Writer, director and producer Greg Porper (Communication ’12) advised aspiring filmmakers on how to take advantage of opportunities in a Monday Q&A hosted by Studio 22.
Communication Prof. Spencer Parsons interviewed Porper about his recently theatrically released feature film, “Don’t Tell Larry.” Porper also answered questions from students about the early stages of his career, his time at Northwestern and the process of writing, producing and distributing his film from scratch.
“What’s really wonderful about this opportunity is that when students are graduating and thinking about the financial aspects of how to make a film, they’ll have this advice,” said Studio 22 Industry Co-Chair and Communication sophomore Cassidey Fralin.
With approximately 50 students in attendance, Porper spoke about the process of financing a feature-length project. A large portion of his film’s funding came through investments from Porper’s friends and family members, a process he described as tedious yet necessary for many independent films.
“Don’t Tell Larry,” a comedy starring Patty Guggenheim, Kiel Kennedy and Ed Begley Jr., began filming in early 2022.
Porper said he experienced some hurdles throughout production, like a COVID-19 outbreak on set, which halted filming for six weeks.
Porper and his team’s search for distributors was also delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, in which hundreds of thousands of people in the film industry refused to work in order to receive fair compensation for their films and protest AI usage in show business. Last summer, Porper finally secured a theatrical release for the film through Level 33, an entertainment company connected to one of the producers.
Porper emphasized the importance of networking and finding connections in the film industry, and he said the audience should take advantage of hearing from and meeting speakers like himself.
“There are so many people who I met who were up here that I just stayed in touch with over time, who I ended up connecting with or even working with at some point,” Porper said.
Attendee and Communication sophomore August Martone, who is currently co-directing a feature film of his own, said hearing from industry professionals like Porper was one of the reasons he chose to attend NU.
“That’s probably the biggest reason I came here, just because of all the successful alums who are willing to come back and be connections for students,” Martone said.
Studio 22 Industry Co-Chair and Communication senior Ananya Paul said the organization prioritizes inviting successful alumni to speak with students to display NU’s standing in the film industry.
After the Q&A, Porper reminisced on the times he was in a similar position to his audience and found inspiration in speakers’ stories. He commended students who attended the event and said they were taking advantage of the resources available to them.
“The fact you came out here already puts you ahead of the students that didn’t come,” Porper said to the event’s attendees.
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