Student Snapshot – Sarah Gambles

Sarah Gambles
MFA Class of 2021

 

Introduce yourself briefly and tell me a little bit about your background. Are you an MFA or BFA?
I’m an MFA2 Directing Specialist. After completing my BFA in Theatre and Journalism, I worked in the entertainment industry as a Publicity Assistant at NBC and as an Office Receptionist for John Wells at Warner Bros. I also taught elementary school for 15 years before returning to my true love of filmmaking.

Who is your favorite Filmmaker and What is your favorite movie?
It’s impossible to name just one. I think my top five are Thelma and Louise (Ridley Scott), Boys Don’t Cry (Kimberly Peirce), Philadelphia (Jonathan Demme), Monster (Patty Jenkins), and The Color Purple (Steven Spielberg).

What are you currently working on?
I’m currently preparing to produce one and direct two thesis films. I’m directing a Slapstick friendship comedy called Dog Days, written by our Producing Specialist Olivia Comas Wood, and a magical drama called Fairydust that I wrote. The film I’m producing is a another magical drama called Elien written by one of our MFA Writers, Adrian Hargrave.

What does your typical day look like?
My typical day during Covid consists of a ton of Zoom production, casting, VFX, and ATL meetings.

What has been the best part of film school so far?
The best part of film school has been the relationships I’ve built during my time here. Being in a small town, dreaming of making movies is one thing, but actually being in a space surrounded by artists with so many different talents has been a dream come true.

Which faculty member has made the greatest impression on you and how?
There have been so many faculty members who have had huge impacts on me, but the one who truly stands out is Julianna Baggott. She has been a wonderful support system as I navigated stories that were sensitive and close to my heart. She is always available, even for a quick call or to check in on your progress. We share a passion for the same kinds of stories and she has a gift for giving valuable feedback in an extremely constructive way.

What do you think someone applying to the program should know about the FSU Film School?
I think the most important thing to remember is that this isn’t just school, it’s job training. It’s career apprenticeship. The rigor will take you to your breaking point, but create in you a person you never envisioned existed in yourself. A truly collaborative artist.

Favorite Film School Moment?
My favorite film school moment was sitting in our D1 screening and feeling immense pride seeing the films we created .

It’s late, you’re at the Film School working on something you need to finish before tomorrow: where are you and who are you with?
I’m probably on the post hall with Rita al Cunha. She kept me sane during our Assistant Editor positions on thesis support.