Making an Independent Movie: Filmmakers Explain

André Robert Lee is a filmmaker, keynote speaker, consultant, writer, and educator. André has committed his entire career to building an army of change agents. His process includes Many Things; New York City Public Schools, The Ford Foundation, Miramax Films, Urbanworld, Film Movement, Diana Ross, BET, Paramount TV, Universal, PBS, HBO, Sundance, Picturehouse, NPR, WNYC, WHYY, CNN, Wharton, and Dreamworks. André directed and produced The Prep School Negro. André Robert André is the namesake of the André Robert Lee Fellowship, a multi-million dollar program dedicated to providing financial grants, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for high school students.

Tim Kirkman is an Emmy, Gotham, GLAAD, and Independent Spirit Award Nominee who has directed five feature films: LAZY EYE, LOGGERHEADS (Sundance, OutFest Winner), DEAR JESSE (Frameline, Full Frame, Hamptons), THE NIGHT LARRY KRAMER KISSED ME and 2ND SERVE. A recipient of an Alfred P. Sloan Grant, Tim teaches at USC's School of Cinematic Arts, UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television, and the Vermont College of Fine Art, and Sessions College.

Gordon Drummond is the President and Chief Academic Officer of Sessions College. Gordon is an educator and instructional designer with a passion for art, design, and technology who joined Sessions in 2001. As President, Gordon’s role is to provide the leadership to help our school directors achieve their goals in education, operations, marketing, and student services. Key tasks include managing accreditation, licensing, and relations with government agencies and other institutions, coordinating strategic and educational planning, and representing the school at conferences and other public events. Outside of Sessions, Gordon has served on the Middle States Association Commission on Secondary Schools (2007-2015) and the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC) board (2017-2023).