Meet Mackenzie Fisher | Editor, Sound Designer, & Script Supervisor

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

Hi MacKenzie, why did you pursue a creative career?
For as long as I can remember movies have always been a part of my life. My childhood consisted of watching movies at home or going to the theater with my family. It felt like every weekend we were either at the movies or a sporting event for me or a sporting event for my brother. When people said they did not watch films I could not understand what they did with their free time. When I got a little older, I learned that there was more to films than just acting. There was a whole world behind the camera. A crew of hundreds of people helping to create the film I was sitting in the theater watching. I just knew I had to find a way to become a part of that.
In my undergrad, I studied English where I specialized in poetry but I also made videos for the theater department, promoting the performances coming up. I would shoot, edit, and send the video to the social media team to post online. It was my way of teaching myself post-production. When I decided I wanted to pursue my Master’s degree I knew it had to be in film. I am honestly so happy I ended up at Chapman University’s Dodge College. I have been able to expand my knowledge of film in ways I never thought I would. I learned about roles, on sets, I did not even know existed. One role in particular. script supervisor, I have come to love. I have script supervised on several projects and loved every minute of it. Being able to watch the monitor and help the crew see inconsistencies in the shots, or discuss the correct eye-line, or so many other things has been very rewarding. Preforming this role has given me the chance to learn about many different aspects of filmmaking. One TV pilot I was the script supervisor for won the College Television Award this past spring. Watching the Showrunner accept the award was one of the most exciting things I have experienced in my film school journey. I have also loved sound designing. I was able to sound design a project this past spring, as well, and I am immensely proud of it. Getting to work alongside a wonderful Producer, Emily Robinett, we were able to make a project that is really something special. All of the sets and projects I have been able to work on continue to show me that I am pursing the right career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am someone who loves to learn. I believe that we should always be learning, growing, and changing. I am never afraid to ask questions and speak up for what I believe. As a filmmaker, learning just naturally comes with the job. I am constantly changing my mind on what I want to truly do in the industry because of the new roles I find out exists. While that can be daunting for me, at the same time it allows me to be free to choose my own path. I am not set in stone on needing to be one thing and one thing only. I have learned that lesson by putting all my eggs into one basket and then the basket broke. During a period of time I only thought of myself as an editor and I took on project after project. I was starting to pile up all my eggs until I realized I was falling in love with other roles. The basket broke when I decided I no longer need to just be an editor. I am proud of my diverse portfolio, getting to say I have been a director, editor, production designer, sound designer, script supervisor, & writer. I want to be well rounded and someone that never stops challenging myself to grow. I would tell any young filmmaker to never close themselves off to the opportunities around them, even if it not exactly what they want to do. You never know were something could lead you. My professional journey has been full of moments like these, where I decided to try something new. I never would have known I loved script supervising if that TV pilot did not give me the chance. I also would have never known animatic editing is a real amazing job if I hadn’t taken an unexpected class. I also want to say the journey has never been easy, life takes a lot of hard work. I have dealt with physical and mental challenges but I try to never let that stop me. I love being an artist and I would not change that for the world. I say, find something you love and hope it finds you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I know this might be a little cliche but truly my favorite place in Southern California is Disneyland. I know, I know Disney adult alert but I don’t have an annual pass so I am not that crazy. My apartment complex faces Disney so every weekend I can hear and when I want to see the evening fireworks. It just a reminder that there are people at Disney living my dream. If someone had never been to California I would definitely have to take them to Disneyland just for one day, of our week long hypothetical trip. The itinerary would just be me doing all the Mobile Ordering, Lighting Lane pass, and checking every minute to see if Rise of the Resistance is going to open. I just feel happy when I am at Disneyland and I would want the person I am with to experience that. After our 15 hour day at Disney, the rest of the trip would be seeing my other favorite parts of SoCal. One of my favorite drives I have taken in California is when I was on my way to Las Vegas. There are beautiful rolling hills right before you get to the desert. The sun was setting and I could just see all the lush green hills around me. California does have a lot of buildings and traffic but there are parts that have such natural beauty. You just have to find those little pockets among the steel.
Beside my drive to Las Vegas, Laguna Beach is an area I would have to take someone to. The drive down to Laguna is beautiful especially when it becomes one lane and you are driving through the hills. The beaches at Laguna are one of my favorites as well. There are a lot of cool houses, a beautiful view of the coast and some great food options. Laguna will also always hold a special place in my heart because I helped my brother propose to his now wife on the beach. After Laguna, I would head up to the LA area! I would have to take someone to the restaurant, Met Him at a Bar, which has some of the best pasta I have ever eaten. The meatballs and tiramisu is absolutely delicious. The Griffith Observatory is also one of my favorite spots too. It gives you a stunning view of the city. There are definitely a lot of places in California I would still love to see and I am excited to continue exploring.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so immensely grateful for all the opportunities I have been given. I have been able to pursue both a Bachelors’s degree and Master’s degree with the support of my parents. Education has always been very important to me and being able to gain knowledge in so many different areas is something no one will ever be able to take a way from me. I am thankful for both of the Universities I have been able to attend and the opportunities both have given me.
There are many professors I would love to thank and discuss how they have impacted my life. Overall though, I want to particularly thank Lora Kaup who is an instructor at Creighton University. Without her support, I might not have ever decided to applying to Chapman University’s Master Program. Lora you showed me what it means to be a strong woman in a sea of men and I take that lesson with me every time I walk onto a set. You are truly the definition of an incredible impactful teacher! I also want to thank Andres De La Torre Dubreuil and Michael Kowalski both Professor’s at Chapman. Your mentorship has helped me find my voice as an artist. Two more important people from Chapman I want to thank is Danielle Chartier and Priscilla Campos. Priscilla gave me the opportunity to work in the Admissions Office at Dodge and I have never been happier. Getting to work along side such amazing people, while helping prospective students is the best part of my job. Danielle, thank you for being the most supportive boss anyone could ask for. I have learned so much from you and I am so grateful.
Most importantly I want to thank my family. Without you I would not be the person I am today. You have given me support and love like no other and I am so thankful. Thank you mom and dad for being one of a kind parents. Thank you Mitch for being the best big brother and my biggest supporter, even if you make fun of me first. Thank you Kristi for being an amazing sister-law. And thank you to everyone that has come before me, a beautiful garden legacy.

Website: https://mfisher1054.wixsite.com/website

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenziefisher1054

Image Credits
Carla Hunt
Emily Robinett