We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tommy Anderson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tommy below.
Hi Tommy, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
Most people think making movies today is harder than ever—but I believe it’s never been easier. The real issue isn’t resources, it’s fear. I’ve seen countless aspiring filmmakers stall because their vision feels too big, the process too intimidating, or the money too scarce. They wait for permission, for funding, for the “right time.” But no era of filmmaking was easy—50 years ago, you needed expensive film stock, gear, and gatekeepers’ approval. Today, you need grit. Start small, fail fast, keep going. The only thing standing between an idea and a film is the willingness to begin anyway.
Tommy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As an independent producer and cofounder of CHARTHOUSE, I’ve come to believe that limitations aren’t roadblocks—they’re the blueprint. With five feature films under my belt, I’ve learned that the core challenges never change: time and money. Every project, no matter the size, comes down to how creatively and efficiently we can solve problems within those constraints. We don’t approach budgets and timelines as barriers, but as opportunities to innovate. Whether it’s rewriting scenes to fit available locations or structuring our shoot days like clockwork, we’re constantly finding ways to translate creative ambition into achievable execution.
At CHARTHOUSE, we pride ourselves on being a filmmaker’s production company. We work closely with directors, writers, and department heads to protect the vision—without compromising the schedule or blowing the budget. We’ve delivered award-winning work not because we had unlimited resources, but because we knew how to stretch every dollar with precision and care. Our secret is simple: relentless problem-solving, clear communication, and a shared passion for the craft. That’s how we keep making bold, meaningful films that punch far above their weight.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In our experience, when answers feel out of reach, it’s rarely because someone’s hiding them—it’s because no one thought to ask the right question. Most roadblocks in filmmaking don’t come from secrecy or gatekeeping, but from misalignment and unclear vision. The truth is, if a stakeholder can’t articulate what they need, the team can’t deliver it. Clarity isn’t a luxury—it’s the first job. We are responsible to be ahead of those questions and know the wind 5 miles ahead while dealing with the storm currently battering our sails.
It was one of our first big gigs—an intimidating studio-backed shoot with name talent, a massive crew, and a lot on the line. We were hired to handle unit production, and honestly, we felt like the smallest fish on set. But in prep, we noticed something odd buried in the call sheets and tech specs: the city permit for the street closure didn’t account for the company move planned mid-day. We flagged it, got shrugs. “Should be fine.” But we knew better—so we quietly rerouted parking, prepped an alternate basecamp, and built a contingency into the day’s timeline.
Sure enough, just after lunch, the cops showed up—permit conflict. Crew trucks had to move immediately. Panic started to ripple… until we stepped in, calm and ready. “Already handled,” we said, handing over the alternate plan and clearing the path. We saved hours and thousands in overtime. That moment was our wake-up call—not just that we belonged, but that most people on big sets are figuring it out as they go. The secret isn’t knowing everything—it’s thinking ahead, asking what others haven’t, and being ready when the moment comes. That’s when we stopped waiting for permission and started owning the room.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
CHARTHOUSE started building its reputation by doing the one thing every production promises but few actually deliver: showing up prepared, solving problems before they happen, and making the impossible feel effortless. In an industry built on chaos, we became known as the team that brought calm, clarity, and creative solutions—no matter the scale. Early on, we didn’t have the biggest budgets or flashiest credits, but we outworked everyone, thought three steps ahead, and earned trust by making our directors look good and our shoots run smooth. Word spread. Not because we chased prestige, but because we made other people’s jobs easier. That’s how CHARTHOUSE grew—from reliable to indispensable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.charthousefilms.com
- Instagram: @charthouse
