Andrew was born in Budapest, Hungary, and moved to the US at a very young age. Throughout his life, he has moved around a lot and this gave him the skills to adapt in any situation, in a very quick way. After graduating from Arizona State University with a film production degree, Andrew moved to LA to pursue my career. He has worked in the film industry for over 14 years now and has had the opportunity to work in a variety of different crew and production positions. From the camera department to all different levels of production department, this has given him a clear understanding of the industry and life on set.

The experiences of working in the camera and production departments gave Andrew a personal approach to relate to my clients. The idea of a below the line crew agency came to him while was working as a Marketing agent in the camera world. After talking with production people and crew members directly, he came to the realization that there was no other agency out there that represents only below the line crew members in film and tv or commercial content. With all of his contacts over the years and experiences, it became obvious that creating an agency like this was necessary, and he was up for it.



How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

My first job in the industry was a camera PA on a low budget feature in Arizona. I learned that if you really work hard, learn the details and listen to absorb as much as you can, anything is possible. This was one of the first feature films using the RED One camera. I taught myself as much as I could prior to the job, it truly benefitted me because the camera crew relied on me to make things work. Made a big impact with the film and the crew itself for future opportunities. It was the first time I felt like everything fit into place.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

We have worked on many tv shows and feature throughout the years, but I think we are most proud of the small budget features or documentaries that achieve so much. Those that defy the odds with limited budgets and become a great film distributed internationally. It’s amazing to see a script before the project is finished and then see the final outcome is beyond what you ever expected.

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

The industry is ever changing. We always have to look for new ways to adapt. Social Media, streaming, strikes and AI. Like our clients, we have worked in many different areas in the industry so we adapt and change as the industry does. However, when filming moves out of LA and budgets get lower, it can become even more challenging.

How do you unwind from work mode?

Unwinding usually entails outdoor activities, board games with my wife, watching reality TV and reading a book outdoors.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

When looking for excellence in video and TV, I like to look at each project as a whole. With many key parts that make a project great. Cinematography, sound design, production design, costume and make up, etc. All of the parts play a role in making something great.

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to fuel your creativity?

Lots of coffee and conversations with other people. I feel like I get the most creative when bouncing ideas and conversations with other people. Especially when people think differently then myself.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

Currently I am the founder and agent for Above Below The Line (ABL) Agency. We represent below the line crew members in film and Tv. My favorite part of the job is when we help achieve a client’s dream job on a project. It’s such an amazing feeling when you see a persons career blossom and we helped achieve that.

When did you know that this career is what you wanted to do?

I started doing photography at a very young age, but didn’t know I wanted a career in the industry till college. After many years on set, I changed things up and got interested in the business side. The experiences of working in the camera and production departments gave me a personal approach to relate to my clients and then the agency began. It’s never too late to follow your dreams or to change things up for the better.

What inspired you to join the field and create the kind of work you do?

I have worked in the film industry for over 14 years now and had the opportunity to work in a variety of different crew and production positions. From the camera department to all different levels of production department, this has given me a clear understanding of the industry and life on set.

The experiences of working in the camera and production departments gave me a personal approach to relate to my clients. The idea of a below the line crew agency came up while I was working as a Marketing agent in the camera world. After talking with production people and crew members directly, I came to the realization that there was no other agency out there that represents only below the line crew members in film and tv or commercial content. With all of my contacts over the years and experiences, it became obvious that creating an agency like this was necessary, and I was up for it.

What’s a work tool you use every day and what’s one that is obsolete that you wish still existed?

My every day work tool is IMDB and my phone. My favorite application is CANVA. It’s a super easy software to do so much on social media and marketing. Obsolete tool would have to be newspapers, print and old fashioned phone calls. There is still a great feeling when you see a project physically printed and having a verbal phone call person to person.

In your experience, what is a significant change happening in the video and television industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

Studios moving most TV productions abroad, limited shows being greenlit, budgets are falling and social media/streaming services. The best way to navigate this is to be adaptable, meet with people more in person and continue to not give up. It’s easier said than done, but I do feel like as it becomes more challenging, the people that hold on will get the benefits in the near future. Don’t be scared of change, learn what you can and adapt to what is needed. Although it can be scary, doesn’t necessarily mean to give up.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

Right now, our agency has been expanding with new team members, clients and growing into the international market. Although we are based in LA, we now represent clients all over the USA, Europe, Canada and Mexico. It’s a very exciting time for our company.