For as long as he’s dipped into the realm of theatre, freshman Max Gerstenberg has had high aspirations to not only become a filmmaker, write and direct his films, but to also act on the side.
Gerstenberg has participated in theatre classes in high school and in middle school. However, within the last two years, he started acting in amatuer and professional screen productions after forming small projects in his head. Given his experience in acting, it is ironic that his real passion resides in writing and directing.
“When I was growing up, I didn’t want to be a screen-actor; I wanted to direct, write, and do some photography,” said Gerstenberg. “Acting has always been more of a hobby, but I think it can also be a job and I think I want to continue doing that.”
The first independent film Gerstenberg completed was in 2020, which he worked on by himself, as a birthday present for himself. The film, titled MAiSY, is about a group of friends attempting to figure out who broke into their school and how to stop the supposed threat. By this point, Gerstenberg had decided this was what he wanted to do as his job.

“To make movies, I needed a resume. So that film was my first step,” said Gerstenberg.
Gerstenberg also expressed how supportive his friends and family have been of his goals for the present and future, especially his parents for providing means of traveling to filming locations.
“When I get jobs, my mom is always happy to take me there, even if it’s going to be expensive to get there and even if its cost is more than what I’m being paid,” said Gerstenberg. “We do this because it’s all about networking and meeting people who have the same interests who can help later down the line.”
While Gerstenberg has participated in several commercials already, he mentioned how difficult it was to make these connections, though not for any lack of trying.
“I’ve talked to the filmmakers for every shoot for a commercial or film I’ve done,” said Gerstenberg. “I’ll go to talk to the director or cinematographer about where they went to film school and what they think about their job. I’ve stayed most in touch with [the crew and cast] on a film I made called Little Heroes. I bonded with them the most, and I still talk to them.”
Looking past high school, Gerstenberg hopes to continue taking as many film classes provided in FCPS, making as many short films as possible and advancing into film school.
“My goal right now is to make as many short films as possible so I can get as much practice as possible, so when I’m old enough to actually professionally start a business, I will have the skills and network to make that possible,” said Gerstenberg.