Steadfast & Dedicated

By: Allia J. Miller

Tucked away with the director and producers on a movie set, Mark Adler closely observes a scene up close and personal.  His eyes, similar to that of the Director, must be keen—his judgment, concise. Why you ask?  Because what he sees could ultimately be a scene in your next favorite film.  After accumulating more than twenty years experience in developing his skills through positions ranging from Production Manager and Director to Producer and now President of VAIdigital (a video support company for the film industry), Adler is steadfast and dedicated to seeing his home state of Michigan thrive and take full advantage of the benefits the film industry has to offer.

Born and raised in Michigan, Mark is married and father of two children. Growing up in Oak Park, Michigan, and subsequently moving around before finally settling in Novi, Michigan, he has learned from the best in the film industry.  He attributes his personality and career’s passion to the experiences which paved much of the way for his future talents and accomplishments. Coming up, camping and travelling in State Parks “Respect the Land” was a personal creed he adhered to.  He wanted to combine film making and his love of the outdoors as he worked on a concept he called “edu taininment,” making films about hiking and living well.   Later on, a background in training and production experiences along the way gelled into the idea for the Michigan Production Alliance (MPA) and its signature program called Production Algebra P.A. Boot camps.  The boot camps program, created and instructed by Adler, is seen as a valuable resource for up and coming film industry professionals.  He shyly mentioned to me that he has just published a book called “Production Algebra” as well.  In this interview, I had a chance to reveal some of the answers to obvious questions like…What exactly is a Production Assistant? And learn how one local guy has the commitment to not only fight for the future of the film industry in Michigan, but inspire others to join in.

What started you on the professional path to get to where you are now?

“Pretty much the moment I arrived at MSU (Michigan State University) I became immersed in the making of television, first being interviewed for, and then handed the leadership of a student organization called the Video Workshop.  In that role, I was responsible for training interested students in video production as well as organizing the documentation of lectures, and musical and political events.”

According to his website for VAI digital, preceding his work in the broadcast industry, Mark was responsible for the design and implementation of  Maclean Hunter Cable LTD’s community access center in Eastpointe and Centerline, Michigan. He enhanced his skills set as a Production Manager in areas such as teaching, directing, lighting, camera operating and editing. Readily equipped and personally motivated, Mark built that production facility, a mobile production vehicle and a following of community volunteer staff so that the community access station could provide entertainment and informational programming to the franchise area. That start up became the tipping point for his move into commercial production in 1982.

With partner and camera assistant, Tom Stackpoole,  Adler dove in to develop a  full service system for video support  on commercial sets. In 1986 Video Assist, Inc.  Became the 1st Video assist company to provide service in the state of Michigan. In 2000, he changed the name to VAIdigital.

In 2003, Mark co-founded the Michigan Production Alliance with Producer Galen Chandler.  The goal; create a more stable financial environment for the production community. MPA is a 501c6 nonprofit organization engaged in grassroots lobbying and the platform is used to speak to a variety of audiences on issues relating to the production industry and the media.

What could a Production Assistant (PA) expect to do on the set of a movie?

“They would essentially be the glue, holding all the departments together. They are working under the A.D. department and are expected to assist talent, production and really anyone who needs a hand on set.”  The production assistant is a entry level position where he or she interacts with every department on a film. It is also a path into those departments.

What would you say has been the hardest part of your professional journey?

“The hard stuff is the stuff that makes it great… You have to become self motivated, do your own marketing, budgeting.  As a freelance professional you have to find the work and that has always been a bit of a roller coaster ride.”

Adler relates that one of the first questions students want the answer to is “when am I going to get a job?” , when in fact the question should be, “what do I need to do to get the job?” “ I make a conscience effort to equip my students and peers with the tools they need to get where they want to be.  I tell them, everything is always changing; technology is constantly advancing, even the way in which we contact others is changing like how quickly we respond to calls for work.”  In short Adler stated that one must keep learning and thinking creatively, not only about getting a job, but bringing more value to it.

Wow, you have quite a few impressive accomplishments spread throughout your professional career, what are you most proud of?

“Honestly it’s been a certain amount of respect that I have developed amongst my peers within the film industry.  Aside from that I’d have to say  I’m proud of my efforts in promoting Michigan, through resources like  Michigan Production Alliance (http://www.mpami.org).  Additionally, a  film that I’m very proud to have  to have worked on is titled Betty Anne Waters (now in post production). The Director, Producers and crew were great, and to top it off, I had the unique opportunity to meet the film’s inspirational character, Betty Anne Waters and her family,  -  it was just overall an extremely rewarding experience.”

What are your future aspirations for your career in the film industry?

“I see myself continuing to do my consulting work with VAIdigital and making MPA a recognized entity that is committed to attracting more work to Michigan, training entry level professionals and public speaking on various subjects such as the promotion of film and video production in Michigan. Regardless of the fact we have film incentives for industry opportunities here, I want to make sure we build and maintain the proper foundations that will make our state a key player in industry with or without them.

Would you like to pass on any words of advice to our aspiring film industry professionals out there?

“Immerse yourself.  There are different websites, groups to join.  Be sure to network and make it a big part of your life. The tools you are equipped with may work today, but you should also be prepared for tomorrow, so think creatively and be aware of the changes going on around you.”

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