Meet Dorottya Máthé, Producer
🎭 Pro Spotlight: Dorottya Máthé learned early in her career that knowing how to pivot is a secret of success.
Dorottya Máthé is an independent film producer and producing instructor for the documentary faculty at the New York Film Academy, with a focus on mentoring emerging international filmmakers. Among many other projects, she produced the feature comedy Good Egg, the PBS doc series Should We Kid or Not?, and the thriller feature Impossible Monsters. Here’s my recent interview with her:
Jane Applegate (JA): When did you know you wanted to be a Producer?
Dorottya Máthé (DM): Shortly after my high school graduation, I participated as a live audience member during the recording of a prestigious entertainment show in Hungary.
The seamless camaraderie among the crew members and the synchronized orchestration of their work in the studio immediately captured my attention. This teamwork resonated with the collaborative spirit I had once experienced on a sports field, where I was deeply involved in as an athlete and fitness instructor wannabe.
On a whim, I decided to find a way to join the TV show’s team. I enrolled in a production assistant course offered by a company sponsoring the show. A few months later, parallel to my studies as a college student, I began working there part-time.
Despite my academic background taking a completely different route, upon graduation I was offered an entry-level position at the TV show.
Exploring diverse roles within the realm of production, I discovered immense joy in orchestrating dynamic collaboration among various departments. I was mesmerized by the juxtaposition of their creative approaches, how individual voices contributed unique perspectives to each project, ultimately breathing life into the initial ideas.
JA: Did your parents or teachers try to discourage you from pursuing such a risky career?
DM: Although my parents aren't connected to the entertainment industry, they have consistently provided unwavering support for me to pursue my aspirations, spanning across continents. However, almost a quarter of a century into my career, I’m still unsure whether they truly comprehend the intricacies and complexities of my role as a producer.
JA: What was your career path? Did you attend film school or a college level program?
During my high school years, I aspired to become a fitness instructor. However, after undergoing rigorous training as an athlete for years, I received advice from doctors discouraging me from pursuing that career due to health-related issues.
This marked a pivotal moment for me, making me realize the importance of being able to discern when it's necessary to pivot. Despite the substantial effort I had already invested in sports, I redirected my endeavors onto a new trajectory.
In the process of exploring new career opportunities my primary field of education encompassed hotel management, catering, tourism, and public relations.
During my academic journey, I engaged in part-time work for a prestigious television program, leading me to develop a keen interest in production.
Post-graduation, I swiftly secured a full-time position with a television company, gradually advancing my career towards producing. Since the role of a producer requires a multifaceted skill set, my diverse training across various fields has consistently proven invaluable at different junctures of my professional journey.
Several years later, desiring a fresh challenge, I relocated to New York. It was here that I delved into formal training in the entertainment industry, enrolling in the New York Film Academy's one-year producing program.
This transformative experience occurred 17 years ago and ever since, I've wholeheartedly devoted myself to the realm of independent narrative and documentary film production. Additionally, I contribute my expertise to the field of education in my role as Producing Instructor for the Documentary Faculty at the New York Film Academy, mentoring emerging international filmmakers.
JA: What advice do you have for parents who are uncertain about how to support their children’s creative dreams?
DM: Guide your children to pursue their chosen craft with a blend of artistic passion and a strategic entrepreneurial mindset.
Encourage experimentation, highlighting the importance of embracing failure as an integral part of their learning process.
Support them in defining their goals and emphasize the significance of prioritizing long-term career sustainability over the allure of immediate success.
JA:. What do wish you knew when you were 20 years-old?
DM: Refusing to engage in a hostile work environment is not a display of weakness and doesn't diminish the potential for one’s achievements as a producer. On the contrary, standing up for oneself reflects integrity and garners respect.
The significance of finding a mentor who can provide guidance along a meandering career path, and able to help exploring and discovering one’s distinctive trajectory.
JA: What advice do you have for people just starting out in the industry?
DM: Seize every opportunity to be on set; as a producer, comprehending the intricacies of physical production is paramount.
Master the art of delegation - you do not have to carry all responsibilities alone, simply because you're a producer. Learn how to hire the right collaborators to build a cohesive team that provides steadfast support throughout your projects.
Acknowledge your market value; your skills and abilities may hold more weight than you think. Cultivate patience. Your achievements and recognition won’t materialize overnight. Embrace the inevitability of continuous learning in order to operate efficiently in the multifaceted realm of producing.
Fortunately, we're all privileged to pursue our passions, so relish every step of the journey and do not rush to achieve your goals.
Allow yourself to immerse in life, form connections with individuals beyond your immediate circle (not solely in a professional networking context), seek adventures, constantly challenge yourself, and venture beyond your comfort zones since these experiences together will serve as a lifelong foundation for your compelling storytelling.
Thank you for this! Great insights for a newbie producer.