IMPROV JAM! (WED • Jan 27th @ 7pm on ZOOM) For All FBG Improvisers who've taken IN THE MOMENT IMPROV classes with Brandon Dickerson

Brandon taught a dynamic filmmaking elective at our high school and I saw firsthand what a gifted teacher he is. Since he was making his own film at the time, he was able to share every step of that process with his students, including an invitation to the set to watch production in process! His energy and passion are contagious, and he has a warmth and curiosity that allows for genuine connection with his students. I highly recommend him!

It is always a pleasure when Brandon comes to speak with our students. As the Chair of the Department of the Film & Digital Media at Baylor University, I find Brandon is incredibly knowledgable about filmmaking. He has a passion for storytelling and really knows how the process of making a film works. He also carries with him a generosity of spirit - he truly enjoys teaching and mentoring others.

I’ve worked with Brandon as an Executive Producer on a wide variety of high profile commercials and music videos since 1999 with clients like Nintendo, Converse, Microsoft, SEGA, Sony, and The Walt Disney Company. His Cannes Gold Lion was awarded for a clip he directed for my company Kaboom Productions and we helped produce his debut film SIRONIA. Brandon is not only a tremendous and capable filmmaker but a thoughtful and gracious human. He is always seeking to grow in his own talents and experience and does the same for those around him. He loves film and exudes positivity and enthusiasm. To me- that is key to being a teacher and mentor. I can't recommend him highly enough. (Lauren Schwartz, Owner/EP, kaboom productions)

Brandon is an Awesome teacher! During my Bachelor of Screen Production at the Australian Film Television & Radio School I needed someone IN THE INDUSTRY to help me navigate my studies and independent projects. I had walked into the deep, dark forrest of storytelling, a perilous land and, I needed a mentor to help me find my path, and lead me through. Over the past few years Brandon has been doing just that. This year, I am proud to say that I have emerged with my Bachelor in hand, and a full-time job as a Producer on a Documentary series in the USA, working alongside professionals from Hollywood to New York. Let him help you find your path, I'm glad I let him find mine!

List of tangible scenarios from our meetings:

I couldn't clearly articulate my ideas into a compelling Story framework:
"Can I tell you about these ideas I have, and could you help me make sense of it in a screenplay?"
- Brandon sat and listened to my messy ideas, and helped draw them out of me in a way that was ordered and ready for the page.

I needed help overcoming logistical issues on set:
"Hey Brandon, I want to make a bedroom turn into a forest but I don't have a million dollar VFX budget... How would you do that?"
- Brandon guided me through a series of real-world experience questions to help me come up with a perfect solution.

I wasn't quite prepared for post-production.
Brandon helped me map out a plan that was simple, articulating who might want to watch my film, and how we're going to reach them.

Brandon was extremely accommodating and I can't thank him enough for his time. In those 30 minutes Brandon helped me more than my combined 3 years of discovery, apprenticeships, and meetings. If my concept is to ever become a reality it will be all thanks to Brandon and his great insight. It goes to show that his accomplishments came directly from his knowledge and mindfulness. If you are looking to grow in the industry or just talk and listen to one of the successful directors in the film world, Brandon is your guy.

I have hired Brandon three times as director not only because he always creates a superior final product, but also because I knew he would take time along the way to teach my team. My creative team's skills have skyrocketed with his instruction on working sets. Brandon is conversational and relaxed, creating a wonderful environment in which to work and learn. I would not hesitate to work with him again or recommend him to others.