Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Pigza
Hi Austin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always loved filmmaking and performing, and my parents have the horrible VHS tape short films from early in my life to prove it. I was lucky to have parents who supported my interests in the arts, while also supporting my pursuit of sports as a possible collegiate path, as they each took. My mother particularly was someone I could relate to as someone who was not only a collegiate athlete, but studied theater as an actress simultaneously.
After deciding sports weren’t going to be the path that nourished my creativity, I quit in my senior year of high school and began thinking about what would be next. It took me several more years of insecurity and uncertainty (complete with a now neglected college degree) to jump at a small acting opportunity I saw online, jump-starting the crazy journey I find myself on today.
My newfound film career took me from my hometown of Charlotte, all the way to Raleigh, and then finally to Durham. Since settling, I’ve taken up more acting work, production work, editing work, and assistant directing opportunities on productions around NC and beyond, looking to grow as a performer and filmmaker. Early on in my time in Durham, I met one of my closest friends and colleagues, Blake Kinsey. We had a lot of time with each other sitting across from each other as extras on a commercial shoot, where we soon found we shared an idea to form a film collective to help nourish the slow and steady growth of the film industry in the Carolinas. After our first group meeting in April of last year, this idea has grown into what the New Carolinas Film Collective is today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have been extremely lucky to have the generosity and excitement of the community behind us to help us find solutions. Shadowbox Studio, Brent Jones, and so many members of the local film community at large have given their time, effort, and resources to help us in our mission.
The largest challenge has been keeping the creative space safe from those who lead with self-interest and ego, as well as meeting the needs of the film community here through requested events, workshops, and resources within our current organization resource constraints. We are constantly working diligently behind the scenes in order to partner with local industry leaders in an effort to offer our community more tools and opportunities.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am but a humble film actor, one of many who loves to perform and be a tool filmmakers can use to bring stories to life. As the “artsy kid” who was a “geek” and a “jock” at the same time, I try to bring that eclectic upbringing into my performances, even if the “geek” part tends to take center stage. From bank heist dramas, to dark comedies, to found footage monster movies, to teen drama television pilots, I have loved every second of the challenge of chasing acting as a career path.
Over the years I have also started taking interest into other areas of production, namely narrative film editing and production field work. I truly believe in the value of actors experiencing “getting their hands dirty” behind the camera, whether as a PA or in any other crew role that fits them.
As of now, I am most proud of the work we have begun with the collective. People who have met through our networking events, screeners, or workshops have come together to produce some amazing work that may not exist or would exist in a different form without the platform we have built. I hope that this environment helps people who were like me in high school make the leap to pursue film work earlier, and with confidence and community support.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
In the film world, anyone will tell you that social media is a necessary evil. Facebook namely has been imperative in everything from finding casting or crew calls to connecting with other filmmakers. Most importantly, however, when you work a set with someone and find that you admire their creative process, don’t be afraid to reach out to them for advice or their expertise, this can quickly transform into a mentor-apprentice relationship when the right personalities match. Networking and facilitating connection is the heart of what we do at the New Carolinas Film Collective as well, so of course we encourage anyone curious about getting into or expanding their film careers to make one of our events, you might meet your next mentor or collaborative partner there!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ncfilmco
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncfilmco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ncfilmco
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ncfilmco
