Interview: Logan Taylor of SXSW

What has your career path been like since graduating?

After graduating COM undergrad, I felt compelled to stay involved with Boston University and worked at the Howard Thurman Center. While there, I realized I wanted to continue my education with the fantastic faculty, staff, and network I'd made and entered the Graduate Film and TV studies program. After four years working and studying, I left Boston with my Master's Degree and plenty of event planning and administrative experience. I took this "triple threat" down to Austin to try my hand in a growing film industry. After apprenticing with the Austin Film Festival and the Austin Film Society and networking like crazy, I was referred to the film festival administrator position at SXSW. The immersive, fast-paced role has provided unbelievable insight into the independent film world. I'm thrilled to be entering my second year with them!

Why did you choose your particular field of study?

I was an only child of working parents, so I spent a good deal of my adolescence keeping myself busy by going to the local video store and renting whatever piqued my interest. By the time I was in high school, I'd become a bit of a film encyclopedia to my friends and family. It seemed natural to deepen my knowledge in college and turn my obsessive hobby into a career. Though I enjoyed the filmmaking process as well, nothing got me quite as excited as watching and discussing films with likeminded film fans.

What skills from the program have you found most valuable?

COM prides itself on teaching strong writing skills, and with good reason! I've found my writing skills intensely beneficial in writing cover letters, writing film reviews, and blog posts on the SXSW website. Further, the combination of historical and theoretical approaches in my Film and TV studies courses has allowed me to discuss film from an informed and thoughtful perspective. COM undergrad also emphasizes a multi-disciplinary approach to a Film and TV education, and it has been endlessly helpful to understand how much goes into film production, what roles are involved in the business side of film, and what makes for a strong screenplay.