Title:GEMA Alumni Spotlight – John Hodges (C’00), Co-Founder of A24

John Hodges (C ’00) co-founded A24, a film production and distribution company, in 2012. He leads the company, along with partners David Frankel and Daniel Katz, and launched the company’s television department in 2015.

What was your first “big break”? Or, what is the most significant experience you have had that has made your success possible?

The single biggest influence on my career was Peter Saraf, who is a partner at Big Beach (Little Miss Sunshine, Our Idiot Brother), where I ran development and production. It was Peter who taught me what it truly means to be a producer and who gave me the confidence to pursue my own projects and to ultimately help start A24.

What is the most challenging part of your job? What is the most rewarding part?

The best part is that I get to collaborate with a variety of talented writers and directors and help to bring their visions to the screen. Unfortunately, they don’t all succeed.

What is a current project you are working on that you are excited about?&

There are a few but we recently started developing a TV show with the writer Jon Ronson (Psychopath Test, So you’ve Been Publicly Shamed) who is someone I have admired for some time.

Are there any ways that you feel Georgetown especially prepared you for your career?
I am a big believer in the benefits of a liberal arts education. The diversity of the curriculum helped me to become a critical thinker and to be exposed to a variety of subjects.

What is your best advice to those who are starting out in your field?

Most people on the creative side start out as assistants. There are a lot of people who are interested in entertainment for its sexiness but aren’t willing to put in the time. I’ve found that the people who succeed are those who show up and do the job they were hired to do.

Nobody thinks scheduling or answering phones is sexy work, but the best way to get people to hear your thoughts on material is for them to have confidence in your abilities to deliver on the small things.

How is the digital world affecting your industry?

It is impacting nearly every aspect of my business from film and television production to marketing and distribution. And, ultimately, how audiences consume content. It is an incredibly exciting time.

Best Business Advice Received:
Try not to look back with regret but learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.

Trait You Most Admire in People: Honesty.
As trite as it may sound, it’s sadly not as common as you might expect.

Favorite App or Website:
United Airlines app – I fly a lot

Favorite Georgetown Professor:
There were so many but I think Professor Lynch has remained at the forefront

Favorite Georgetown Restaurant or Bar:
Before 2am: I always had a soft spot for Cactus Cantina.
After 2am: Quick Pita