Maxwell J. Mootz
- Editor
- Director
- Cinematographer
Born and raised in small-town Minnesota, Maxwell J. Mootz discovered his passion for filmmaking as a young child. After experimenting with the craft throughout his youth, he decided to start a small video production company, New Eye Productions, while still a sophomore in high school. He taught himself basic video production skills and was able to build a network of clients around his town. While doing so, he entered local video contest hosted by Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin and was awarded first place. He enrolled at Columbia College Chicago where he broadened his skills and knowledge in several different areas of cinema and video production. Although his focus was editing and post-production, he took several courses in directing and screenwriting. He also worked as a production assistant and grip on various film sets through the campus. During his final year, he began an internship at Roc Star Studio, which allowed him to gain real world experience by carrying out tasks in a studio setting and through the cutting of various different forms of media including web series, music videos, and PSAs. He received his Bachelor of Arts in the Spring of 2023. Upon finishing school, he came in as semi-finalist in the Student World Impact Film Festival for a short documentary and had multiple works selected at other festivals.