Alexis O. Korycinski is an award-winning Los Angeles based filmmaker with a penchant for raw human stories. She has directed narrative and feature documentaries and was part of the 40th annual AFI Directing Workshop for Women. She spends her days developing content and writing film and television projects with her husband.
How would you describe your work as a director
Filmmaking is an opportunity for me to comment on the world that we are living in and explore issues I care about. I love to ask questions about the human condition and invite the audience on a journey.
How did you get into directing
Becoming a director has been my goal since I first stepped onto the set of “Studio 60: On the Sunset Strip” as an intern and saw Tommy Schlamme call “action.” It was magical – and I immediately knew – I wanted to sit exactly where he was, in the director’s chair.
How do you choose a project to direct
As a director I choose projects that have unique characters in unexamined and underrepresented environments.
What uniqueness can female directors bring to TV, Film or Cinema
The female point of view is especially rife for this type of exploration. In a deep, thoughtful, provocative way, I want to showcase diversity of humanity through the lens.
Still smiling from the night! Here’s the award! Terrific evening surrounded by legends and rising stars! @TVcaucus pic.twitter.com/oqTNtIKTbG
— Alexis O. Korycinski (@aokorycinski) December 9, 2015
Do you take courses to increase your craft
I think it’s essential to continue working on your craft. I’m a member of many organizations (Alliance of Women Directors, Women in Film, Film Fatales and WIMPS) that offer classes, panels and peer to peer mentorship. There is an amazing female initiative called Film Powered, founded by Jen McGowan, that allows members to take free classes and give back by sharing useful skills and knowledge with other members.
What books do you read
Recently, I read Directors Tell the Story written by Bethany Rooney and Mary Lou Belli. It’s a great book with insight from two A list television directors.
Why will you choose an actor, writer or producer. What do you look for
When I choose collaborators I look for authenticity, passion and drive.
When you are offered a project, what thing do you put in place to do a good job
Story. The story has to be good and strong before shooting.
The Haircut Photo (Courtesy: Rich Prugh)
Briefly explain your latest work
As part of AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, I recently directed “The Haircut, ” starring Bailey Noble (True Blood) and Molly Quinn (Castle), which premiered at AFI FEST. The film is set in 1976, petite 18-year-old Amy is among the first class of female cadets accepted to military service academies. Under incredible emotional and physical strain, Amy struggles to survive her first day, battling vicious sexism, swallowing self doubt, and fighting to prove she has what it takes.
Explain key challenges on your latest film
We were limited to only ten hours a day with our actors for “The Haircut,” including hair and makeup. To make sure we were able to get all of our shots and make our days. While we were shooting one scene we would block out and pre lit the next scene so we could move quickly.
What thing/situation helps you during production
Arrive to set an hour before everyone and walk through the space. Use this time to clear your head and relax before the chaos of the day.
Explain a creative choice you took on set on a recent production
Every camera movement needs to be motivated and I decided to use steadicam in a dance short film that I was directing called “Ballon.” During our dance numbers the steadicam danced amongst the dancers capturing many different angles that cut together beautifully.
How do you advise female directors to find projects
Create. Collaborate. I feel success happens when you write what you know or collaborate with a writer who shares your same vision.
How can filmmakers finance projects
There are amazing grants for filmmakers out there. F or “The Haircut” we received The Caucus For Producers, Writers & Directors Foundation Grant, Creative District Grant, Impact First Films Grant and the Panavision New Filmmaker Program.
What do you want from an actor in production
Authenticity.
How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production
My relationship with my producers is very important to the making of a successful picture. Producers are your partners and the champions of your project. You have to share a common goal with them. I work closely with my producers – collaborate about the production process and the entire film.
What do you think a female director can do to get into the film industry
Create your brand and forge your own path. Be original and create something new and great. It takes a lot of time and continuous hard work. And remember, it takes a team to bring great projects to completion.
Who is your favorite director
I have so many favorite directors. If I had to choose just one I would say, Patty Jenkins.
Why this director
Patty Jenkins is an amazing powerhouse filmmaker. I loved “Monster” and she directed one of my favorite pilots, “The Killing.” I’m excited to see her helm “Wonder Woman.”
What advice would you give female directors around the world
Make mistakes and take risks! Be ambitious and push yourself. Explore your passions. Pick up a camera and tell a story that you want to share with the world.
Briefly write about your career
My journey toward directing began when I was selected to be apart of the inaugural Aaron “Sorkin Week” entertainment industry immersion program through Syracuse University. Sorkin Week lead to an internship on “Studio 60: On The Sunset Strip” and assisting Tommy Schlamme on “Life on Mars.”
My first directing project after attending Syracuse University was one of passion: “Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America,” narrated by Katey Sagal. I went on to produce documentaries for History, TLC, Travel Channel and Reelz Channel.
I’ve been steadily transitioning toward narrative content development with a variety of collaborative and independent projects.
In 2014, I was a participant in the AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women and directed “The Haircut, ” starring Bailey Noble (True Blood) and Molly Quinn (Castle), which premiered at AFI FEST, garnered Best U.S. Short Film and The Chimaera Project Award for Best Short Film at the 2015 Catalina Film Festival, Made In California Best Short Film Award Presented by The California Film Commission at the 2015 Newport Beach Film Festival, 1 st prize Soldiers and Sacrifice at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Best Short Films by Women and Best Actress at the 2015 Burbank International Film Festival. I am honored to have been selected for The Caucus For Producers, Writers & Directors Foundation Grant, Creative District Grant, Impact First Films Grant
and the Panavision New Filmmaker Program.
Currently, I’m developing content for Spotted Cow Entertainment and writing film and television projects with my husband.
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