“If you can’t imagine getting up and living your life without being a filmmaker, or pursuing whatever your passion is, then you’ve got to go for it. You’ve got to take that leap and go after it.” – Sean Mullin, USMA ’97

Sean Mullin is an award-winning filmmaker known for his feature film debut, AMIRA & SAM, which won multiple film festivals and was distributed by Drafthouse Films. He co-wrote and co-produced SEMPER FI with Oscar-nominated director Henry-Alex Rubin, and produced ALLEGIANCE, both of which saw theatrical releases. Sean directed the documentary KINGS OF BEER and IT AIN’T OVER, the highest-grossing theatrical documentary of 2023, about baseball legend Yogi Berra. A former Army officer and first responder on 9/11, Sean holds an MFA from Columbia University and a B.S. from West Point. He is represented by UTA and runs Five By Eight Productions in Los Angeles. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Sean about:

• Filmmaking with Sean Mullen: From West Point to filmmaking

• Family Influence: How Sean’s entrepreneurial roots shaped his creative vision.

• Notable Projects: It Ain’t Over, the West Point rugby doc, and working with Buzz Aldrin’s family.

• Building Five by Eight Productions: Growing a successful production company.

• Creative Wisdom: Sean’s advice on chasing passion and making it in the film world

Timestamps:

• 00:08 Sean’s Unique Career Path

• 01:59 Early Influences and Creative Upbringing

• 04:24 Military Service and Transition to Filmmaking

• 08:18 First Feature Film: Amira and Sam

• 10:56 Documentary Journey: Kings of Beer and It Ain’t Over

• 15:40 Current Projects and Teaching

• 25:07 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

Connect with Sean

• LinkedIn

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A special thank you to Sean Mullin for joining me this week. Until next time! – Scott Mackes, USNA ’01