Brandt Andersen

Brandt Andersen (b. 9/3/1977) is an American film producer and entrepreneur. He is known for such films as Lone Survivor, 2 Guns, End of Watch, Broken City, and Everest. His film The Flowers of War was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. In February 2015 Andersen's film Don Verdean premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.^[1] He is a member of the Producers Guild of America.^[2]

Early career

Prior to producing films Andersen purchased an NBA Development League franchise from the NBA. During the 4 seasons (2006–2012) the team played they made the finals or playoffs every year. During his ownership tenure, the team had the highest attendance and sponsorship revenue in the NBA Development League. Andersen hosted the Iranian National Basketball team as they trained for the 2008 Olympics.^[3] For his assistance in helping the Iranian Olympic Team Andersen, along with then Deputy Commisioner of the NBA Adam Silver, received a medal of peace from the Iranian Basketball Association. In Summer of 2009 Andersen was invited to travel with his team to Iran to play in several exhibition games. With political tensions between the US and Iran mounting the trip was cancelled on the eve of their departure. In 2009 the Chinese National Basketball Team awarded Andersen an award for the cooperation shown in allowing their National team access to train with the Utah Flash. In 2013, Andersen sold the team to the Philadelphia 76ers.^[2]

In 2007 Andersen and famed architect Frank Gehry collaborated to design a community outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. Although the project was never fully realized Andersen has publically stated that his friendship with Mr. Gehry has had a huge impact on how he views creativity.^[4]

In 1998, Andersen attended Brigham Young University. While there he founded uSight, a technology company that created banking and transactional software for small businesses. In 2004, Inc. reported that the company was the second fastest growing company on its annual Inc. 500 list.^[5] Andersen, was the youngest CEO to make the list. Shortly after Andersen sold and exited the company. Andersen was the sole shareholder and the sale was reported at around $50M.^[6] Following the sale he returned to school and graduated with a BA in Fine Arts.

Philanthropy

In 2006 Andersen started the Flash Family Foundation to help children living below the poverty line with food, clothing, and education. The foundation was run by Andersen with the help of volunteers including basketball players from the Utah Flash. In 2010 three days after the earthquake that devastated the country of Haiti, Andersen traveled with a team of Doctors to Port au Prince. He spent 7 days working with doctors and aid workers and assisted in importing and disseminating millions in aid.^[7] Upon his return Andersen raised money to help rebuild an orphanage on the outskirts of Port au Prince. While in Haiti USA today listed Andersen's twitter account as one of the top ten accounts to follow for updates from the country.^[8]

Filmography

• The Flowers of War (2011, China)
• Lone Survivor (2013)^[9]
• 2 Guns (film)|"2 Guns'}]' (2013)
• Broken City (2013)

References