We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alyssa Udovitsch. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alyssa below.

Alyssa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’m in a unique position because I started my career as a teacher. I have a Master’s Degree in sociolinguistics and taught English as a Second Language for years before deciding to make my part-time creative work my full-time gig. Although I loved working with children and families learning English, I am thankful every day for the opportunity to make the switch to a creatively fulfilling job. I also work at a post production house, so I still have that 9 – 5 kind of life, most days, but I am also able to take on other creative jobs; I am DPing and editing a short film this summer, for instance. I’m very happy with how my career has evolved, and am excited to see how it takes shape in the future.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into filmmaking, specifically Directing and Cinematography, started off with my Dad. He was a photographer and taught me about film photography at a very young age. I grew up watching movies and taking photos. My first job was at a video store in my hometown, and it was the best because I could watch any movie I wanted and get paid for it. I feel like I learned a lot from that; simply having access to films. As time went on, I began taking more photos and eventually got into video and began DPing music videos in Nashville with a friend of mine who is an incredible director and producer. I eventually began writing, directing, shooting, editing, and coloring my own short films and sketches, and people started to notice and began hiring me to help with their creative pursuits. Now I am working as an assistant editor as a post house in Dallas and am so fortunate to learn from the best of the best in post production (editors, colorists, and motion design and vfx artists), while still having opportunities to DP projects.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I want to learn as much as possible about filmmaking; understanding what each person does on set and in post is crucial to making informed creative decisions. Knowing your limitations can open up a whole world of creative possibilities.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had had a mentor when I was younger who told me, “yeah, you can do this.” I don’t think I ever believed I could be the one to shoot a film or a music video because I hadn’t really ever seen anyone who looked like me doing it. I grew up idolizing filmmakers who all looked the same, but not like me. Now, we’re so lucky to have more representation of diverse people in film, but we still have a long way to go.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alyssaudovitsch.squarespace.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/alyssaonfilm_
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/audovitsch

Image Credits
Tim Yager