Maine Filmmaker Spotlight: Andrew Burgess
Introducing the Maine Filmmaker Spotlight!
At the Maine Film Association, we take immense pride in the filmmaking talent and artistry our great state has to offer. Small yet mighty, Maine is a place with brimming with unique perspectives that deserve to be uplifted and celebrated. That’s why we are excited to launch a new series: the Maine Filmmaker Spotlight! These “spotlights” will help keep a finger on the pulse of our bustling filmmaking community, with a new filmmaker (or filmmakers) highlighted throughout the year. Our goal is to provide deeper insight into the film- and media-making endeavors within our MFA community while also showcasing the immensely talented depth of the Maine media workforce.
Introducing our June 2026 Spotlight: Andrew Burgess!
Creative Director at the Portland-based production company, No Umbrella Media.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself – where did you grow up? What do you do currently in the Maine film and media production industry?
A: I was born and raised in Maine and have always loved it here. I grew up exploring all the islands, inlets, mountains and valleys around the state and I love that there is always something new to see.
I am currently the Creative Director at No Umbrella Media in Portland, Maine, and am lucky enough to edit, shoot and produce a lot of cool videos alongside an awesome team here.
Q: What are some of your media inspirations – either longtime that made you want to get into mediamaking, or even recent works that you’ve admired?
A: I actually started filming as a kid and not so much because I was inspired by specific filmmakers or media, but simply because I was just excited about the world around me and wanted to capture it. I love going places and meeting interesting people and getting a chance to tell a bit of those stories.
That said, I love all kinds of movies and TV and go to the theater as much as I can. No Country for Old Men, The Life Aquatic, Coco, and Everything Everywhere All At Once are a few of my favorite films.
Q: Tell us about a project or two you’ve worked on in your career of which you’re particularly proud.
A: We produced a short video to promote Sean Turley’s Practical Pomology: A Field Guide to Apples. The goal was to capture a certain magic about apples and the sense of discovery and mystery found in their variety and history. We got to shoot the bulk of it during golden hour, and I think it came out very nicely.
Q: What project(s) are you currently working on that you’re excited about and why?
A: We are currently working on a short documentary in partnership with Teens to Trails about an outdoor club in Rumford and the positive effects that connecting with the outdoors can have on us, especially during our formative years.
There is a large population of people here in Maine who, despite being surrounded by amazing wilderness, are unable to take advantage of those spaces. Outdoor clubs like the one we are following in Rumford are helping to bridge those gaps, increase outdoor engagement, and teach invaluable life skills.
Q: What makes you choose to do this work in Maine? Why is Maine a wonderful place to do this work?
A: Beyond the fact that Maine is a beautiful place with lots to offer someone who enjoys the outdoors, there is something about the way of life in Maine that I just wouldn’t want to be without.
As they say, Maine is a small town, and that means we are all more connected and grounded in each other’s lives than in some other states. As a result, I have always found that people here are more interested in the qualitative impact of their work and in developing ideas based on mutual goals and understanding. That makes for great working relationships.
It also means that, for whatever business or project I am highlighting in a given video, there are high odds that it will have some impact on my life down the line (if it hasn’t already!), and that makes the work feel more personal and enjoyable.
If you are interested in being featured in a future spotlight, please reach out to info@mainefilm.org.
