This week, we sat down with the talented (and cute!) senior Film and Media Studies major, Mick Dobrofsky, to talk about his successes in the film industry and his plans for life after he leaves our little slice of paradise for the big bad world of Hollywood filmmaking. With multiple scripts and short films under his belt, Mick is definitely one to keep your eye on. Here’s what he had to say about life and pursuing your dreams:
What made you decide to pursue a career in filmmaking?
I knew the passion was there the second I got my first camera — a super old Sony handy-cam. It was a total piece of junk, but it got the job done and ignited my passion for making movies.
What is your favorite part of making a film?
Writing and directing are by far my favorite parts of the process. I still get a kick out of editing and shooting though!
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far? Your biggest setback?
That would be “Out of Focus,” a 27-minute short film. From pre-production to finish, it took a little over 8 months, and I’ll tell you, we faced many challenges. From terrible weather (wind totally botching my boom mic) to getting Paramount to do post-production audio (a blessing!), it was a tedious process. But, I am incredibly happy and proud of the final product.
Tell us more about “Out of Focus”!
The story: A photographer who can’t see the big picture. It’s really a tale of growing up and getting out of your comfort zone, which, in the case of our protagonist Charles, is to stop hiding behind his camera. It takes Lia, a carefree, in-the-moment girl, to get him to take a leap and shake up his carefully constructed world.
I was fortunate enough to get two industry actors: Cody Kennedy and Isiah Adams (check ’em out!) as my co-leads, as well as Dash Dobrofsky and Steven Gridley to make up my all-star cast. Actors are everything, and this bunch is incredibly talented and brought a powerful dimension to my story. For more fun, check out the website: www.outoffocusthemovie.com
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I’ll be doing the exact same thing…but, hopefully, with a bigger budget!
Do you have any advice for aspiring filmmakers?
I have one piece of advice for future filmmakers: make movies. The only way I’ve learned anything is by making the mistakes myself. You vastly improve with each film, and it’s an exciting process each time.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Hell, it’s cliché, but my parents are my inspirations. They both have been writing for 20+ years, and, to this day, they still work their asses off like it’s their first spec.
Favorite movie/director?
Favorite director… that’s a tricky one. I’ll give you two: David Fincher and James Cameron. Other than the fact that these two guys can tell a beautiful story, it’s the variety. Cameron’s huge jump from sci-fi to Romance and Fincher’s flipping from thriller to epic drama…that’s art.
What is your ultimate goal for the future, and how do you plan on getting there?
The goal is to keep improving on all fronts and to really explore some of the genres that I have always wanted to make. I truly believe success, and the resources that come with such success, all come down to passion and drive. I want it badly. I guess we’ll see where it takes me.