Interview with Assistant Director Laura Anderson Burnell

I Did an interview with Assistant Director (AD) Laura Anderson Burnell in Michigan. She is the 1st AD for the new film by "BRAUER INDIEFLIMS" called "FITFUL" which was written & directed by "Michigan Filmaker of the Year," Richard Brauer. It is set to premier in LA, Spring 2010. You can check out the details of the film at http://brauerindiefilms.blogspot.com/2009_09_01_archive.html

Ms. Burnell is a very polite person who seems to enjoy her job and was very descriptive about her occupation and responsibilities. I really enjoyed our conversation and was as much appreciative of her taking the time out of her busy schedule to allow me to interview her. This is a 'short' version of our interview.

Question #1 Can you briefly describe your job for me?

Laura: My job is to control the set so the Director can be creative. I allow all the creative visions of the Director to come to life. I coordinate the plans of the Director and make sure it happens on the set. I set the tone of the set so that things stay in control. In other words..."I am responsible for everything, but in control of nothing."

Question #2 How did you get started in the business?

Laura: My father was actually a film producer. So I got the luxury of growing up knowing the business first hand. It's kinda funny because at first I didn't want to get involved with filmaking because I seen how much time it took with my dad and I didn't want to have a family and have to be away from them so much. So, I actually decided to work in "Corporate" America 1st managing businesses as I had got my degree in Psychology. It just so happens that my father started teaching a film class and kept asking me to come & join the class. After my refusal, he asked me to at least come and audit the class. So I agreed and there you have it. I fell in love with it and now I have been doing it over 10 years now.

Question #3 How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?

Laura: "I never tell them that!" My job is to identify problems and offer solutions. I am always forward thinking and constantly thinking of creative solutions to handle ANY problem that I or anyone else has identified.

Question #4 Do you have any advice for a media student starting out?

Laura: YES! Work on as many projects as you possibly can. In film school you learn a propective that is indeed "Above the Line," but the only way to become familiar with what it really takes is to actually get out there and create or work on something. Do PA work, learn the set, sometimes the set teaches you different things than what film school can teach you. "Experience is the key...Always learn...and always practice!"

This concluded my interview with Ms. Laura Anderson Burnell.