Maine Media Workshops + College faculty, including producer Andi Isaacs, explain how the school’s intensives help students get a competitive edge in film.
Andi Isaacs has recently created her own film production and consulting firm, 320 Films. She has begun to build an international client base, to include Castel Studios in Romania and the UK Production Guild, in addition to working with several independent producers and production companies in both Los Angeles and the UK. Isaacs previously served as the Executive Vice President and Head of Physical Production for one of the film industry’s highly successful independent studios, Summit Entertainment, from its inception in 2006 until it’s sale to Lionsgate in 2012. Capitalizing on Summit’s modern view of a studio and its processes, Isaacs used this platform as a way to make adjustments to traditional studio practices as well as mentoring the next generation of executives in the feature film production arena.
At Maine Media Workshops + College (www.mainemedia.edu), Isaacs teaches the course, “Understanding the Hollywood Studios & Distribution“. Topics include: What a studio does and the different objectives of each department. Where to start? How to network and find the job you want. Understanding how and why studios buy scripts. Understanding how and why studios distribute films. The challenges of being an independent filmmaker. How unions work and how to become a member. How to move up in the ranks. Is Hollywood right for you?
In this exclusive interview, Andi Isaacs talks with StudentFilmmakers Magazine about her teaching style and philosophy at Maine Media Workshops + College. Isaacs shares some of her most memorable production experiences, which she uses in her teaching. She also shares advice for students on putting together a film crew, and touches on what makes a successful student film. Isaacs also gives students advice on getting their foot in the door.
Could you share with us your teaching style? What’s your philosophy? What is important?
Andi Isaacs: One of the things that is so fascinating about film production is that much of what you do is learned by experience, it’s difficult to teach in a book or on a power point presentation. My first job on a film set was craft service (serving coffee), and I took the opportunity to really pay attention to what everyone did and learn from that. Over the years I have become a very “Socratic” teacher. I always encouraged my staff, and now my students, to ask questions (and push them to find the answers themselves), and figure out what they need to do in any given situation. I often say things like “is that a question or an answer?” or if their response is hesitant, “are you sure?” It used to drive my staff crazy! But in the world of film production a tremendous amount of money is being spent by the second and you have to learn to analyze a situation and be decisive. At MMW, I use a lot of the forms and tools that we used in actual films, so students can see the format, ask detailed questions and are able to take a familiar film and see how it was put together from the beginning.
Tell us about the course that you teach at Maine Media Workshops + College, “Understanding the Hollywood Studios and Distribution”.
Andi Isaacs: One of the points I always make in my classes is that there are hundreds of thousands of new people every year who want to work in the film industry. Add the hundreds of thousands from last year, and the hundreds of thousands next year etc. etc….then factor in the there are only about 250,000 people making a living in media and film internationally, and you get a sense of how competitive it really is. At MMW, we are trying to help students get that competitive edge. Our new 8-week Intensives in Production Essentials and Cinematography concentrate on giving students introductory classes that are specific to their interests, like management, production design, post production and visual effects, with the opportunity to take more intensive classes at a later date. MMW is very excited about expanding our film program, and have a lot of interest from industry professionals around the country to participate in teaching classes. My class separates out the dream from the reality. After 25 years in the biz, ending with creating and running physical production for one of the most successful independent studios, I have an inside view of the which movies make it to the screen and why, who gets hired and how they’re chosen, and how the Hollywood machine really works. I want to share with young filmmakers what may be in store for them and help them navigate the best way to forward their careers. What sets Maine Media Workshops + College apart from other film schools?
Andi Isaacs: MMW has hands-on experiential courses where you can learn a tremendous amount in a short period of time. The new summer Intensive in Production Essentials gives students an opportunity to see if film production is really for them without too much pain to the wallet, or committing to a four year program that may not be what they really want. The more advanced classes are hands-on, learning the newest technology or delving deeply into a screenplay or production plan. There are also a great deal of accomplished filmmakers from around the world who come to MMW to sharpen their skills, learn new technology and get updates on what is currently happening in the industry. Because the classes are for condensed periods of time, we are able to get teachers who are currently active in the industry and can act as mentors to their students in the future. Not to mention, do you know how beautiful Maine is? What an amazing place to spend a summer! And between you and I, the catering is pretty awesome too!
Tell us more about Maine Media Workshops + College. What are some of your favorite things about the campus?
Andi Isaacs: One of the most amazing things about MMW are the people involved. Every teacher loves what they do, and students come from all points of life and all over the world to take classes there. The campus is near one of the most beautiful coastlines on earth, and the experience of living and working with a small group of people in such an intensive manner is very similar to what it is like on a real film set. MMW is a non-profit organization and thanks to some truly wonderful sponsors, have top of line equipment and resources. Every Friday night the entire school gets together and reviews each other’s work in a supportive and productive environment. Because many of the teachers are successful and active in their fields, it also has great networking possibilities and creates long term mentors and friends.
Could you share with us some of your most memorable production experiences that continue to inspire you today and reflect some of the important filmmaking concepts you teach?
Andi Isaacs: I was incredibly fortunate in my career to work with some amazing directors, producers and filmmakers. The most talented people were also the most flexible, with a ‘make it happen’ attitude. It’s a lot easier to make a movie when you have all the equipment you could ask for (aka money), visual effects and time in the world. In real life, and becoming more and more prevalent in film production today, is a need to use creativity to make it work. Going back as far as “Bonfire of the Vanities”, my first job, I can remember showing up to set in the Bronx where we were shooting, and the entire crew was told to go to New Jersey. We were locked out of the location because the film was controversial. We still shot that day…everyone had to make it happen.
I once had to do a reshoot where we built 14 set pieces with 87 different set ups and only 4 days to shoot it. Every person on that crew knew what had to be done before they ever signed on for a day’s work. On the first “Twilight” movie we needed to give the illusion that the rogue vampires walked at double speed, but didn’t have the resources to adjust in post – so we took heavy duty plastic, laid it on the floor and dragged it while the actors walked on it. It looked great on screen. On “Perks of Being A Wallflower”, we actually saved money by shooting in the writer’s parent’s house, where the story took place originally. On “Warm Bodies”, I scoured the universe for an abandoned airport, and found it in Montreal. Without it and the production designer’s style and director’s creativity, we never would have been able to greenlight the movie. One of the things I’ve done in class is to ask a class to plan a shoot day on paper, and then I take away some of the key elements that they need in order execute it. Then they need to figure out how to still make it happen.
What advice or insights can you share with students on putting together a film crew for the first time?
Andi Isaacs: Filmmaking is not easy or glamorous, and anything that can go wrong, will. It is a high pressure environment, where time and money are always of the essence. You want to surround yourself with people who you trust, who share your vision and who have that “make it happen” attitude. People who can contribute in their own way to make the best film possible, and who love filmmaking as much as you do. You would be surprised how quickly someone’s attitude can change after a 15 hour day in the rain. Interview, interview and interview. If the person’s first interest is in how much they are getting paid, pass on them! And as much it pains me to say this, if they are not working out, replace them.
Remember that the most experienced person may not always be the best choice. How they interact with others, their willingness to adjust and their positive attitude can be much more important when it comes to crunch time.
What makes a successful student film?
Andi Isaacs: When I was in film school (a million years ago) I took an animation class. All of the other students in the class were artists. We were asked to make a two minute project for our final. I used stick figures and a watch. Everyone else had these elaborate, and beautiful drawings, but no one else completed the project. In my opinion the most important aspect of a student film is that you have a strong plan, roll with the punches and get it done from start to finish. There is no way you can learn, if you don’t complete the process. You have a whole career ahead of you to fine tune your talent, use your time in school to understand what goes into getting a film produced. That’s one of the things that makes MMW special. The more intensive classes go through the entire production process hands on, and the new summer program can give you a comprehensive introduction that will help you plan out your future projects.
What are the major benefits for students understanding Hollywood studios and distribution?
Andi Isaacs: Everyone who makes a film makes it because they want it to be seen. Believe it or not there are only about 6 companies that distribute all the films you see, independent, television or otherwise. Without knowing that process, who the buyers are, where’s the best place to be seen, how to do a pitch or synopsis or how to get your foot in the door, it is almost impossible to find an audience.
What advice would you give to new and aspiring filmmakers and storytellers on getting their foot in the door?
Andi Isaacs: Film production is still very much an entrepreneurial business. You can succeed in many ways if you are willing to work as hard as you can, and be flexible in your path. Remember that most people in film start at the bottom, answering phones, sweeping floors…serving coffee. But with a good attitude the sky is the limit. Take as many classes in your field as you can, and network, network, network. Though it is unfortunate, you still really need to know someone to help you get your first job, but what you do with that first job is up to you. Keep making your own films, keep writing, but work with others to master your skill set and learn as much as you possibly can. When you do get an opportunity it may be your one and only shot, so be prepared!
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