We're starting a new feature on the Screen Door blog, asking prominent Texas filmmakers and producers five questions to get to know them a little better.

First up is Austin-based director Andrew Shapter.  With two feature documentaries under his belt, "Happiness Is " and "Before The Music Dies ", Andrew has proven he has what it takes to see a project through to stunning completion.

1.  What was your introduction to filmmaking?  When did you realize this was what you wanted to do as a career?
I knew I wanted to do it as a career since I was 16, but without the formal training, I figured I had to pay some dues before sitting in the directors chair. Over the course of two decades, I did my homework and and made connections. When I turned 36, I set out to make "Before the Music Dies" and the rest is history.

2.  Tell us briefly about some of your most recent project, and what are you working on now?
I'm doing a film about two young lovers who robbed a bank and haven't been seen since 1974. I have a good lead on where the girl is now and I want to tell her story.
 

3.  How would you describe the point of view you bring to each of your films? Does the point of view change depending on the film, or do you strive for a particular consistency?
In my first two films, I proudly broke some film school rules by taking on some big subjects. I avoided verite and dared not to have a single central character. The goal was break out of the film festival bubble and attract audiences that don't normally watch documentaries (because they think they might be depressing or political). Hat's off to those important subject matter films but I chose to go in a different direction. In other words, while the industry was pushing documentaries that focus on catastrophic crisis, I was working on a film that explored how to find more happiness in you life.

4.  Is there a piece of advice you could give to a young filmmaker?  Something you wish somebody would have told you when you were starting out?
Two things. The first is to never show your film before it's truly done. The second is to break away from the film festival bubble and connect with audiences that have nothing to do with the industry.

5.  What's the last great movie you saw?
"Talk to Her" by Perdro Almodovar. I got lost in it.