Meet Andre Wright | Film Maker and Action Sports Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andre Wright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andre, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Recently I came across the following: “You can pull off anything, with anything. It’s just going to effect the quality.” I was listening to either a Director or Cinematography podcast, unknown which at this point or who said it. But it struck me in a lot of ways, especially as I’m trying to build and budget my own films, and also finding new clients.

I’m often look toward various Big Hollywood / Studio Features and T.V. Shows I’ve been blessed to be a part of when I first started this career, and comparing them to student, indie or experimental films I’ve worked in recent years. So from MM-Budgets to 0-Budget… After finding that quote they didn’t seem that different to me anymore.

You are surrounded by passionate and creative people, that all share in the goal… the completion of the project. Sure you might of wanted to shoot with a certain camera, or hire a top tier actor, but your budget means you can’t… It’s OKAY!!!! Don’t fret, it’s not the end of the world. Tell your story, get it out there. If it’s for a client, work with them and do the best you can with what they can budget, but be honest with them. Be creative and find solutions to the problems that would be solved with a budget. A 2×4 and cinder block under a car can give the illusion it’s going down a road if you can’t afford that process trailer and shutting down streets. I often see a picture of DP Roger Deakins walking around with a cut-out wooden circle with light bulbs on it. Nothing fancy, probably built it for under $100, instead of getting a light that might cost upwards of $10,000.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I recently started DreamWeaver Production – a small boutique media house focused on narrative film making. “Setting out to create unique films, that through a visceral experience provides thought provoking opportunities to explore emotions and social topics.” I’ve always been fascinated with emotions. The ability for something to profoundly influence our actions, our behaviors, our thoughts, our physical being… its always interested me. To look back on a memory and say “I was so happy”, and to smile while you live in that memory. Or to feel tingles, and goosebumps, fast heartbeat and quickened breath while you gingerly walk down a darkened alley, only to have the overwhelming feeling of “RUN!!!!” when a glass bottle “clinks” on the ground ahead of you. I aim to allow you to experience the full gamut of emotions while sitting in a theater or at home watching one of my films.

Starting DWP (DreamWeaver Production) has allowed me to opportunity to use my skill set to varying degrees. Either on our projects where budget concerns might limit our crew, or as a freelance representative working with other media houses on their projects. I think the easiest part of this whole journey was registering the name. Every day is different and presents its own challenges, but something that I’ve found helpful is Writing Down A Schedule. If I wake up, without a schedule that day… well maybe I go to the mountains with my dog, or watch some movies, or work on a model. But did I accomplish anything that moved a project forward? Probably not. Now it’s not to say that schedule can’t change or vary from what you originally set out. But sometimes without a clock to punch, the other temptations of life might be screaming for attention instead of the business that needs to get done.

Now as a film professional / creative alone…. I sometimes feel…. screwed. I’m a “jack-of-all” type, and in this industry usually you find the masters and those wanting to master a specific discipline. Well… I was raised in the camera department. Learned from some of the best in the industry as to what the camera assistants do. The DIT’s, loaders and utilities. Working next to Oscar winning Cinematographers and having the opportunity to pick their brain. Oh but then enter in being a grip or electrician, perhaps work dolly or be the Key. But then all that led to Gaffing (lighting). I write, edit, color my own projects. And of course all of that led me to where I’m at now… Directing. But sometimes ya still need to go back to those other positions so you can fund your personal projects.

This was also massive lesson to me, thinking having ALL the skills would be beneficial. But it did allow me to have a deeper respect and understanding of the various positions that I would be dealing with, all in service of the project. And also showed me that just because you think “I’m going to be….” doesn’t mean later down the road you are stuck at that. Just means you might have to put your head down, and grind a little harder

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve been blessed in my life to have friends from all walks of life, so it really creates plenty of random variety in what we could do. I really think it depends on what they are feeling, and time of year as we do have a few seasons still here. Really I just get to enjoy the experience of sharing things with them, and thats what I enjoy. And Colorado has no shortage of things to do.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Keslow Camera: First and Foremost I owe them a massive amount of recognition I feel. I moved out to LA around 2008-ish that was driven by a relationship. I was finishing up an Electronics Engineering Degree at that time, and thought I was going to end up working in aerospace or some tech firm out there. NOPE!!! Was at the end of my rope, couldn’t find anything but waiting tables, then my phone rang. At Keslow Camera I got the opportunity to see what the film industry was all about. Starting in the service department without a clue about what I was doing with these cameras, lenses and accessories; I worked my way up to a Supervisory position, started getting a little more into operations, and eventually went out to Atlanta to oversee the day to day operations of their Satellite office out there. But getting the opportunity to be on-set for productions like Monk, House, Chicago Fire / Med, Longmire, Maze Runner, Magic Mike, Spiderman Homecoming and so much more. To work with DP’s like Claudio Miranda, Chivo, Wally Pfister, Greg Fraser and again soooo many more… Keslow showed me a kid from Colorado has a chance to do this. They showed me something I never dreamed was possible.

Scott Arnold owner of SRA Photography: Coming back to Colorado was difficult at first. Trying to find fellow creatives and of course A JOB!!! SRA is the official photographer of Bandimere Speedway in Morrison Colorado. A place I spent many of weekends as a kid while my dad was racing his dragsters. After showing some of my photos to Scott, he reached out and offered my a position as a photographer to help with the events. Getting the opportunity to spend weekends during the Summer-Fall months at a place I love, capturing a challenging subject, and trying better myself with my camera work. Plus getting the chance to be paid really helped. Thanks Scott, I hope you know how much I appreciate you.

Wouldn’t be here without Family of course!!!!! During this journey I’ve lost a couple family members who had always been big supports… Grandma Smith and Aunt Linda. So I can’t help but think of them as I keep heading down this path. Wanting to make sure that I don’t let down. Cousins, Aunts and Uncles, Mom and Dad… I know they don’t fully understand what it is I’m chasing after all I’m the only one traveling down the Entertainment Route, but they never give me any flack for it, just their love.

Mom has been a huge help of course. Helping with craft service (breakfast burritos for the win!!!), listening to me while I go on about jobs canceling or pushing, various story idea rants, taking care of Nyx (my dog) while I’m on set for 14+ hours. Watching me breakdown as I contemplate potentially leaving the Entertainment Industry, to never telling me to get a normal job. So much more that I could dig into here, but I owe a lot to her.

“My dad of course provided me with a lot of memory driven activities as a kid that I get to pull from. Outdoor life, drag racing, mechanical work and more have provided me with a wide range of skill sets I get to use on a daily basis doing what I do. He always challenged me to find the solution, and to notice the small details. Not sure I would be as comfortable doing all that I do had I not had the garage weekends with him growing up.”

Colorado Film School and the Faculty there: I did things a little backwards than most. I worked in the industry, then went to school for it. I realized that there was more I wanted from this industry than to just be a tech for a 3rd party, and CFS helped fill in some of those gaps. The faculty is top notch and there for you. I remember some extremely hard times that I was going through and having a faculty member pull me aside and just listen. Plus their countless years of industry experience, the gear and facilities they have. I toured other schools, and the minute I walked into their gear cage I knew it was where I was supposed to be. It was like a little mini Hollywood shop, I was home.

And lastly… Jeanette Ortiz. I had the wonderful opportunity to know her for the 8years that I was in Cali and Atlanta. She saw me cry after my first overnight on my company’s first short film production. Saw me devastated and down thinking I was the biggest fool for attempting this. She stood by me in my darkest days, and laughed with me in the bright ones. When I didn’t have a car, she would give me rides to Keslow, or pick me up from the bus station so I didn’t have to wait till midnight for the next bus. Going to trade shows, or software demos, laughing at me while I geek out over new cameras and lights. She loved me unconditionally, and supported me when I didn’t have anyone directly around me. While we aren’t dating anymore, I have a feeling I wouldn’t be sitting here right now pursuing what I am if I hadn’t met her and had her support while I started this journey. Forever thankful for that time, her, and how she blessed my life. Love ya JJ.

Seamus Curley & Trey Kochevar: I’m going to be owing you in the future for sure!!!! Got some stuff coming up that they are going to be massively helpful in. Can’t wait guys!!!!!

So many more of course, the list can always extend but I think that’s a good core.

Website: www.dreamweaverproduction.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-wright-9a3165113

Image Credits
Main Photo & Purple Vest NHRA shots – Kevin Cooley of Straight Line News Magazine