“If it’s not good, just put it in 3-D." But if you're Max Fisher, you don't need fancy of technology to make a good product. Max has a unique creative technique using “archaic” 90s Lo-Fi film equipment. He's come a long way since his humble beginnings of filming farm animals, studying film at Emory and Georgia State University. And now he has a budding career of creating fun film projects all over Atlanta. We got some one-on-one time with the daydreamer and creative eye, and got some insight on what keeps him creating.
SCOUT: How might people know you?
MAX: Funny you should ask. I co-produce, edit and art direct the wildly popular web-series, Godamsterdam. I’m also developing a production house that will primarily produce music videos, called Studio 6. Or maybe just as that tall guy that stands in front of you at shows.
SCOUT: Ah, yes, YOU! The guy who ruined that concert with your giant head! (Kidding.) Describe your films to someone who has never seen them before.
MAX: I work at Studio 6, which has this lo-fi 80s/90s VHS vibe. That pretty much sums up my aesthetic. You can definitely see that in Godamsterdam, which I co-produce my friend Ben Cohen.
SCOUT: So, before Godamsterdam fame, what was your first film project?
MAX: When I was in Junior High, I would film my cat, rabbit and various farm animals with my digital camera that I recorded on to floppy disks. Each disk would only hold like a minute of footage so I had a ton. I wonder where those are….
SCOUT: I’m sure in a museum somewhere. One day to be worth millions. And since filming those farm animals, what's your favorite project you've done in Atlanta?
MAX: Godamsterdam is super fun and rewarding, but I have very fond memories of the too-hot-for-TV Nelly music video I worked on. I think I was 17. It was the first time I saw a gold card slid through a stripper’s butt cheeks. Hopefully not the last.
SCOUT: Good luck with that endeavor. So, you've been behind the camera for quite the while. When did you realize “this is what I have to do”?
MAX: Here comes another Junior High memory. I was watching the ‘movie’ The Tommyknockers at a friend’s house. It was so terrible that I vowed to make a better movie. I set a low bar for myself.
SCOUT: Where in Atlanta do you go to get new ideas? Or where do you go to unwind?
MAX: My neighborhood (Poncey-Highland) is my favorite place in Atlanta. There are so many cool places and people. Also, the parks are truly beautiful. I like to ride my bike around the hood while listening to music and admiring all the giant houses I’ll never be able to afford.
SCOUT: Your favorite “curious find” in Atlanta?
MAX: The Starlight 6 Drive-In is always fun. Not many places have those. Mint Gallery has great art shows. Young Blood has great gifts. 529 has great shows. King of Pops has great popsicles. I also think more people should support WonderRoot.
SCOUT: All stellar and noteworthy Atlanta tidbits. Who is another local Atlantan that inspires you or your work?
MAX: Gucci Mane. I aspire to be that prolific.
SCOUT: Hmm, don’t we all?! Where do you get your best ideas?
MAX: From watching really horrible VHS tapes to listening to cheesy old pop music, music inspires me a lot.
SCOUT: What are you currently working on?
MAX: I’m focusing a lot of energy on Studio 6 at the moment. I’ve already got a few music videos lined up with some really great local bands. I’m also directing the next episode of Godamsterdam, which will be fun and different. School will be starting soon, so I’ll have projects there as well as developing my thesis movie. So, my plate’s not full or anything.
SCOUT: There is really no wrong answer (unless you say Gigli), but we want to throw in a zinger. What is your favorite movie of ALL TIME?
MAX: I hate picking favorites! 2001 always gets me though.
SCOUT: Awesome. Finally, a shameless plug of where people can go to check out more of your creations.
MAX: You can check out Studio 6 work at Studio6ATL and Godamsterdam episodes at Godamsterdam.com. My contact info is on both of those sites, wink wink.
