Bio
A Los Angeles native, Reed Kaplan has worked extensively in the Narrative/Commercial/Music space. Prior to graduating from USC School of Cinematic Arts, he worked as a singer and event musician as well as a contributing writer on musicals. Since then, he has gone on to write and act in advertisements for companies like PopChips, Universal Studios, and Ollipop. He now focuses on narrative and music video directing as well as helping the next generation of filmmakers achieve their dreams of studying at the top universities.
WORK
HELLEVATOR
This piece (Which I wrote, directed, and starred in) premiered at Screamfest and is currently in the middle of a successful festival run
FILMMAKING
ACADEMY
What?
This isn't a replacement for your school's college counseling office. It's a narrow specialty — hands-on filmmaking guidance for a small number of students each year applying to the most competitive film and acting conservatory programs (USC, NYU Tisch, UCLA, AFI-track programs, and similar), where every detail could make the difference in being accepted.
"Before I met Reed, I was so stressed about my applications. I was overwhelmed and not sure which direction to go in. Throughout the program, he guided me in a way that felt natural. He helped me find my story and tell it in a way that highlights my unique artistic voice. In hindsight, I can't imagine applying without him"
-tutee and current USC Film student
How?
Pre-Production — Finding the Story
We start with the student's own voice — developing a concept and writing a script that's genuinely theirs, not a formula aimed at admissions officers.
Production — Making the Film
The student directs. I produce alongside them and give them access to a professional crew at a discounted rate through Rampart Media, so the finished film looks and sounds like real work — not a phone video.
Post-Production — Finishing and Submitting
I guide the student through editing the film and through the application and submission process itself, drawing on having been admitted to every top program I applied to.
FILM • STORY • EDUCATION • VISION