Dodge College is extremely fortunate to host an expert filmmaker every semester, to meet and mentor 10 students, as part of the Filmmaker-in-Residence program. For the Spring 2015 semester, we were honored to have Producer Gary Foster.

Foster is a veteran Hollywood producer, and has been active in the TV and film industry for almost three decades. By the age of 25, he produced his first film,
Short Circuit
, which put him on the map. In 1993, Foster produced the Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated hit Sleepless in Seattle, which grossed more than $300 million worldwide.

From 1993-1995, Foster served as president of Lee Rich Productions, where he produced such films as
Just Cause
,
The Amazing Panda Adventure
, and
Big Bully
. He went on to work on
Tin Cup
,
The Score
,
The Soloist
, and a trio of Marvel Studios films. He also produced television shows, such as Satisfaction and Community.

Image of Producer Gary Foster, spring 2015 Filmmaker-in-Residence


Foster at the premiere of WHEN IN ROME with star Kristen Bell



“As a producer of both major feature films and some of today’s hit television series, Gary Foster brings a unique perspective to helping our students understand the rapidly changing landscape of storytelling for the screen,” says Dean Bob Bassett. “His experience over many genres and platforms is particularly valuable today as the world of television is transforming what’s happening with long-form stories and attracting the top talent in the industry today.”

“I am very impressed with the students here at Dodge College, and their desire to learn about the practical aspect of Hollywood,” said Foster. “I’m here as an open book for them: to share my experiences, to give them a realistic look at what it takes to succeed in the business, and to offer insight on the projects they are working on.”

“He’s been really helpful so far with guidance as to what routes he took to his success,” said Rahul Bansal (BFA/Creative Producing ’15), a Creative Producing student that Foster is mentoring. “I have a couple of projects I’m working on right now, and his input on them has been invaluable. It’s great that he has the experience, and can give us the advice we are looking for.”

“Whether I am giving notes on a script, or helping a producing student strategize a project, I’m treating them as I would any colleague, and offer the same caliber of advice,” said Foster. “I’m excited to see what this kids wind up doing once they set loose in the industry.”