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Three weeks in, I figured it time that you’re introduced to the producers, so I set us a brief assignment this past week. Given that we’re in the film business, each producer had to select a film that somehow represents who they are, where they’re from, or what they’re about.

I give you, the producers…

PRODUCER #1: WANDA – JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Film: Crash (2004)

“Hailing from South Africa, I can relate to many characters in this film, especially those that experience conflict because of their race. This is the kind of film that you could literally copy & paste into my hometown, Johannesburg. I’d like to make films that enlarge perspectives on life and challenge people to live outside of their comfort zone, and this film does just that.”

PRODUCER #2: JAVIER – CHICAGO, IL

Film: Moulin Rouge (2001)

“This highly stylized film is relevant to me, because it’s about a hopeless romantic storyteller trying to live his life through his work… and I often break into song and dance in public!”

PRODUCER #3: BETH – LAUREL, MT

Film: Garden State (2004)

“For me, Garden State accurately depicts returning home after living in a big city. Coming from a small town in Montana, when I go home it takes a while to readjust to the intriguing people and atmosphere of a place where everyone knows your name.”

PRODUCER #4: ALICE – CHICAGO, IL

Film: Bedknobs & Broomsticks (1971)

“As a kid, I always wanted to be able to take an adventure at the drop of a hat, or better yet, a turn of a knob. I believe my motivation for storytelling sprouted from that desire.”

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PRODUCER #5: LAUREN – WALLED LAKE, MI

Film: Big Fish (2003)

“This film is relevant to me because I have always searched to define relationships with certain people in my life. Over the years, I have discovered that sometimes this can take a little imagination.”

PRODUCER #6: JEREMY – SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Film: The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

“I relate to this film, because I’m in a similar situation; the characters moved from San Francisco to Michigan, I moved from San Francisco to Chicago. They moved because of school, so did I!”

PRODUCER #7: KENNETH – CROWN POINT, IN

Film: The Big Lebowski (1998)

“This film resonates – not just because the word f**k is uttered 260 times in under two hours – but also because the Coen brothers manage to create a surreal version of Los Angeles which reminds me of the peculiarity of any suburban city. It’s a world where everybody wants something from you, and nothing is as it seems. It reminds me of home!”

PRODUCER #8: ASSYA – SOFIA, BULGARIA

Film: Porcupines Are Born Without Bristles (1971)

“Porcupines Are Born Without Bristles was the first-ever film from my home country submitted for Oscar consideration. It is relevant to me, because it is a great example of the power of big dreams, big hearts, and big ambitions that somehow get lost as we grow older. Though this film shows the world from the point of view of children, their integrity and strong-will is also a great lesson for adults.”

That’s the first batch! Next week, through everything from Irish comedy to romantic sci-fi, we meet the remaining producers. Don’t forget to follow @ProducingMFA on Twitter to keep up with us on a daily basis.