Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Austin Rodgers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Austin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

For me, finding something meaningful in a project is essential for my success. It’s the basis of my creative process. When I initially read, or in some cases write a script – the spark originates from a desire to showcase the intricacies of the human condition. It’s all about discovering an emotion that’s powerful enough to radiate in my mind for days on end. Sadness, anger, fear, happiness and so on. If I can relate to a feeling, I can empathize with the characters in the story. This realization fuels me to do my best work.

Although, one project that sticks out in my mind the most would have to be my recent directorial effort: “They’re Here”. A horror/sci-fi short based on a feature I’m developing – it carries the same name. The idea came to me in early 2023, and I spent the better part of it fabricating the story, both the short and feature in unison. My excitement for this project was infectious. At the time, it was my biggest undertaking. Talent and producers were attached. Locations were secured and the budget was in place. It felt like we had a real backing, and our first day of shooting was just around the corner.

Then, it happened – the strikes. I must admit, we did see them in our peripheral. Creeping ever so closer to the inevitability of having to delay the project. The news was devastating to say the least. All of the work from our amazing cast and crew was put on hold, indefinitely. It was a rough punch to the gut. I felt like the world was crumbling down around me. The state of the industry seemed to be in never-ending turmoil.

But, in our darkest hour, we were able to adapt to the situation at hand and find an answer to our problem. Through sheer passion and commitment, my colleagues and I banded together to craft an abridged version of the material. Forming the story out of resources that were at our disposal. My house became the one location in the film. We shot and recorded sound with our own equipment. The food we fed to our cast and crew was homemade and simple. Certain collaborators wore multiple hats on set and in post-production. I served as the editor for the project. The same goes for my producers Tyler Walden and Walter Thoma. They carried multiple responsibilities such as assistant directing, sound mixing, sound editing and designing.

Experiencing that kind of devotion makes “They’re Here” the most meaningful project to me thus far in my career. I can’t express the amount of gratitude I have for the people involved in making it. Their willingness to push through the hurdles and continue to bring my vision to life is a core memory that I will not forget for the rest of my life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello, my name is Austin Rodgers. I’m a film director and editor living in LA. My journey started in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Growing up, my parents were mainly living paycheck to paycheck. They were working with limited resources, and they always strived to give me the best life that they could afford. A majority of nights were spent at home, so to calm their child’s mind they resorted to their favorite activity. As avid movie-lovers, watching films were commonplace in our home and I grew to love them unconditionally.

Every viewing would transport me to an uncharted world and bring my family together. Sometimes, we wouldn’t say a thing to each other. But, there was this innate sense of connection. If there was a point in the movie where the characters didn’t speak, we sat quietly with bated breath. We would share in our laughs, cries, and even screams. Our reactions were emotional and powerful, it was inspiring to see it unfold. At that point, there was this immediate desire to create something that could spark the familiar bond that I shared with my parents so long ago.

Since then, I’ve acted on every opportunity to be on set and educate myself about the filmmaking craft. I did whatever I could – even acting in some projects that will go unnamed for the time being. Eventually, I found my love for directing and editing.

In many ways, directing and editing are one and the same. Both roles share the responsibility of crafting the story. We guide the audience through the story. We show them where to look and how to feel – by way of the shot design or cutting from a wide to a close-up. I find it sort of Ironic, my skills as an editor informs my eye for directing and vice versa.

Ultimately, my job is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to making a movie. In the time that I’ve studied the profession, I have learned that it can take hundreds of people to make one movie. It’s undoubtedly a team effort. However, no matter the size of the crew, we are all working toward one goal – to tell a story that resonates with humanity as a whole. It doesn’t make a difference how big or how small the narrative is, each one is deserving of an audience.

I’ve had the chance to collaborate with some of the most creative and energetic new voices in film today. Many of my projects have premiered in theaters. Just this past year, I was accepted into the Gold Rising initiative that’s organized by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. While there, I was able to learn from influential figures in the editing and directing world. This initiative has opened new doors for me that I’m currently walking through, and I can’t wait to see where I end up next.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to grow with my fellow creatives in a way that paves the road for the future of film. I want to create movies that can make strangers feel like they can empathize with one another.

Each project I take on guides me one step closer to producing a piece that can connect with another human being like my favorite movies did to me.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect can also be the most nerve-racking. Witnessing an audience watch your project for the first time is what I look forward to when I decide to make or be a part of a film.

You’ve spent countless hours crafting your masterpiece, and now it’s time to release it to the world. Many artists are petrified of this. I’m certainly not one to talk. You’ll find me in the back of the cinema when my project is up on screen.

However, when the lights go down and the projection screen shines brightly over the audience – you experience something magical. People who have never met one another before, complete and utter strangers, will suddenly find common ground. They share in the journey that the film’s story takes them on. Simply put, there’s nothing like it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_austin,rodgers_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-rodgers-7702a6173
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadhouseProdPresents

Image Credits

Adam Baron, Alec Cohen, Brande Harris, Lydia Hall