Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Dickholtz.
Hi Austin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story in the film industry began in central Florida where I went to Full Sail University. There they provided me with the knowledge and foundation that led me to a career as First Assistant Director. From there, I went on to work in Atlanta, GA before moving to Phoenix, AZ. Beginning in 2023, I relocated to Dallas, TX where I Co-Founded A&A Cinema LLP.
I grew up in the Chicago area and moved away for university. After first getting my associate degree and later graduating with my bachelor’s at Full Sail University, I moved to Atlanta, GA to get up close and personal with professionals in the industry. I moved at a good time where there were plenty of new projects popping up and managed to get my name out there for upcoming gigs. I spent two years working back-to-back shows and films, where I got to shadow and work directly with other ADs with decades of experience. I soaked up as much knowledge as I could during my time there. Afterward, I spent some time in 2022 in Phoenix networking with a new crowd. During this time, I also met my wife and Co-Founder of A&A Cinema, Angel Dickholtz. Relocating to Dallas was a goal we both had, and we are happy we made the jump.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My road, like many, was not straightforward nor easy. My schooling did an excellent job in training me for the long days and nights, but it’s another thing entirely to do it for real. Being a full-time filmmaker is a ton of fun, but it is not easy. I had to adjust quickly with self-discipline and careful planning. It’s difficult to find that work/life balance when the days are 12+ hours long. Through my time in the industry, I have gotten better at that balance. I am always at home when working with Angel. I feel extremely fortunate to work in the same industry as my wife; no set for me is complete without her.
The current state of the industry is volatile but I am thankful for every project and production that I am able to take-on, Dallas has been a blessing in this time when the strikes have shut down most work in LA, NYC and ATL. There is fortunately a lot of Indie work in Texas and seeing this community grow has been an encouragement.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a First Assistant Director and Producer in film and television. My strong suits thrive around organization, leading production teams, scheduling, script breakdowns, video editing, and bridging together pre-production, production, and postproduction for a cohesive product. I am thankful to have worked on such a wide variety of productions; both Indie and Union. These experiences have set me up for success in the different avenues of the entertainment industry and all the hats that it can require me to wear in my position.
To quote one of my favorite shows, “If there’s anything I enjoy more than managing a project, it’s micromanaging a project.” (What We Do in the Shadows)
What’s next?
I am looking forward to working on bigger and grander films as they make their way through Texas. A&A Cinema is growing our outreach and connections at a rapid rate. Currently, we have three features in post-production, along with a handful in pre-production. We are scouting investors and crew as well for new western scripts we are collaborating with; our goal is to see those come to fruition as quickly as creatively possible. We are excited to be a part of making Westerns great again!
Contact Info:
- Website: aandacinema.com
- Other: https://linktr.ee/austindickholtz
