As a producer and development executive for Universal and NBC, David Garcia worked with writers and directors to help them understand the demographics of the audience for a project and develop that project within the logistics of those demographics and their budget.  His projects, including the mini-series Centennial and Rich Man Poor Man, were groundbreaking in their time in length, depth and scope.

As Director of Student Production at Chapman, he expects the same rigorous pre-production of student work before he will give it the greenlight.

First, he says, students have to work on their stories until they are as good as they can be.  Next, casting well is vital.   “Eighty percent of your film is made in pre-production,” he says.

Garcia’s goal is to maintain continuity and consistency in the infrastructure that supports student production.  With clear policies and procedures for such critical elements as insurance, permits for weapons and locations and other production elements, students can expect a smoother, hassle-free shoot.  “I’m strict, students know where the line in the sand is with me,” he says, acknowledging that students have playfully nicknamed him “Nails” and “The Enforcer.”  “But I push them because I want them to excel.”