Today we’d like to introduce you to Iggi Ogard.
Hi Iggi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Growing up in a quaint fishing village off Sweden’s west coast, my childhood was a mix of Grimm’s Brothers fairy tales, Viking legends and gruesome fishermen stories from both my granddads. But amidst the dark Nordic vibes, I remember seeing an old black and white film with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as a young kid, and from then on, I knew I was destined for Hollywood one way or another. Picture nine-year-old me, shutting the living room doors, dimming the lights, and busting out some Busby Berkeley-inspired dance moves to my parents’ vinyl easy listening records. Yep, I was a solo showstopper!
On route to LA, I stopped by London which is where I realized my passion was to create behind the camera as a director, which led to getting a degree in filmmaking at University of Westminster.
After over a decade in London making music videos, TV promos and short films and working as a director, producer, and editor for major networks like Sky, TV3, Discovery, I felt the draw to move to sunny California – Los Angeles to be more precise. Here, I continue to create and ideate and enjoy the positive vibes and ‘can do’ mindset – if you can dream it, it can happen. My latest film – ‘A Real Adventure’ – a fantasy/comedy short that I directed, edited and co-produced is just ending its festival round, and I am having a lot of fun working at NBC Universal as a staff writer/producer/director/
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When you graduate from film school, you think you have the world at your feet, that the phone will constantly ring with movie offers, and you visualize your imminent Oscar acceptance speech… However, that was not quite how it turned out…yet. It has definitely not been a smooth road but a rather steep learning curve. It is still a tough business to break into as a woman, still a lot of prejudices against using female directors. I remember calling up a production company looking for representation that a friend had recommended, and their answer was ‘No we already have one female director so we’re good’. Sometimes, you feel like you’re hitting your head against a wall, trying to break through and get considered for industry gigs. You have to have a thick skin for sure, but I love what I do so just have to push forward and believe in myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
When working on my own filmmaking projects, I veer towards dark humor – I love the fantastical, quirky, and magical side of things mixed with real human stories. I want to give my audience a moment to forget about all the horrors of today’s world, to escape for a while, and then come away with a big warm fuzzy feeling.
At NBC Universal, I get to work on anything from directing social shoots to producing and editing huge co-branded commercial spots for major brands and studios. Last year I did a commercial for Disney’s Haunted Mansion which was nominated for a Clio Award and won several Muse Awards. I also shot and directed several social spots for BravoCon, one with Scheana from Vanderpump Rules, which won 4 Muse Awards.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
In filmmaking, you have to be prepared for anything at any time and be able to adapt to the situation. For example, you’re shooting a night scene, and there’s a power outage, or your lead actor doesn’t turn up in the morning as they have been arrested for a DUI. But you think on your feet, and somehow you make things happen anyway. It’s both challenging and incredibly exhilarating when you pull it off.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iggiogard.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iggilicious/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/iggi-o-
4791931 - Other: imdb.me/ingelaogard
Image Credits
Renee Faia
Errol Colandro
Ann Sofie Lakso
Richard Briglia
