Former LFA student Adam McHattie, now nearly two decades after completing his studies, reflects on his journey from short courses to working in the industry.
Guided by experts, fuelled by unwavering dedication and storytelling, Adam offers his invaluable insights, career aspirations and more.
His narrative is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance in the pursuit of artistic fulfilment, with this interview offering a glimpse into the filmmaking path he's taken so far...
Why did you choose LFA?
Adam's story begins with a crucial decision: choosing the right film school.
At 16, the warmth and welcome he received at an LFA Open Day, set it apart from other filmmaking institutions. Recalling his first encounter, Adam reminisces about the open arms that greeted him.
After being advised to undertake some short courses at LFA, to gain the entry-level skills and knowledge needed, Adam's career and filmmaking understanding began. Adam enrolled on the 2-day short course 'Editing: Avid Express DV' and then the 'Cinematography: Shooting & Lighting for Film and Digital' course back in 2010 and it was through these courses that he found his footing in the industry.
What's a highlight from your time at LFA?
Among the many highlights of his time at LFA, one memory stands out: being taught by the legendary Paul Wheeler. Learning to handle a super 16-millimetre camera under Wheeler’s guidance was a dream come true for Adam. This experience not only honed his technical skills but also opened doors to countless opportunities in the industry.
What was it like post-LFA?
Completing his courses at LFA instilled in Adam a newfound confidence, especially in editing with AVID Express. Armed with skills encouraged and nurtured at LFA, he ventured into the industry as a runner. Before eventually progressing to roles like dailies lab operator at Pinewood Studios.
Now, at 35 and reflecting on his journey, Adam acknowledges the crucial role LFA played in shaping his career trajectory:
What are you up to now?
Today, Adam runs his production company, MCH Entertainment, specialising in various video productions and his latest project 'The Dead & The Lonely'.
His journey has also seen him contribute to iconic projects like Star Wars Rogue One and Marvel films. Despite his achievements, Adam remains grounded, attributing his success to the confidence instilled by LFA in those early formative years.
How have you navigated challenges in the industry?
For Adam, navigating the industry posed challenges of confidence and embracing mistakes. His advice to aspiring filmmakers echoes his journey:
Adam McHattie’s journey from LFA to working in the heart of the film industry exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and education.
As he continues to chase his dreams, Adam’s story serves as a great source of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers, reminding us that with dedication and the right guidance, anything is possible in the world of cinema.