Beyond NYU: From finding out at Stern to producing ‘Moana’

When NYU alum Beau Flynn was rising up in Miami, he dreamed of engaged on Wall Street and couldn’t imagine his luck when he acquired there at 18 years previous. However, after finding out on the Stern School of Business for his first yr, Flynn transferred to the College of Arts & Science and found his love for filmmaking.

Now, Flynn is a Hollywood producer with over 60 movies and TV reveals below his belt, together with industrial hits like “Journey to the Center of the Earth” in 2008 and the 2017 comedy “Baywatch.” After a decadeslong profession creating for each film and tv screens, Flynn is gearing up for the discharge of the live-action “Moana,” his newest undertaking.

In an interview with WSN, Flynn mentioned discovering his ardour at NYU, discovering his approach by means of the movie trade and dealing intently with actor Dwayne Johnson.

This interview has been edited for size and readability.

WSN: What was your favourite reminiscence at NYU?

Flynn: I keep in mind making ready for a monologue in a Tisch class and having evening terrors. Everyone round me was so proficient. But looking back, it was among the finest experiences I’ve ever had. It was extremely bonding and pushed me out of my consolation zone in an enormous approach. I didn’t perceive it on the time, however that class ended up grounding me. It helped me discover a sense of place and overcome my worry of public talking. That appearing class gave me a glimpse into actors’ worlds, and it’s stayed with me ever since.

After graduating from NYU in 1993, Flynn landed a job within the mailroom at Profile Records, a number one hip-hop label within the Nineteen Eighties. He stated his each day tasks included logging a bag of vinyl records from the workplace to the publish workplace and delivering soda and ice every day to the corporate president, Cory Robbins.

Flynn stated that one afternoon, he ran right into a good friend from NYU on the publish workplace whereas hauling a mailbag and located himself feeling embarrassed of the job. So, he took the encounter as an indication: It was time to lastly chase his dream within the movie trade. He had additionally heard that the complete workers at Profile Records’ Los Angeles workplace had left, so Flynn determined to pitch Robbins on an thought to assist kickstart his profession.

WSN: How did you get the chance to maneuver to LA?

Flynn: I lastly labored up the braveness and went into Cory Robbins’ workplace to ask if I may very well be the short-term assistant to maintain the LA workplace operating. He stated sure, so I packed and moved to LA on my mailroom wage. While I used to be the one one there, I discovered this factor known as the Hollywood Creative Directory — principally a cellphone e-book of each manufacturing firm on the town. I printed out my resume and faxed 150 of them. I solely acquired two calls again. Neither firm was hiring, however each of them stated the identical factor: ‘You ought to work for Scott Rudin.’ So I left Profile and began as an intern for Rudin, however inside two weeks, I used to be promoted to assistant. So it began as a result of I had the nerve to stroll into that workplace and pitch the concept of operating the LA workplace.

Flynn stated that he realized the basics of the filmmaking trade whereas serving as an assistant for Rudin, a controversial producer recognized for movies like “The Truman Show,” “Lady Bird” and “The Social Network.” After leaving the place two years later, Flynn stated that he got down to create his first brief movie, which was ultimately launched in 1996 as a feature-length film titled “Johns.”

While producing the 2012 motion film “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,” Flynn met the starring actor Dwayne Johnson. Flynn stated that the 2 rapidly grew to become pals and went on to create quite a few motion pictures collectively, together with “San Andreas” — a 2015 catastrophe movie about a big earthquake.

WSN: What impressed you to create ‘San Andreas,’ and what was the influence of that movie?

Flynn: When I moved to LA, I used to be within the Northridge earthquake. It was terrifying, and that have by no means left me. But I assumed it might be such a cool film to do a giant earthquake film. At the time, me and Dwayne Johnson have been on the set of ‘Hercules,’ and I gave him a script of ‘San Andreas,’ and he agreed. That film actually modified my profession as a result of it opened my door to creating tentpole motion pictures for the world, and we broke numerous records. I actually do genuinely care and love all the flicks, however that one has an inflection level in my profession — and Dwayne’s too. So we each acquired to expertise one thing off of that movie that was very distinctive.

Flynn stated that he’s just lately wrapped up producing “Moana,” starring Johnson, additionally a co-producer, and Catherine Laga’aia. The upcoming musical movie is predicated on the favored 2016 animated Disney film and is slated for launch in July 2026.

WSN: What recommendation would you give to college students and aspiring producers

Flynn: When I left Miami for NYU, I used to be actually formidable. I felt contained in Miami, and I had these big desires, which was nice, however I additionally put these unrealistic objectives and timeframes on myself. When I didn’t hit them, I began feeling like a failure. Then I slowed issues down and broke my purpose into smaller, extra manageable items that I knew I might really obtain. Once I began hitting these smaller milestones and people wins gave me power, in order that strategy has caught with me all through my profession.

Contact Amelia Hernandez Gioia at [email protected].

This story Beyond NYU: From finding out at Stern to producing ‘Moana’ appeared first on Washington Square News.

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through Washington Square News https://nyunews.com/

April 17, 2025 at 02:09PM