Anne Brashier
MFA, Film and Television Production '22
What inspired you to want to study the cinematic arts?
I have known since my first dance performance at the age of 3 that I wanted to be in the arts, but I didn't think I would ever be successful until I got a chance to choreograph a music video on the CBS Lot. It was the first time I was part of a film production team and I feel in love with the complexity, and the collaboration. Being part of the process from casting to blocking to planning crane shots through sound mixing and editing, I knew that I wanted to follow that in my career.
What scholarship award(s) did you receive directly from SCA?
I have been fortunate enough to receive both the National Association of Theater Owners of California/Nevada Fellowship in Film Award and the Muller Family Scholarship. As someone leaving a producing career to focus on directing, this was a big step and the fellowships have been essential in allowing me to focus on building my creative filmmaking skills.
What has been the impact of receiving a scholarship from SCA?
The scholarships and fellowships have allowed me to focus on my creative development, so that I did not have to take on additional debt or a second job during school. I was really scared about spending a few years not earning a salary, and the scholarships took off some of the pressure.
What activities or student organizations are you involved in outside of the classroom?
I am the communications director for the Media Institute for Social Change.
What has been your favorite class or project at SCA thus far?
In CTPR 547: Production III, Documentary, I was fortunate to direct a Short Form Documentary about the 2020 Election, which offered the greatest chance to test my skills as a leader of a creative team.
What is a meaningful experience you've had while at SCA?
My most meaningful experience was as a producer in CTPR 546: Production III, Fiction for a short, The Cypher. I was on a team of driven, talented student filmmakers who inspired me to push myself. That set allowed endless moments for us to all be vulnerable with each other, but the most meaningful moment was when my co-Producer saw me lose my cool out of exhaustion and frustration. On the last day of a difficult shoot (huge crowds, tough locations, and never enough money), I snapped at an extra who did not deserve it. My fellow producer stepped in and helped me see that moment of struggle as a chance to grow.
What are your career goals after graduation?
I want to direct a James Bond movie. I know there are a few steps to making that happen, starting with directing a feature I have written, an adaptation of MacBeth set at a little league baseball game. My goal is to have a career as a director, to be able to make a broad range of projects that fuel my passion for storytelling.
What advice do you have for prospective students looking to apply to SCA?
Think about what skills you have now and what you want to gain in the next two to three years. What kind of work do you want to be making and how do you want to make it? If you come into this program with some idea of your own weaknesses and where you want to be at the other side of it, you will be able to get the most out of the experience.