Cameras flashing, fancy cars, bling and couture dresses; that’s what we see when we turn on our televisions and that’s the image the average citizen has in their heads when someone mentions the film industry. Sure, those things are usually associated with Oscar night and other red carpet events, but there’s a whole other side to the film industry that most people never see. There is a lot of hard and detailed work that goes into making a movie, documentary or even a 30 second commercial. The principle in the film graces us with their amazing talent to portray some character that will hopefully captivate is throughout the duration of the film. I know firsthand that playing a role in a film isn’t as easy as the stars make it look; it really is hard work. However, it goes way beyond the stars and what we see on TV.
The role of a videographer or video producer is often overlooked by the general public. They’re not usually recognized by people when they walk down the street and they don’t have paparazzi chasing them everywhere they go. Those things indeed are not common for a video producer, but the part they play in the films, commercials and documentaries that we love are eminent. After all, they capture all the shots and brilliantly put all the pieces of the puzzle together in an editorial
room to make the final picture that we see in the end. They have a discreetly fabulous job!
I had the distinct pleasure to catch up with one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Atlanta-based videographers; Rogers Williams of Cinematic2199 Productions. What he had to say was endearing and is paramount for those interested in entering this field.
MJ: How’d you start your journey with videography? When did you realize that was what you wanted to do?
Cinematic: I got my start when I was 15 years old. My dad is a photographer and videographer and I used to watch him. I did a video project my junior year in high school for a class assignment and everyone clapped at the end. I liked that feeling; it felt good. I decided I wanted to make things that made people clap all the time.
MJ: What has been your greatest challenge working in video production?
Cinematic: Continuously learning. You know, evolution is constant and technology is always changing and evolving. When I first started, digital cameras didn’t even exist. Then you have to have money to advance to new technology. The challenge is staying constant with the advancement of technology.
MJ: Ok. So what would you say has been the best part of being a videographer/video producer?
Cinematic: Working for myself. I’m not confined to one area. I can work anywhere and I get to travel. Some of my colleagues who are in the same field or went that went to college for the same thing, work for someone else and have the same job every day. I get to meet new people every day.
MJ: Right, that’s awesome! Was there ever a project you’ve worked on that ever touched you on a personal level?
Cinematic: Yes. Actually in 2012, an ex-girlfriend called me to film her mother’s funeral. Many family members lived in Africa and she wanted to have something that they could have because they couldn’t be there. I knew her mother personally, so that was a very difficult job for me to do.
MJ: Wow. Yeah, that had to be pretty tough.
Cinematic: Yeah.
MJ: So, what is videography and video production for you? What does it embody for you?
Cinematic: For me it’s being sensitive to the world around you. It’s a way to see and experience humanity. The more I learn, the more that “third eye” opens up and it allows me to tell deeper stories [through film].
MJ: Has what video production means for you changed since you first started?
Cinematic: It’s an ever-changing career. Self is forever changing. The more I’m introduced to the world, the bigger I become and the more I want to film.
MJ: That’s awesome. It sounds so amazing when you talk about it. That’s a beautiful experience.
Cinematic: Yeah, but having that “third eye” doesn’t just come because you’re a videographer or producer. It’s a gift that you have and you have to be sensitive to the world around you.
MJ: Right. Has working in this industry allotted you any significant opportunities that opened up additional doors for you?
Cinematic: I’ve met people as clients who’ve become great friends now. It’s allowed me to travel internationally. The traveling has inspired me to learn new languages and learning new languages expands my network and view on life. In those ways it’s opened other doors.
MJ: What’s your ultimate end game in video production? What’s the ultimate accomplishment that you’re hoping to attain?
Cinematic: The greatest accomplishment would be to make a blockbuster film or documentary and living the best life that I can live.
MJ: What would be your advice to those who are just starting out in video production or are in school hoping to become successful as a videographer?
Cinematic: Do a lot of research on video production. Get out and start filming. Everyone these days has a camera on their phone. Post your films to YouTube. A lot of people have become successful and made a lot of money just off of YouTube videos. I don’t necessarily believe in mistakes because everything has a learning curve, so learn from everything.
MJ: Is there anything else that you would like the world to know?
Cinematic: Strive to be the best that you can be. Be the best human being you can and you’ll be successful in any field.
Listening to Cinematic speak so genuinely and passionately about his career definitely opened up my eyes to a different aspect of video production. There’s so much more to this industry than what the media presents to the world. There is plenty of space and opportunity to deliver beauty and knowledge to the world through film and music. It’s more to this industry than what meets the naked eye. Thank God for those who bring us amazing entertainment by their ability to see with the “third eye.”
-Miss Jennipher-
Check out this exclusive interview with Porsha of the Real Housewives of Atlanta being interviewed by The Social Life guys; filmed by Cinematic2199.