Movie producer Adam Leipzig held an informal question-and-answer session Wednesday, Jan. 27 at Salt Lake Community College.
Leipzig handled various questions about the film industry during his visit to the Center for Arts and Media. He also offered words of encouragement and gave students ideas for pursuing a career in film.
“Don’t devalue you own work,” he says. “All creative work has value.”
Leipzig first started working in the film industry as a Disney employee. As he moved up the corporate ladder, he eventually chose to leave the high-powered positions behind so that he could remain on the sets of movies and do what he loves most.
“It’s always the next one,” Leipzig says about his favorite movie he has produced.
Students also watched an exclusive preview for his newest film, “A Plastic Ocean.” The documentary looks at the dangers of plastic and other garbage that is filling the oceans, and how the human race can solve the problem.
“The best reaction to a movie is an emotional reaction,” Leipzig says.
In addition to running a successful production company, Leipzig founded Creative Future. The non-profit organization is the public voice for creative rights and helps artist protect their artistic creations from things like copyrights and piracy.
Leipzig also answered questions about the perceived lack of diversity in Hollywood, a viewpoint that has gained momentum after the controversy over this year’s Oscar nominations.
“Hollywood is very male and very white,” he says. “It’s sad, but true.”
When writing a movie, he explains that producers are not thinking about what these characters need to look like, but more along the lines of what these characters do, including their interests, hobbies, jobs and careers.
When asked what advice he can give to aspiring film producers, Leipzig says, “Don’t try to do what everyone else is doing, do what is unique and special to you.”
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