Clint Bohaty

In a couple sentences, describe what you do for work and how you feel about it.

I work as a freelance film director and producer in the Twin Cities. I love the diversity of work, clients, and experiences that my career has granted me. Beyond being an active filmmaker, I work as a published boardgame designer.

How did you get your job?

My career has developed through continual networking, diligence, and a respect for my work. I'm always using my skills as an artist and storyteller to create the best deliverable or experience possible—not only for my clients but also for myself. That level of care combined with a willingness to learn better techniques have allowed me to evolve my business into a full-time position. Being able to clearly communicate my opinions and thoughts with clients helps them understand my work and helps me stand out as a partner.

What was your major and how did you choose it? Was it the right choice?

I chose filmmaking as my major because I enjoy both crafting a story and working closely with a team. The challenge of learning so many different on-set roles (cinematography, directing, lighting, editing, etc.) was one that kept me satisfied throughout my courses. Being a film major is a choice I'll never regret.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

The professor that had the most impact on me was Tom DeBiaso. He constantly pushed me and my peers to be the best storytellers we could be. Tom knew how to challenge each individual student and wasn't afraid to call out an unacceptable presentation. His high level of expectation built in me the discipline required to work as a full-time freelancer. All of the skills I learned in Intro to Filmmaking I use every day.

Having Tom DeBiaso as my film mentor is the main reason I'll never regret my choice as a filmmaking major.

Tell us about your internship.

I signed up for two full internships while I was at MCAD. The first was at the local FOX 9 News station. For several months I worked as an assistant editor, ingesting tapes and creating motion graphics. I learned that working in a news station environment wasn't for me, but I was glad for the experience.

The second internship I had was with a film production company called Werc Werk Works. There, I worked as the lead editor on an hour-long behind-the-scenes documentary for the feature film Howl. It was a great hands-on learning experience and gave me an insider's view of a production company.

Best thing you ever got/saw on the free shelf?

A stop light.

Name your one biggest takeaway from MCAD?

"Sometimes you have to kill your babies." As an artist, you have to have the strength to oftentimes let go of a cherished concept or material that is hurting the greater experience of your work. In film, it might mean editing out the most costly and impressive shot from a scene because it detracts from the story. In drawing, it might mean erasing a masterfully interpreted element to the great benefit of the overall composition.

I've learned to find excitement in overcoming these often difficult decisions, knowing that they represent a new level of understanding about my own work.

What inspires you/your work?

I often find inspiration from the art around me, whether it be a book, a movie, or a gallery. I always carry a notebook and voice recorder to document my ideas since I never quite know when or where they'll show.

What advice do you have for current MCAD students?

Keep your in-progress passion projects a secret from everyone you can, including close family and friends. I've found that by doing so, I build enough motivation and energy to complete them. The joy of telling someone about an in-progress project is often the same as showing them the finished version. Sharing an idea too early can lead to its stagnation!

Every time someone asks me what I'm working on, I say "I can't tell you, but I'll show you when it's done!"—which gives me another reason to actually finish it.

How do you network yourself and your art?

My networking involves reaching out to companies or individuals whose work I find fascinating. Sometimes that's through email, other times through social. My goal is to meet them and understand the work that they do, sharing with them my own projects that I'm proud of.

For the last few years, I've had prospective clients reach out to me directly, because I'd been recommended by their colleague or friend—someone that I'd worked with in the past who was satisfied and happy to pass my name along!

Do the Twin Cities offer many opportunities for creatives?

Yes. From the art galleries to the advertising agencies to the headquarters of international companies, the Twin Cities have many opportunities for work in a creative field, as long as you have the strength to survive winter.

Current obsession?

My passion project, which I can't share with you yet!

In your own words, what is a self-portrait?

A self-portrait is a visual diary. It is a reflection and reminder of the milestones in one's life, and the emotions around those milestones. The nature of a self-portrait is always honest, even when the resulting depiction is less than truthful.

2025 Cut/Paste Publication Feature

The path to discovering one’s personal passion can be a windy road. For Clint Bohaty ’11, those curves led to MCAD. He first studied business at University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, but found himself drawn entirely to something else. “I spent my free time making animations and learning new software,” he reflects, making it apparent that visual storytelling was more than just a hobby.

Bohaty made the pivotal decision to pursue his creativity seriously and apply to MCAD. While not without risks, including a financial one, he says, “My family, especially my entrepreneurial aunts, encouraged me.” Bohaty didn’t have a portfolio, so he put together screenshots from animations he’d made in his free time. To his surprise, he was accepted with a scholarship. Stepping onto MCAD’s campus, Bohaty finally felt a sense of belonging. “The vibe at MCAD was free-spirited, not conformist at all, but rigorous,” he explains.

In his first year, Bohaty drew inspiration from his professors, particularly Tom DeBiaso. In DeBiaso’s introductory film class, Bohaty was assigned the role of director of a student-led short film. “It was scary,” he admits. “But it changed the way I saw myself.” He was in charge of staying true to the narrative, managing a crew, and making key decisions. Years later, for his senior project as a film major, he created a children’s TV show, Amy Della Dobble and the Very Messy Bedroom, which combined practical and animated effects, including a fairy grandmother with a sparkling wand. “It was a perfect blend of everything I had learned,” he says.

After graduation, Bohaty worked on a range of freelance projects from a Foot Locker commercial to the indie movie Dear White People. One memorable project was filming in a St. Paul homeless shelter. He interviewed a woman who was living in her first apartment; it felt more like an intimate therapy session as she opened up about her traumas. “Filmmaking is communication, but so much more,” he explains.

With his full-time career established, “I wanted to connect with friends and expand my network,” he says. Bohaty started successfully selling his own Dungeons & Dragons adventures online and at conventions. With his experience in graphic design, illustration, and Adobe software, he thought, “Why not create my own game?”

By 2016, Hounded was conceived. Inspired by medieval fox hunting, the game centers around the Master of Hounds who leads a team of dogs, while the other player is a fox trying to escape. “The idea of different breeds working together was fascinating,” he explains. It’s a cat-and-mouse chase, but with a playful design. Fortunately, a local publisher picked it up. “I knew it was a fun game,” he says, “and it’s still available today.”

After working on other ideas post-Hounded, he revisited an earlier game concept, which originated from a single sentence in an old notebook. Called Necromolds, the tabletop war game allowed players to mold, battle, and smash golem armies using “Spell Clay” and "Spellbooks,” reminiscent of Play-Doh sets. The project really came to life when he connected with artist Thad Stalmack ’18. “I knew his art would be a perfect match,” Bohaty says. At the start, challenges were aplenty, but “I’m motivated by learning,” explains. He taught himself CAD modeling and 3D printing, and then worked with another MCAD artist, Thomas Grave ’18, to create the character models, turning the prototype into something more real.

In 2019, using his filmmaking skills to market the game, Bohaty launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, which raised $100,000 to produce 3,000 copies. A second Kickstarter in 2022 raised $550,000, and Necromolds quickly sold out of its first print run. With a third print run on the horizon, the game’s success has exceeded expectations.

“Nobody will believe this—I am risk averse, but I stay comfortable by meticulously planning. I have lots of spreadsheets for Necromolds,” he says smiling. He draws parallels between being a freelancer and an entrepreneur. “To be good at freelance, you have to be an entrepreneur,” he says, emphasizing the need for self-motivation and determination. As an artist, he believes, success depends on constantly creating for yourself, not waiting for inspiration to strike.

Bohaty credits MCAD for helping him hone three skills he uses every day. First, critical thinking: “Being in critique for hours taught me how to analyze and communicate my feelings.” Second, collaboration: “You’re not an island. You have to work with a team.” And third, self-motivation: “MCAD students are not just doing work to finish an assignment. We want to do great work for ourselves, and hopefully it pays off.”