Meet Malcolm Bodon: Producer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Malcolm Bodon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Malcolm, how do you think about risk?
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” I used to dwell on that quote while I was a banker at Bank of America in Tampa, FL. At the time, I was known to always play it safe, I guess that’s why I worked at a bank. I was comfortable, but I wasn’t content. I wanted more out of life, I wanted more out of my career. I’ve always loved movies, and it was my dream to work in that field, but I didn’t have any connections, or know how to even start a career in entertainment.

The “risk factor” was what kept my decision to leave my cushy job at bay. Our society generally displays risks as having inherently negative connotations. I had to rework how my brain thought about risks if I wanted to take charge of my destiny. Out of chance, I found an opportunity to be involved in a film that was shot by a local production company. I stood there amazed as I witnessed the inner workings of a film shoot, the intricacies involved. The symbiotic relationship of the cast and crew charging their way through the script at the whims of the director, like a conductor and their orchestra. I was captivated. The synapses in my brain started to fire off, giving the “risk” of stepping out of my comfort zone positive reinforcement.

In 2010, I dropped everything and made a calculated risk to move to LA. Little did I know that my venture out to the west coast would lead me down a path of constant exposure to calamity. So much so, that it was inevitable for me to run into failure. Though, with each failure, there was a learning experience. This was the point where I started to understand that when I see a risk, I see an opportunity for success, or an opportunity for a lesson. Either way it will be a personal improvement.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We create spectacles. I feel that what we do is provide audiences with visually striking storytelling that entices you to experience another world. Through the years, I have been able to amass enough footage to construct a viable showcase of my work that sets the tone of the style of films I would like to create in the future. The road has been plagued with obstacles, but through perseverance, and sheer grit, we have been able to achieve success in strides. One of the biggest take aways is that people need to have passion. I have been on many sets where I’ve heard a director say “I don’t care”. If there is one person on set that needs to care the most, it’s the director! Believe me, it shows up in your final product and on the screen. One thing people should know about me is that I will always care. I will always be passionate about what I am working on. Everything my name is attached to will have my utmost dedication.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Having lived in Los Angeles for over 10 years now, I have perfected the full “LA experience” in just a weekend. But if we are saying a full week, we are going to immerse ourselves into the culture. We would definitely hit up the usually touristy stuff and get that out of the way in the beginning. You know, Hollywood Blvd, do Griffith, the Santa Monica Pier, Venice boardwalk, hike Runyon, maybe drop in to Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, see the sign, have a hotdog at Pinks, Sunset Strip, the usual. Once they got all their “for the Gram” shots, then we will start the actual tour. I like leading with the Getty Museum, it’s free, just pay for parking, and has amazing views inside and out. Take the 405 back up and stroll down Ventura and explain what “The Valley” is, hike Fryman, and then head over to Healthy Bites on Magnolia in Burbank. Seeing a movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery would also be on the list, probably check out Lucy’s El Adobe Cafe before hand for dinner. Might do a day in DTLA, check out Perch or The Edison, maybe grab a lunch at the multiple options at Grand Central Market. Our Beach Day would definitely be spent at Zuma, then hit up Duke’s on the way back. Would definitely cap off the trip with an elegant night at Magic Castle.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my friends and family. I’ve had constant support from them, and every bit of my success is due to their never ending encouragement. My parents (Frank, Virginia) and sisters (Camella, Courtney) have always been in my corner and are always a call away, even though our family is spread across three time zones. One of my closest friends that I would like to recognize is Bryce Fishman. She has made such an incredible impact on my career. As a mentor, she has been a guiding light through the darkness and pitfalls that come along with pursing a career as a filmmaker. Her unwavering support, and vast knowledge of the industry, provides me with confidence to take on any project. I would also like to thank Tomik Der with Tomik Der Properties, Brett Woodall at Zenosyne Pictures and everyone at Moonbug Entertainment for bringing me on to direct for you. Also, my friend Kyle Walczak for taking on our upcoming passion projects. We have great work heading your way!

Website: https://malcolmjbodon.wixsite.com/malcolmbodon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malcolmbodon/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malcolmbodon

Twitter: https://twitter.com/malcolmbodon?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalcolmBodonProductions/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/malcolmbodon

Image Credits
Dima Shorin Camille Sematiski