Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaac J. Burt.
Hi Isaac J., we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, in Windsor Hills specifically. I was definitely more on the frantic side as a child, albeit more annoying, and primarily played sports throughout my childhood. I stuttered a bunch as a kid, and hard to talk to at times, so I was either branching out to be heard or not saying anything at all. They existed on extremes; there was no finesse between the two. I found reading, writing, and poetry in middle school, which helped with the whole talking issue. It developed into my love for screenwriting now, so I’m thankful for that.
I lived in Texas for High school in Frisco, where I developed my first short stories at Wakeland High School. Then attended Northern Arizona University in 2016, majoring in Creative Media & Film, with an emphasis in Screenwriting. There, I worked on my first writer’s portfolio and directed my short film Thesis, “Next Door”, which ended up as a qualifying selection at the LA Shorts Film Festival.
After graduating in 2020, I began my career in film, starting as a PA on set for music videos, talking to anyone and everyone as much as I could. Working on everything from Music videos to feature films, I accepted every job that came my way. After a few connections thanks to the amazing women in my circle, I was able to get connected with Kori Adelson and began my writing career as PA in the writer’s room for the now-canceled Netflix Show, “The Nightjar”, in 2023. Meeting many mentors, like Jim Gray and Ashley Darnall, I honed my writing further and continued working as an assistant in other rooms for shows led by productions such as A24 and Hulu.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not, but nothing ever is. Hell, I’m going through struggles right now, the country technically is on the brink of collapse, ya know? But seriously, I’ve gone broke a couple of times trying to finance films for myself, and have even faced homelessness, due to the recent strikes. I’ve had to pivot multiple times, finding odd jobs, cleaning up trash at a convention center, working in film warehouses, carrying boxes, and loading trucks. Hell, I even flew out of the country to work on a tiny island in GUAM, filming weddings to make ends meet. I have and am willing to do anything it takes, but I feel you have to be.
At every stage in my life, no matter what I have set out to do, it has always started with a no. I was told as a kid I’d never make a basketball team, and as an adult, I was told I’ll never be a writer. But they are just words; it’s the actions you take that dictate the result.
I’ve gotten to a much more stable foundation now. I teach kids during the week, and that’s helped until this inevitable dream kicks off. I’m happy with all the challenges I’ve faced; I’ve become a much stronger filmmaker and writer because of them.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a filmmaker first and always. I love writing and directing films, and just being around a film set makes me happy in general. I specialize in dialogue and living in the tension of what every character is saying, and how they say it. I’m most known for writing and directing a couple of episodes for Malik Baker’s Moments Series, as well as my Music video directing work.
There are so many insanely talented film directors that exist and dope writers, especially where I’m from, that exist, it’s hard to just what “sets me apart” from everyone else when we all sort of come from his same nucleus of black creativity and culture, but I do have a unique eye for people and their stories. The world is a bit cruel, but the people themselves are always still so special, and I feel being able to tap into that is where I feel my passion lies.
I’m currently working on my new short film, “FURIOUS”, which will be out in next year.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Down like the Hindenburg.
ok, not really, but really, I think there’ll be a big shift back to the indie scene and that’s as much as I’ll say about that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://antfarmstudios.wixsite.com/antfarm
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antfarmstudiosla/
Image Credits
Image 1: Kasi Cross
Image 4: Ayesha Kosaka
