I always tell my students to: “Find something they love to do. Go where they can, to do it. But as soon as you’re there, help someone else out.”

 

Tom Garrett  joined the department of Mass Communication in 2012. He  is a producer of feature and documentary films and a founding partner of Circa Films, an international sales and distribution company. He has intimate knowledge of international co-production issues involved with production, having produced, directed and delivered films to the global marketplace.

 

Areas of expertise

Film and Digital Media Production; Cinema Studies; New Platforms of Global Media.

 

Tom’s research interests  focuses on media production in the ever-changing entrepreneurial global marketplace. His recent research includes the publication of  Sometimes You Lose: The Films of John Avildsen-Rocky, The Karate Kid and Other Underdogs.  And a international  documentary The Magic History Of Cinema  which showcases magic and movies long continued history.  The film explores how the origins of cinema are closely linked to the conjurors and illusionists of the early 20th century and how those ties continue with today’s top filmmakers and magicians.

 

Education

M.F.A., New York  University, Tisch School of the Arts, 1985

B.A., University of New Haven, 1983

 

Teaching Specialties
Film Producing and Production
Film History and Theory
Media Marketing and Distribution
 

Experience

Tom  has worked as executive producer, producer, line producer, unit production manager  and director. He has also served as a consultant on production issues, including: budgets, financing, guilds, unions, legal affairs and DYI distribution ranging from low-budget independents to studio-level pictures.
Tom's films have screened at many prestigious film festivals worldwide, including Berlin, Florence and Toronto; and television outlets like A & E, USA Network and TF1 (France). For over two decades he has played an active role  at the Cannes Film Festival’s Marche du Film and the Producers Network.

 

In addition to his feature film career, Tom has worked as a producer and director for advertising agencies and public relations firms such as Chiat-Day/Mojo, JWT, BBD&O; with  clients including Chanel, Reebok, Tag Heuer and Calvin Klien. His addtional clients have also included Def Jam and  Island Records, where he produced music videos for the likes of Run-D.M.C. and U2.

Tom Garrett is a member of the Producers Network at the Cannes Film Festival, Director of Special Initiatives for the Sarasota Film Festival and is a juror for the International Emmy® Awards, annually.

He teaches undergraduate and graduate classes. And with strong international ties, courses related to international media production and distribution, with travel components planned to Europe, Asia and Latin America.

 

Memberships/Affiliations

Director of Special Initiatives for the Sarasota Film Festival

Member of the University Film and Video Association (UFVA)

 Awards, Activities, Honors (selected)

1st Place Feature Film Script 2014 UFVA (University Film and Video Association) Conference
 Producers Network at the Cannes Film Festival, annually.
Juror for the International Emmy® Awards, annually.

Department Advisor at Sam Center