On Wednesday, November 3rd, commercial producer and UGA alum Kevin Wall visited MFA Film students at the Athena Studio Production Learning Center to hold a workshop on the world of general and commercial producing.
Based in Atlanta, GA, Wall is an award-winning commercial producer and co-owner of Applebox Productions, and has been working in the commercial filmmaking business for 10 years. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a sociology/film theory degree, Wall worked in art department while directing and producing independent productions. From there, Wall transitioned fully into commercial producing 4 years ago.
Wall’s workshop with first- and second-year MFA students shared his experience as a working producer within the Atlanta Media Market, and also presented a comprehensive look at the ins and outs of commercial producing. Wall explained the differences between narrative and commercial producing, and gave students insight into the role of a producer in branded and commercial productions.
Apple Box Productions collaborates with talented directors, photographers, and production professionals in Atlanta, and makes use of their on-site 4000 square foot studio to bring commercial projects to life. Wall shared samples from Apple Box Productions’ portfolio of work with students, and led an interactive showcase of the knowledge he has gained through his professional experience in the Atlanta commercial market. Students learned about the process of commercial production, from client briefs and director pitches, to building a visual deck for a project, to production and post.
Wall shared advice with students on the importance of communication as a producer, building and working intuitively with budgets, and protecting the different voices contributing to a project.
