We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nathaniel Turner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nathaniel below.
Hi Nathaniel, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
One of the most meaningful projects I worked on was a short film called Dream. A magical realism story about a young depressed artist who finds herself through an unexpected magical pen. I’ve been thinking about it for more than a decade, and I first came up with the idea during college. Over the years, I put it aside and prioritized other things like finishing my thesis, graduating, and moving to LA.
It had been two years since my last short film, so I chose Dream as my “get back on the horse” project because of its straightforward yet intricate post-production process. I came back home for the holidays and collaborated with a former actress friend to shoot the movie. Despite it being the shortest day of the year, we were able to complete all of her scenes in under four hours. Of course, I still had some additional shots to film later, but the talent’s part was finished. It’s certainly the least expensive movie I made.
Nevertheless, the post production was laborious due to rotoscoping selected color in a black and white film. Not to mention I had to sound design and music compose the scenes. It went through a short film festival circuit, and won the Best Editor Award at the LA Under the Stars Film Festival in 2019.
It wasn’t until I posted the film online that it became a sensation. I’ve gotten so many comments from various people saying how much it meant to them. One reviewer even deemed it one of the most remarkable analyses of mental health and living life to the fullest.
From their support and comments, I drafted a feature length script and manuscript.
Nathaniel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a passionate storyteller with a diverse background in film and writing. My journey began at Ringling College of Art + Design, where I graduated with honors, earning a BFA in Film. During my time there, I honed my craft and created several student films that went on to win numerous awards at film festivals. This early success fueled my ambition and strive to keep going. Immediately after graduation, I moved to Los Angeles determined to find an opportunity to hone my skills in the entertainment world. I started with an internship, but quickly advanced to executive assistant at a management and entertainment company. Over time, and in different organizations I continued to refine my skills and expertise. Currently, I hold a position as a Senior Video Editor where I work long-form and short-form content, bringing stories to life through the art of editing.
What sets me apart is my versatility and dedication. While my day job focuses on video editing, my passion for narrative extends beyond the screen. In my free time, I write screenplays and manuscripts. This gives me a unique perspective and a well-rounded approach to narrative creation on visual and written storytelling.
Storytelling is the driving force behind everything I do. Whether I’m making films or writing, my ultimate aim is to craft compelling stories that deeply connect with viewers. With every project I undertake, I bring a one-of-a-kind combination of technical skill, creative vision, and industry experience.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In March 2020, the world turned upside down. COVID-19 brought life to a sudden stop. The directive was clear: stay indoors, work remotely, and in two weeks, things would improve.
It was during this unprecedented pandemic that I seriously embraced narrative writing. I initially started writing feature screenplays, but during NaNoWriMo, I took on the challenge of writing a novel in 30 days. What started as a 50,000-word goal blossomed into an 86,000-word manuscript, marking the beginning of my writing journey.
Four years later, I’ve drafted five manuscripts and ten screenplays. Although not published yet, I’m steadily constructing my portfolio and getting closer to full-filling that dream.
My writer’s journey is far from over. With each passing day, each new project, I hone my craft. The best is yet to come, and I’m excited to see how much further I can push my creative boundaries.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is getting to express myself and not shy away from what I feel. The arts is a profound way to discover who we are, and change in whom we can be.
Being a storyteller is empowering, liberating, and connecting the missing pieces on a board. I get to explore the world through other characters, learn about their hopes and dreams, fears and desires. Only then can I gain a sense of empathy and understanding. Many of the characters I create may have aspects of myself, some more than others, but they all have their own views and hardships. When I analyze their life, how they change (or how they don’t change), I get to discover a little more about myself and the rest of humanity.
A writer is a solitary, confining life, yet out of the darkness, there is this story – new birth, a new beginning that is out there for others to connect.
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Image Credits
Ryan Robert Minford, Nathaniel Turner, C.J. Julian