Betsy Pollock

Betsy Pollock

Betsy Pollock is Associate Dean of Production and Director of First Year Production Services at the American Film Institute (AFI) in Hollywood, California. She created the comprehensive program designed to introduce students to the “real world” challenges of filmmaking, and it is highly respected throughout the industry. The program admits over 130 new students every year, and with them, Pollack produces up to 85 short films.

An accomplished and experienced producer, writer, educator, film-curator and fundraiser, Pollock started her career in publishing in New York. Relocating to Los Angeles and joining the film business, Pollock worked her way up the ranks as a line producer, a unit production manager, a first A.D., a co-producer and a producer. She has produced over 75 feature-length and short films, commercials and music videos. Pollock co-produced the 2004 Academy Award® winner for Best Short Film, Two Soldiers.

Prior to AFI, Pollock was head of the producing department at University of North Carolina. She has maintained her unique “dual careers” in producing and education throughout her professional life.

A long-time Board member for Women In Film, Pollock co-founded two successful programs for the non-profit – the PSA Program and the Film Finishing Fund. A jury of industry professionals selected annually 4-5 unfinished films for funding. The grants have resulted in two Academy Awards®: for Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision, which won Best Documentary in 1994, and Freeheld, which won for Best Documentary, Short Subject in 2007.

Pollock is a member of the DGA.