Learn more about Alec Fischer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fischeralec/

Jasna Burza
So excited. Alec, I am so excited to have you today on a Business Spotlight. Thank you for taking the time.

Alec Fischer
Yes, I’m so excited to reach out. Thank you for having me.

Jasna Burza
Oh, are you kidding me like you’re you and I know each other. And I want I want to really briefly talk about how we got to know each other and about the project that you’ve been working on, which I really believe is about to be massively recognized in the state, if not in the world. So unlike I am not all over overstating, I think you’re, you’re a storyteller, visual storyteller, your filmmaker, you, I also, you’re such a mindful Integris human being, which is what I love about you. But you said on this project, I’m interviewing people during COVID. And from all different industries, and really creating a spotlight in time of this unique experience that we’re all going through. I was one of the people that you interviewed, and I remember, there was so much negativity at the time. And I remember saying, I want to make sure that you make sure to tell the world that I think this is the best time to be alive. I’m like, I don’t want to be a complainer. And I know that you’re such an incredible storyteller in that respect. How did the idea come to you? And what have you experienced so far?

Alec Fischer
Yeah, that’s a great question. It came to me, I thought I initially was just going to do a short film on nurses and teacher experiences. And the more people I started talking to, the more I realized, oh, there are so many stories beyond those two industries and professions that the media is not focusing on. And so very quickly, it evolved from a short film to a series. And then, you know, 12 months later, I’ve had filmed more than 300 people across 40 industries that just, you know, kind of exploded. And I think, going back to what you said, as well, it was interesting, because going into it, I thought it would be a lot of doom and gloom. But a lot of folks actually had some of the most transformative experiences in their lives during those two years of the first, you know, onset of the pandemic. And so, it’s been incredible for me to tell those stories from the Midwest and from Minnesota, and also to be inspired and empowered by people’s stories of overcoming obstacles and starting something new or, you know, having to pivot the dreaded P word pivot

Jasna Burza
that we all have needed to do. Well, interestingly, you’re releasing the industry as a series, so nurses and their experiences, teachers, and you’re doing that in segments kind of in in ways, and you’re already winning awards and becoming recognized for that has to feel so affirmative and so good.

Alec Fischer
It does, it does. And I think it also reaffirms that, it’s important to tell stories from a place of, of trust and where you’re at in life, there have been so many pressures for me to move out to New York or LA, so many friends who are like, if you want to be successful in the film industry, you have to move out here. And I’ve held steady that i i love the Midwest, and I love Minneapolis. And I want I want to base my work here. And so I think gaining some of that national recognition and getting some of those awards. It’s not only affirmed my talent, but also just that stories here matter. And audiences nationally, should care about stories locally.

Jasna Burza
Oh, of course, there’s an incredible little booklet written I think in the 1900s called acres of diamonds, have you heard of it, where a man halls in a search of diamond to the or the riches and he goes all around the world because they told him that it’s elsewhere, right. And in the end of the book, he finds out that it was all along buried right under his hours, which is very meaningful, because the grass is always greener. And yet it’s right here. You have a talent that is so incredible, that you create a very welcoming environment. But you tell a story in a way that honors the the human being, how long have you been a filmmaker? And what other projects have you done besides this one?

Alec Fischer
Yeah, I mean, I started making films in middle school. I was probably 14 And I, I did turn a writing project into a different medium. So I did a short horror film for my writing class. And it wasn’t until high school that I started doing documentary and really dove into activism as a form of storytelling. And so in high school, I did a film on teen suicide and bullying, prevention and raising awareness about what students were going through in Minnesota. And that was about 10 years ago. So I’ve been doing this work for almost a decade now. Took some breaks in between. But it’s it’s really been a you know, almost a lifelong commitment to storytelling and real realizing that I just have this deep calling to help people express their truths. So, you know, obviously the skills have increased as I’ve gone on and, you know, other projects have come up. But yeah, this is really the biggest project I’ve done so far and a project that’s reached the the most people within Minnesota thus far. So I’m excited to keep going and seeing you know, how this will unravel and continue to bring new things in the future.

Jasna Burza
Oh, I’m so excited about it. I mean, there’s right now I know you’re in the running for many national awards. So we’re all selling good, Juju your way and hoping that that comes through, because we also need to recognize incredible talent that requires grit and intention. So the project is called COVID COVID confessions, which is, which is an interesting thing, right? The name is very, very beautiful. You have released many of these see Earth industries in itself, the series mini series on YouTube of all places. Which one have you most recently released? And can we go and watch it right now? Is it live for us to watch?

Alec Fischer
Yeah, so the most recent one actually was released this morning. So great timing. Yeah, the the most recent is on Olympic and Paralympic athletes and looking at their experiences prepping for the Olympic Games here. And they were cancelled, dealing with an extra year of having to train and then actually going to Tokyo and, you know, what was that experience like competing in a pandemic? And so that episode has just been launched today. There are this is the seventh episode, and there will be about 40 episodes when it’s finished. So it’s a massive project. But yeah, you can go and check it out on YouTube right now. We have six incredible athletes from Minnesota who have family roots, or grew up here, who were in town after the Olympics and had capacity to come in and film with me. And so we really get this, like, in the moment processing that they’re doing right after coming back from Tokyo, which I think is just really beautiful. So definitely a powerful episode. And I’m excited for folks to absorb it and to to watch it.

Jasna Burza
I love that. So Alec, I have to ask, Are you self funding this whole thing? Is there anything that we can do to support you financially or otherwise? I’m curious.

Alec Fischer
Yeah, I mean, I am I’m this is all a self financed project. I knew at the time that if I waited for grant funding, or waited for financing, that it might not come and I didn’t want to risk, you know, not having these stories be told. So for right now, you know, I’ve applied to a few grants for next year, hopefully, that’ll help me with editing. But I think, you know, just watching, consuming and sharing the content is key for right now. And keeping in touch, you know, there’s lots of projects I want to do in the future. And so folks are, you know, wanting to fund documentary film from Minnesota if people want to, you know, be an executive producer or help out, let’s, let’s have a call, because I would love to talk about some of the projects coming up in the future.

Jasna Burza
Oh, I love that. So if you’re, if you’re listening to this right now, or watching it later on any of the channels that we’re going to be sharing this, go to YouTube and type in COVID confessions, by Alec Fisher, and you will see the most remarkable way of storytelling that is so impactful, the way that you have set up the scene the way you have done. I mean, I know that editing is it’s an art right? And you’re able to tell and capture the intensity of the moment, the pain and tribulation of the moment that optimism and joy and hope and a glimmer of light that we see coming up. It is it’s really masterful, you have to be so proud.

Alec Fischer
Thank you. Yes, I’m, I’m trying to do a better job of being proud of myself. And I think that’s come with with knowing that I have been able to help a lot of these truths come forward. And so yeah, just feeling very affirmed. And very grateful for folks like you who are interested in talking more about it and, and sharing it with the world.

Jasna Burza
So folks, if you watch any of the series, make sure that you share it and all of your respective social media channels, because not only are we inspiring others and doing that, because it is that one cohesive experience we all had, that forever changes. We’re also supporting an incredible filmmaker with a mission, who really, really wants to win his loving heart, create a profound impact in this world. And I’m just I get so excited for you. I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.

Alec Fischer
And I’m so excited for your episode to come out as well and for folks to see your story woven with other incredible folks in the industry. So I’m just so excited and so grateful as well.

Jasna Burza
I am too Is there anything else we should know about that’s coming up or any other ways to support you? And lastly, where can we find you apart from YouTube?

Alec Fischer
Yes, so YouTube and then I’m on Instagram at Fisher media and And I would say, you know, just keep in touch with with the new episodes coming out. And, you know, the goal is to bring national spotlights to Minnesota and to Midwest stories. And so the hope is that you’ll see more projects from me in the near future that are hopefully funded by larger, larger entities than just myself. So that’s the goal. And yeah, if you folks want to connect, feel free to reach out on Instagram.

Jasna Burza
I love that. And one thing that I know for sure, in in the almost 14 years that I’ve been doing this is that you will never know who is watching. And who knows who. Remember that you right now watching and listening can profoundly change the impact of this entire project by maybe tagging a national producer or celebrity to you know, or someone who needs to hear this. To bring spotlight is such an important conversation. So don’t hold back and make sure you do that. Alec, thank you for taking the time to talk to me.

Alec Fischer
Yes, thank you so much for inviting me. I always love being in conversation with you. You’re such a joy in such a light. And I’m just so grateful that you are choosing to use your spotlight to spotlight other creatives and business owners. Thank you.

Jasna Burza
Oh, thank you for seeing me in such a beautiful way. Well, I can’t wait to talk to you soon. And have a beautiful day. Thank you. You too. Bye