20 Under 40: Andrew Dodd

Meet Andrew Dodd, 38, manager of Film London and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2024 recipients

AS MANAGER OF Film London, Andrew Dodd champions the city as a film and TV destination, driving economic growth and creative industry opportunities. From attracting major productions and curating local resources to launching buzzworthy campaigns, he drives London’s growing reputation as a film production hub and ensures visiting production teams are met with an affordable and a seamless experience. Passionate about nurturing local talent and film-related businesses through workshops and mentorships, he continually advocates for the film industry to various levels of government with the goal of expanding regional production opportunities while promoting arts, culture and prosperity for our community.

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What would you say is your single biggest business achievement, and why?

Growing an industry involves lots of wins, big and small. My greatest satisfaction comes from bringing people in the local industry together… but also, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

What is your biggest ambition?

To see London be the home of regular film and TV productions, allowing our local artists to ­participate, gain experience and develop the tools and network to create works of their own.

What’s one unexpected thing you like to tell people about your job?

What I do! It’s niche enough that it requires explanation, which usually invites some fruitful conversation. Then people say, “I’d love to be in a movie!”

What’s the best movie you’ve watched this year, and what made you love it?

I watched an old classic for the first time: George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead. You gotta see that one — launched a whole genre.

When you’re not ­working, what kind of things are you ­passionate about?

I love teaching, which I’ve been lucky enough to do part-time. I’m also an advocate for mental health and personal awareness. And occasionally, I participate in community theatre.

What’s left for you to do, professionally or personally?

Much. We have to grow the crew base in London, we have to advocate for increased provincial incentives, we have to keep letting the world know that we’re here and excited about filming.

And finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?

Oh, YouTube. Tons and tons of YouTube. I’ve even considered paying for no ads. Scary. Interview by Kieran Delamont