximize the lighting I did have.”
Solution for Challenge: “Improvise and get the job done. I sent my assistant to the store for aluminum foil. We used the shiny side of the foil and taped it to cardboard for down and dirty reflectors.”
Favorite Technique: “My technique is humor, funny as it sounds. Models and people tend to be stiff and nervous at the beginning of a shoot. Throwing a couple of jokes out there and having a good time is the key to a successful shoot. When a person is having fun, it comes through in the photos.”
Work: Performing, producing, and composing music.
Current Projects: “My Little Suite Horror”
(orchestral piece); “Space Bar” (double CD); and a score for Dramitas.
“I’m currently talking to a local Brooklyn orchestra about possibly performing [“My Little Suite Horror”] later this season. And I’m gearing up to get started on a score for a short feature called, Dramitas. It’s is in pre-production right now and should be ready to go sometime later this summer. It’s being written, produced, and directed by Angel Rosa from Omega City Masterworks, who I’m mad thankful to, since he had enough trust in my musical abilities to afford me this opportunity. That’s what it’s all about really; you need to find that one person who will listen to your stuff and say, ‘Hey, this is pretty damn good, let’s give this guy a shot,’ even though you might not yet have five Andy Tsagaris
Photographer, Writer Location: Connecticut, United States http://networking.studentfilmmakers.com/atsagaris
Keep learning filmmaking
Want more lessons like this? Join StudentFilmmakers free for live webinars with working pros, and stream on-demand filmmaking classes in cinematography, directing, screenwriting, sound and post.
