2 Minutes With ... Brent Buckman of AV Squad

On creating Marvel's trailer for Echo and giving critical feedback

Brent Buckman is a partner and co-head of AV at AV Squad. Having worked in the entertainment industry for over 20 years he has contributed to campaigns such as The Fast and The Furious, Deadpool and Wolverine, Hereditary, and Atomic Blonde.

We spent two minutes with Brent to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired. 

Brent, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I was born in Kansas City, MO, leading to my lifelong passion for Kansas City sports. I spent my formative years in Dayton, Ohio, and moved to L.A. in 2002. Now I live in Studio City with my amazing family. 

How you first realized you were creative.

To be honest, I was more of a math and science kid growing up, but I knew I liked movies. I took a videography class in high school where we shot videos and edited them at the local public access TV station and I was hooked.

A person you idolized creatively early on.

I never knew who the editors were, but as a kid I would watch the “One Shining Moment” montage at the end of the NCAA basketball tournament and say, “I want to make that.” Hopefully, there’s still time.

A moment from high school or college that changed your life.

I entered college as an engineering major. After a year, I wasn’t very excited about it. A college counselor asked me, “What if… God forbid, you were hit by a bus the day after graduation. What would you be happy that you had studied for the last four years?” I changed my major to Film Production the next day.

A visual artist or band/musician you admire.

Paul Thomas Anderson is my all-time favorite filmmaker. He has such a unique style, yet each one of his films is so unlike the others. I really admire the fact he tries to invent something new each time he takes a swing.

A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

Bob Iger’s memoir The Ride of a Lifetime. I thought he had great insights on how to manage and lead creative professionals.

One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on.

Everything Everywhere All At Once always stands out to me. We were working on it right in the middle of Covid lockdowns and that was just the perfect movie at the perfect time. I remember it being difficult because the movie touched on so many themes, but I felt like I got something new out of that film every day that we worked on it.

A recent project you’re proud of.

Our trailer for the Marvel series Echo. The goal was to make something that did not feel like anything else in the Marvel brand. I think we succeeded.

Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.

Nick Temple’s trailer for Walk The Line using “Hurt” is one of my all-time favorites.

Someone else’s work you admired lately.

I loved Craig Hagedorn’s teaser for A Complete Unknown. And Bill Neil’s 28 Years Later teaser is one of the best pieces I’ve seen in a while.

Your main strength as a creative person.

The toughest thing about being a creative person in this business is that no matter how great your work is it may not be the piece your client needs today. Once the marketing side of things kicks in you must be able to pivot, even if it means changing or abandoning a piece that you love. The thing I’ve gotten much better at over the years is strategically making those pivots while still pushing for a good creative outcome.

Your biggest weakness.

Giving critical feedback is tough for me, but that’s the kind of feedback we can all use to get better. 

A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.

My partner at AV Squad, Chad Miller. He is the one who really guided me through the transition from editor, to creative director, to manager. He is the most genuinely good, talented, and generous person I know.

How you’re paying it forward with the next generation of creatives.

There are so many people doing great work through programs and initiatives in our industry. One organization I had an opportunity to work with was Film2Future, which provides underserved L.A. teenagers with educational filmmaking programs. I loved that experience and need to make time to do more.  

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in the entertainment industry.

Can you make a living traveling with your family and friends? I would do that.