Meet KACY ANDREWS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER of BIGFOOT ENTERTAINMENT
Kacy Andrews (right) on Location in Thailand
Tell us about your company.
Bigfoot Entertainment provides content to consumers of all ages and walks of life. We distribute feature films theatrically as well as on DVD and VOD. We also have TV shows, documentaries as well as educational and health/fitness content. And by the end of this year, we will have 5 International Academy of Film and Television schools throughout the world – Los Angeles, Florida (2 schools), Hong Kong and Cebu, Philippines.
Please tell us what running an entertainment company means to you and why you became the CEO in the first place?
I’m not the owner of Bigfoot, but I did write the initial business plan and have run the company since its inception. I’ve always been a doer and making things happen. It comes naturally to me.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
Michael Gleissner, the owner of Bigfoot, has been my mentor these past 9 years. First off, he’s given me a great opportunity to accomplish so much at this company. But he’s also taught me so many valuable lessons over the years. For example, rigid cost saving measures, out of the box thinking, a risk taking mindset and high expectations are all included in a formula that has led Michael to great success. I’ve definitely noticed myself using this formula in my own business practices.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
Launching a film school and $25 million film studio in a foreign country. Opening a business is tough enough in one’s own country, but to do it overseas adds so many more layers of obstacles, challenges and frustrations.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
You learn more from your mistakes and failures than you do your successes. Believe me – I’ve done lots of learning! And dress for success. Not only do others perceive you as a successful person, but it gives YOU more confidence. (Although I do not put this into practice as often as I should because I love my jeans).
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
By far, word of mouth is the number one way we gain new students at our film school. But the internet has been one of the most effective tools for us to get the word out about our films and the schools.
Do you have any new projects coming up? If so, please tell us about it.
DEEP GOLD 3D. It is the first feature film we shot completely at our studios in Asia. It recently premiered in our newly acquired Bigfoot Crest Theater in Westwood as well as playing in theaters throughout the US. It was an exciting milestone for us and it will be coming out on DVD at the end of the summer.
Just after DEEP GOLD, we premiered MIDNIGHT MOVIE: THE KILLER CUT at the Crest. We shot this film in LA and it released on DVD in June.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I love to play with my 2 year old son, travel and enjoy nice dinners and wine with my husband. Most recently, I took up boxing. It is a lot of fun and a great way to relieve stress.
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
In the next year, Bigfoot will fully launch our distribution division with the release of 18 films/TV/documentaries into the marketplace. We will also be opening our film schools in both Los Angeles and Hong Kong.
You want to write a book on: The Art of Hiring.
I would like to write a book about the “art of hiring.” I think that smart hiring is the key to success, but it’s very challenging. Over the years, I’ve hired so many people who I thought would be great, they were great on paper, references checked out, interviewed well and then, they turn out to be duds. And visa versa. Some that I “took a chance on” completely surprised me. Hiring is very tricky and an underrated skill.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Love what you do so that work doesn’t feel like work. Work should just be a part of your life and not “work.” If you are a clock watcher, you are in the wrong job. Go find something you are passionate about and love doing. It’s the key to happiness and success.
What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you?
I’m on LinkedIn. Visit: www.bigfoot.com for more information
*photo by Jack Messitt
