Conversations with Drew Garcia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Garcia.

Hi Drew, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely! Well, I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, even as a kid creating adventures with my brother Nate. We’d make these silly homemade movies, running around with our parents’ camcorder. We grew up dreaming about turning stories into reality. Storytelling has always been at the heart of who I am.

Fast forward to 2015, Nate and I officially dove into filmmaking by starting Ice Cream Entertainment, splitting time between Boise and Los Angeles. It started small, like most great adventures do, but it quickly became something much bigger. I immersed myself in directing documentaries, including two feature-length vérité documentaries that profoundly shaped me as a filmmaker. There’s something incredibly special about documentaries—they teach you to listen deeply, to be present, and to uncover powerful stories hidden in everyday life.

Then came a huge opportunity when I directed a kids’ feature film (Along with my brother Nate) called “Treasure Trackers” for Warner Bros HBO Max. That experience was exhilarating and humbling, a true milestone. It pushed me creatively and professionally, confirming that storytelling on this scale was exactly where I wanted to be. It was also around this time that I signed with IAG in Beverly Hills as my talent agency, solidifying my connections and presence in LA.

Outside filmmaking, my three amazing kids—Jon, Josh, and Kate—keep my life wonderfully chaotic and full of inspiration. Whether I’m working on indie projects, documentaries, or studio films, my family remains the heartbeat behind everything I create.

On a nerdier note, lately I’ve also been fascinated by how emerging technologies like AI might expand the tools filmmakers have at their fingertips. But at the end of the day, it’s always the human stories that matter most.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been smooth sailing! I don’t think any meaningful creative journey ever really is. Early on, there were plenty of sleepless nights figuring out how to fund projects, balancing budgets, and wearing way too many hats. One of the biggest hurdles was moving from smaller, independent projects into bigger opportunities like directing “Treasure Trackers” for Warner Bros HBO Max. It felt like suddenly jumping into the deep end—you wonder if you’re truly ready or if everyone can secretly see you’re figuring it out as you go.

There’s also the reality of rejection and setbacks that come with this industry. For every “yes,” there were a dozen “no’s.” Even landing representation with IAG in Beverly Hills wasn’t straightforward—it came after plenty of pitching, hustling, and wondering if anyone was even noticing the hard work.

Splitting time between Boise and LA, while rewarding, has its own challenges too. You feel sometimes caught between two worlds—balancing family life, staying grounded, and still being present enough in Los Angeles to seize opportunities and foster relationships.

But honestly, looking back, each struggle shaped who I am today, both as a filmmaker and as a person. It taught me resilience, patience, and humility. And in many ways, overcoming those challenges made the successes that much sweeter.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a filmmaker through and through. Over the years, I’ve specialized in directing both documentaries and feature films, always aiming to tell stories that feel authentic, meaningful, and innovative. Documentary filmmaking, especially vérité style, has always had a special place for me because of its raw, honest portrayal of life. One of my proudest works is “828,” a documentary that followed a man coping with grief taking on an ambitious challenge – being the first person to circumnavigate Iceland’s Ring Road on a skateboard.

I also directed a kids’ feature called “Treasure Trackers” for Warner Bros HBO Max, which was an incredible experience. It’s a film I’m particularly proud of, not only because it allowed me to reach a wider audience but also because it aligned with my passion for storytelling that captures imagination and wonder.

Most recently, I created an experimental AI-driven short film about an anglerfish, which exploded online and racked up over 100 million views. It caught me by surprise in the best possible way. The reaction taught me that blending storytelling with new, creative methods can profoundly engage audiences on a whole new level.

What sets my work apart, I believe, is my willingness to push creative boundaries while keeping the emotional heart of a story front and center. I’m always looking to explore new ways to tell stories, and I think people connect with that genuine curiosity and passion.

How do you think about happiness?
Honestly, I believe happiness is fleeting. I pursue peace and if there are moments of happiness that’s the cherry on top.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.icecreamentertainment.net
• Instagram: @drew_j_garcia

Image Credits
Drew Garcia, Kayla Garcia, Mark Saari