We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Roman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.

Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Hey, CanvasRebel!

First of all, thank you for welcoming me here!

My partner, Brandon Geisler, and I co-operate Solray Films, a small film production company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. While we call Charlotte home, our work takes us all along the East Coast, where we operate and travel. What sets us apart from corporate entities is our boutique approach. We’re not a large, faceless corporation; we’re a small, close-knit team with a personal touch. We also have a deep understanding of both union and non-union film sets, as well as experience working with a wide range of budgets, so we understand the importance of adapting and finding innovative solutions to keep the show running smoothly.  But what really makes us unique is our passion for uncovering the heart and inspiration behind each project we take on. It’s in those cozy pre-production meetings where we get to know the amazing folks we’re working with and dig deep to find the story’s soul. And because we’re small, we’re able to foster strong connections with our clients, cast and crew, which becomes our secret sauce.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Growing up in Orange County, California, and then moving to North Carolina in the late 90s was a big change for me. The distance between the two places was huge, but one thing that always made me feel connected to my family was watching homemade VHS tapes of our family gatherings. I was captivated by the memories and the stories they told. That’s when my love for film began.The passion only grew and because I loved it so much I wanted to learn the ins-and outs of it so when the time came I went to film school at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.

Once I graduated, an unexpected opportunity was at the door—an interview for a Producer’s Assistant role with a Starz Lionsgate production, courtesy of Ricki Nelson, a peer alumna seeking a replacement. Excitement clashed with hesitation; I had a stable marketing job and a recent promotion at that time but Ricki emphasized the urgency, explaining that there was no time for a two weeks’ notice; they needed someone quickly. The position would start the following week. There, I learned that the film industry moves fast, and second opportunities rarely knock twice.Trying to balance comfort and ambition, I took a leap. I told Ricki, “I still want that interview.” The rest? I started the role the following Monday, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.

Fast forward to now,  Brandon and I operate Solray Films, a vibrant film production company. Where we specialize in creating visual content, spanning from commercials, films, tailored for both businesses, writers, and artists. Our pride stems from being an all-in-one solution, by being involved in every stage.My partner, Brandon, plays a crucial role in our team. He handles the logistics and serves as our director of photography. His expertise in lighting and composition sets the scene and brings our vision to life.On the other hand,  my passion lies in bringing stories with a powerful message to life. I focus on the creative aspect, ensuring that the story we’re telling is compelling and resonates with our audience. I also handle the overall logistics, making sure that all necessary preparations are made and that we’re heading in a solid direction.Together, Brandon and I make a formidable team.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I would say the roots of our business were planted in Wilmington, but we decided to spread our wings and make the move to Charlotte just before the Writer’s strike. The timing, in a way, was a beautiful tragedy. In Wilmington, navigating in both union and non-union sets was a main source of learning, but the strike threw us into a situation where we had to adapt, particularly with narrative union sets on pause. Many of our film peers had to pivot by picking up supplemental jobs or creating their own films.
On our side of town, Brandon, my partner, delved into the world of reality television during this period. It was a unique opportunity for him to learn extensively, unburdened by the constraints of a strict union set. He could ask questions freely, gaining insights from camera operators and Directors of Photography.

On the flip side, I discovered my inspiration in the performing arts. Despite not being on a film set, I immersed myself in local theater productions, dedicating my time to unraveling the intricacies of production beyond the technical aspects. This involved assisting Musical Directors and Stage Managers, learning to sew costumes, and supporting actors with their costumes and pre-performance nerves. I found joy in being a part of everything behind the curtain, embracing every facet of storytelling through my involvement in various departments. For me, it’s like comparing it to a chef that’s out of the kitchen environment and visiting a farmers market, choosing produce, and interacting with the people who grow it. The time spent exploring the roots and elements of production without solely focusing on the technical side was nothing short of amazing. It became a defining moment—a realization of my addiction to storytelling and performance, and an understanding of the multifaceted aspects that make a production truly come alive.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Brandon and I first crossed paths at the Community College in Charlotte, NC. We were in different filmmaking classes but had the same professor. This professor pulled off an exciting move by combining classes for a mini film festival involving students and community creatives. It was there that we met a bunch of amazing, creative folks.

We hit it off with everyone, but what really kicked off our friendship was a mishap. Brandon accidentally mistook my plate of food for his own. I playfully called him out, and turns out, we could both handle a bit of friendly banter and shared the same sense of humor. It was an instant bond, and from there, our friendship took off! I still tease him about it, hoping he reads this and laughs.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: solray_films
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-roman-68b88a213/
• Other: Launching new website in Spring 2024!

Image Credits
Lilli Hogsten: @lillis.photo. Dan Gelles: @dan_gelles_photo