Andrew Catania, class of 2012, is living and working in Los Angeles as a producer and director. He’s well on his way to making his mark in the industry, as evidenced by the following list of film awards and achievements: 

Out for Vengeance (his Drexel Senior Project)

Festival Selections: LA Comedy Film Fest, LA Indie Film Fest, Oregon Film Awards, Night of Short Films Philadelphia

Winner: LA Comedy Film Fest, Oregon Film Awards 

The Request

Nominated: Playhouse West Film Festival LA 

Comic Company

Nominated: Tucson Comic Con  

We recently caught up with Andrew to ask him a few questions: 

What have you been doing since graduation?

I'm currently freelance producing various commercials, digital, and music video projects. I'm also writing and directing my own content under the company name Wooderworks. Companies I've created content for include Disney, FoxSports, ESPN, Above Average, College Humor, etc...The most recent project I produced was a music video for the artist Ty Segall, starring Fred Armisen, Jack Black, and Henry Rollins.       

What has been your best professional experience? 

My best experience so far was traveling across the country to work on various production projects. I worked with Director Rupert Wyatt for about 2 and a half years on such projects as The Exorcist (TV Show), The Gambler, and a handful of other developmental projects through his office in LA. We built a great relationship and I felt more like his producer, than his assistant. He's currently in New York and we're hoping to join forces on the next project. But we'll see... 

What are your professional goals? 

I want to write & direct for TV & Film. No hesitation on that answer.  

What experiences at Drexel best prepared you for the industry? 

I'd have to say Off Campus and Co-Op were probably the experiences that best taught me about the industry. At my Co-Op I learned how to work from the ground up, and kind of hit the ground running. If I didn't know something- I asked. If I was bored, I went around seeing what I could help with. My Co-Op was at a production company in Philly and I also worked with 6ABC in their production department. Most people don't know, but they do a lot of reality-based production out of their offices so I got a lot of on-set experience there. Off Campus was great because we got to make a show- and we emulated the way the professionals do it. A lot of students don't get that experience until they graduate, and I got it when I was a sophomore. It's probably the best course you could take because as most students know- You learn by doing, and not in the classroom.        

What advice would you give our current students? 

For current students, I would say work on as many projects as you can- whether it's for other people helping out or working on your own. You'll never have this much equipment at your disposable, so work your butt off making content while you can. It'll build your reel, get you experience, and maybe you'll have something special when you graduate. But also, have fun with your friends. They'll be your most important contacts later on.  Lastly- TAKE OFF CAMPUS!