Megan MacGrath
She is the Producer and Assitant Director of Robert Bowen‘s E is for Expitation Dollar Baby film.
SKSM: Can you introduce yourself to our readers? Who are you and what do you do?
Megan MacGrath: My name is Megan MacGrath and I have been working in the film industry since 2006. I’m a Producer, Production Manager and fill other roles in Production, as needed. I enjoy bringing one’s story and concept to life.
SKSM: When was the point that you thought I want to produce movies?
Megan MacGrath: When you work with amazing people, who give you grace as you continue to make movies, sometimes you get placed in those roles from others. I really started to enjoy producing films about 15 years ago. I love knowing all of the finite details of a project, even if only for my own knowledge.
SKSM: How do you plan the pre-production of a film?
Megan MacGrath: Pre-production is a HUGE part of filmmaking and I think a lot of people don’t fully understand that aspect. It is imperative to have all of your ducks in a row in pre-production. Once I’m on board and receive the script, I will break it down to days, characters, locations, props, etc… This ensures we know all of the moving pieces. You talk through potential actors and crew and you start locking everything in for production. There is quite a bit to pre-production.
SKSM: What interests you most about video production?
Megan MacGrath: What interests me most about film production is the fact that you have to create a team of people – cast and crew are both vital to a production. I love bringing the vision to life and being around people I know want to be there and be a part of something – whether it’s fun or challenging – we all learn from one another and bring what we know to the production.
SKSM: What experience do you have in producing videos and films?
Megan MacGrath: My experience in producing videos/films has come from holding different roles in Production. There are different roles, even as a Producer that you may have to take on, especially in a low-budget independent film community. I’ve learned by watching others and sometimes just jumping in and learning as we go. I have a very specific organization style I use that helps me break everything down. Depending on who I’m working with, my role as Producer can vary.
SKSM: How did you become involved in E is for Expiation as a producer?
Megan MacGrath: I have known Rob for several years and although we had not worked together previously on one of his projects, we have many mutual friends with whom we have worked together. Rob approached me and asked if I would be interested in joining the team in whatever role I felt most comfortable and proceeded to send the script. Right away, I was intrigued by the story and how it was written and shared how I wanted to break the script down and then create some budgets that could work with various indie rates. Rob was very complimentary of my work, and from other projects, that he and I were both excited to work on this project together.
SKSM: How do you deal with the challenges that arise on set with the cast and crew members?
Megan MacGrath: Each set is different and comes with its own set of challenges, but I really try to listen to what is going on and come up with some solutions that can put us all in a better place. Listening to your people and trying to provide solutions that will work for everyone can be extremely challenging because sometimes there is so much going on, you have to make a decision that someone will not like. I try to meet cast and crew with patience and understanding.
SKSM: In addition to being the film’s producer, you are also the film’s Assistant Director. What do you think are the essential qualities for a good Assistant Director?
Megan MacGrath: Essential qualities for being a good Assistant Director are good communication with Director, Producer and heads of departments; keeping everything on time; being a listening ear when there is an issue; helping to bring everyone together in a healthy environment in order for the production to move as smoothly as possible.
SKSM: Is it hard to stay within the time and budget limits?
Megan MacGrath: Yes, at times it can be very difficult to stay within time and budget limits because sometimes things just happen, so you have to work around what you can – if you have certain scenes that don’t require specific cast and you are having an issue, then try to move on to another scene that you could get while the other is being fixed. We try our best and if we need to cut some shots, then that’s what we need to do, but that also depends on if you have a Director who listens and can move forward.
SKSM: You worked with Robert Bowen on this film, how was it?
Megan MacGrath: Working with Rob on this film was such a joy. I can’t tell you how few times I’ve been so deeply involved where the Director not only asks my opinion, but actually takes action on feedback or ideas I’ve brought to the table. I appreciate the consideration he gives to allow others to share what they think, so they can truly feel a part of the process and it’s not just “his” film, but all of our film we can be proud of. He is so kind and gracious to put his faith in all of us, just as we do him.
SKSM: How do you communicate with a director to carry out the production process for a film?
Megan MacGrath: I provide a lot of communication with the Director. I think it’s pertinent to talk through all of the items, so we know what is feasible and what may be needed. My script breakdown is in-depth because it pulls out all of the things we may need from props to SFX to wardrobe and who we need and when. I don’t think you can over communicate with a Director when you’re preparing for film production, unless you’re just talking about the same thing over and over and things haven’t gotten done, lol!
SKSM: Was there any funny things that happened while filming (Bloopers, etc)?
Megan MacGrath: They say if you enjoy the work you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. I believe that because although being a filmmaker is hard work, there is a passion and joy in what we do and being able to let loose on a set every once in a while is joyous. There were a lot of funny moments because of the amazing people we worked with, cast and crew alike. There’s always someone who messes up a line or makes a funny face or gets super silly and I love that because we are having fun while we’re making movies.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Megan MacGrath: Even though my preferred genre is not horror, I have seen many of Stephen King’s films and enjoyed them very much. I love the edge of suspense he provides – that’s the real horror that I enjoy.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Megan MacGrath: Since E is for Expiation, I’ve worked with Rob on one of his short films. I am producing a Documentary film called Cremains Unknown, which has been in Production for a couple years now. I’m also producing a feature-length film called The Ascendants and in pre-pro for another feature-length film called Devil in the Trunk.
I’m on the Board and a Volunteer and Events Director for the Independent Film Society of Colorado (IFSOC). I’m a part of numerous film festivals. I help other filmmakers with providing them my experience in filmmaking and I’m getting ready to launch an education piece to filmmaking. I also produce live events for a sports company and produce marketing videos with another company.
SKSM: What is in the top 5 on your bucket list? (Everything is possible and nothing is too strange)
Megan MacGrath: I’m blessed to have been able to create my own reality, so I don’t normally wait around – I just go do the things. My top 5 bucket list items are: skydive, attend a Jagged Edge concert, visit all the countries of my ancestry, write a book, get married
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Something you’d like to tell our readers?
Megan MacGrath: Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and experience. You can do anything you set your mind to – just get up and go do it!
