How Filming My Everyday Life Changed My Career

Summary

This video chronicles the creator's journey from casually documenting life on an iPhone to becoming a full-time filmmaker. Starting as a hobby, he honed his skills through collaborations, freelance work, and self-driven projects, including a spec ad for Levis that gained significant attention. Along the way, he emphasizes the importance of community, persistence, and continuously documenting one's creative process. He also highlights tools like Musicbed for enhancing audio in storytelling. Today, he co-runs Canon Films, works with international clients, and fosters a creative community, encouraging others to start documenting their own journeys, regardless of experience or audience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Documenting your journey, even without a clear reason at first, can significantly impact your creative career.
• 🎥 What starts as a hobby, like vlogging or streaming, can evolve into a serious career with effort and dedication.
• 💡 Meeting new people, like Shahed, can lead to collaborative opportunities that accelerate your growth as a creative.
• 📸 Purchasing your first camera, such as the Sony A7 III, can mark the beginning of a transformative creative journey.
• 💵 Turning a hobby into a paid career is possible, as shown by securing your first freelance gig in 2020.
• 🤝 Building relationships through networking, like with Nick, can open doors to valuable learning experiences and growth.
• 👨‍💻 Leaving a full-time job to freelance is a major step that requires belief in your passion, even if you're not financially prepared.
• 📅 March 2023 marked a key milestone with the creation of a spec for Levis, showcasing your creative vision and skills.
• 🎶 Music and sound design play an essential role in making your visuals come to life, and platforms like Musicbed can enhance this process.
• 🌍 Canon Films has taken you around the world, working with amazing clients and building a creative community that's growing rapidly.
• 🌱 Encouraging others to start their own creative communities can lead to incredible opportunities for both personal and collective growth.

Q & A

What was the initial reason for documenting the creator's life?

At first, there wasn't a clear or proper reason for documenting life. However, looking back, the creator realized it was one of the most important things for their creative career.

How did the creator's journey into filmmaking begin?

The creator's journey began as a hobby, using their iPhone to stream and vlog. They focused on learning editing, grading, and different camera angles to improve their storytelling skills.

What sparked the creator’s decision to buy their first camera?

The decision to buy the Sony A7 III came after a shoot with a friend, Shahed, which made the creator realize that they could pursue filmmaking seriously.

How did the creator’s involvement with Shahed lead to new opportunities?

After helping Shahed with filming and editing, the creator began to get paid for their work. This eventually led to the creator's first freelance gig in January 2020.

What role did Nick play in the creator's journey?

Nick, a connection through Shahed, allowed the creator to assist on shoots, helping them build skills, confidence, and a network. This eventually led to the creator leaving their full-time job in 2021 to pursue freelancing.

What was the significance of the spec project for Levi's in 2023?

The spec project for Levi's in March 2023 was a turning point, as it helped the creator gain exposure. They documented the process, which led to increased attention and new opportunities.

How did the creator grow as both a filmmaker and content creator?

The Levi's spec project helped the creator grow by allowing them to combine their filmmaking skills with content creation, boosting their confidence and visibility.

What did the creator and Nick do after the Levi's project?

After the Levi's project, the creator and Nick revisited an idea they had in 2021: starting their own production company, Canon Films, which later became a reality.

What role did Musicbed play in the creator’s projects?

Musicbed was essential in the creator’s filmmaking process, providing high-quality music and sound effects. It helped elevate their videos, and they even partnered with Musicbed to run a creative challenge.

What advice does the creator offer to fellow creatives?

The creator encourages other creatives to start documenting their journey, even if they think no one is watching. Over time, they’ll see how it shapes their growth and may even impact their career.