Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zach Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Zach, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I think when I was first starting out I was a little hesitant to take a chance with experimenting. My first impression was always that there was a specific route to take and only one way of doing things. I’d definitely implore my younger self to go bigger and bolder and focus on the perfection of the craft later. Trying new things has only brought more skills to keep on my toolbelt, which has helped me everywhere.

I was always interested in hands-on crafts, building, history, and stories that placed you in other worlds. When I learned about the many jobs in an Art Department for a film crew, I wanted to dive head first into those jobs.

For anyone who is also looking to become a Designer or work in the Art Department, I’d simply say be observant and be resourceful. Look at buildings when you’re roaming a city, and find what distinguishes one area from another. Make the space your characters are in just as visually interesting as what they’re saying.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I really got into filmmaking like many people, adoring movies and the escape it brings you for those couple hours of a day. And what really made me want to make films myself was the reaction you can instill on someone. I remember watching a few friends make videos for the morning announcements on the screen in elementary school, and it was this hilarious video that kids were talking about the rest of the day because we all witnessed it at the same time. And for something so simple, it resonated with people.

That’s truly something powerful and what amazes me every time with this medium. We have the power to entertain, question, empower, inspire, etc. And yet you can come out of a theater with subjective reactions and your group of friends can all take away something different that’s equally as important.

When I first started learning the ins and outs of how a film’s design can enhance those images or themes, I wanted to take part in that for sure. When you’re making movies, it truly takes a village. And being one part of that while interpreting the director’s vision and adding my layer of clay to the product is something I’m always very proud of with each project

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Right now I’ve actually pivoted to another area in film and founded my production company Six Shooter Shorts to develop new and unique voices for film.

There’s been a ton of turmoil in the industry over the last 5 years between the COVID lockdown, and the strikes. And through all that time, so many of my colleagues have expressed that they’re itching to do more work, big or small. I took this route of forming the production company to plug my network of people into new filmmakers or writers and give them a chance to work on their material. The truth is, a lot of new filmmakers have no idea where to start, just like where I was when starting out. So if I can give them a chance to produce their script and come away with a film they’re proud of and submit to festivals to develop their creative vision in some capacity, that really makes me feel good. In times of strife like the industry is facing now, it’s important to work as a unit and figure out how we can come out of these tough times together. That’s something I’ve noticed artists have as their anchor to get them through hardship. If I can add to that in any way, I’m going to try and pay it forward however I can.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think we need to stop putting people in boxes and start having honest conversations about why someone may agree or disagree with societal issues. There seems to be so much divide in the world and this pressure to choose one side or the other, but really, as long as it comes from a loving place, we need to accept that perspectives will ultimately be different. Art is immeasurable. We can’t say one thing is correct and the other is incorrect. Everyone has a chance to take away something new from a piece of work an artist has imparted their soul into.

Often times the best films are centered around uncomfortable topics or subjects that may be something completely foreign to a viewer based on how they were raised. But that’s the beauty of art and entertainment. It’s the chance to expand your mind and get a better understanding of someone’s culture, race, passions, and more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13264087/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixshootershorts/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-miller-50bba02a6/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwkasCA_Pqo1pioMrRC8wKg

Image Credits

Images were taken by my camera.