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

Samuel, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

What sort of legacy are you hoping to build? What do you think people will say about you after you are gone? What do you hope to be remembered for?

When I think about the legacy I want to build, I think back to my teenage years—how deeply I was impacted by so many forms of art. Music, stage performance, acting, and film all stirred something in me. I was drawn not just to entertainment, but to expression—how art could carry meaning, emotion, and truth in a way nothing else could. One film in particular, Interstellar, struck a chord. Its emotional storytelling and bold themes challenged me and inspired me. It was one of those rare moments where I thought, This is it. This is what I want to pursue. That film gave me permission to fully commit to the artist’s path.

I hope my legacy will be that of a multi-talented artist and performer who used every gift he had to inspire others. Whether through film, music, or storytelling, I want my work to stay with people —to remind them to stand for what’s right, to defy what’s wrong, and to hold onto hope, even in the dark. I believe stories have the power to shape not only the present but also the future. I see the role of the artist as vital to the heart of a healthy society—art is where we wrestle with meaning, with truth, with beauty. I don’t take that lightly. I believe the life of an artist is a calling, and a gift from God.

At the same time, I want to be remembered as someone who kept his priorities straight. I want to be known not just for my work, but for the way I loved my family. I want my business to reflect that—to be built on values that honor home, integrity, and relationships over fame or success. If I can leave behind a body of work that inspires, and a family that thrives, then I’ll know I lived well.

Samuel, 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?

My name is Samuel Oplinger, and I’m a filmmaker, editor, performer, and co-founder of Oplinger Productions—a creative production company I run alongside my sibling. We specialize in original films, music videos, and narrative-based content that’s visually striking and emotionally resonant. Our work blends cinematic storytelling with high-production value, and our goal is always to create art that leaves a lasting impact on the audience.

My journey into the creative industry began at a young age. Growing up, I was deeply drawn to all forms of performance and artistic expression—music, theater, film, and visual storytelling. I was fascinated by the way art could move people, challenge them, and even change them. That passion eventually grew into a commitment to pursue storytelling as both a craft and a calling. After years of self-education, hands-on experimentation, and working on various creative projects, I eventually co-launched Oplinger Productions to bring that vision to life on a larger scale.

At Oplinger Productions, we provide full-service video production—from concept development, directing, and cinematography to editing, color grading, and post-production polish. We work with clients to bring their creative visions to life while also producing our own narrative projects. What sets us apart is our ability to tell stories that feel cinematic, grounded, and emotionally charged—even on indie budgets. Whether it’s a high-concept music video, a dramatic short film, or a stylized commercial piece, we bring a sense of soul and intentionality to every frame.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the feature film we recently completed. It was a deeply personal story, years in the making, created completely independently with limited resources and a lot of heart. That project affirmed our belief that powerful art doesn’t have to come from massive studios—it can be made by passionate creators with a strong voice and a willingness to take risks.

For those just getting to know us, here’s what I want you to understand: we’re not chasing trends—we’re building a body of work that will stand the test of time. We value depth over flash, meaning over marketing. We believe in the power of story to inspire, challenge, and connect people. And above all, we’re committed to doing it with integrity, creativity, and a sense of purpose.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the ability to reach people on a deeper level—beyond words, beyond surface appearances—and speak directly to the human soul. There’s something sacred about creating a piece of art that makes someone feel seen, understood, or inspired. When someone watches a film we’ve made and tells me, “That moved me,” or “That made me think differently,” it reminds me why I do this.

Art allows me to wrestle with life’s biggest questions—faith, identity, morality, love, loss—and turn that wrestling into something beautiful that others can experience too. There’s deep fulfillment in that process. It’s not always easy, but it’s always meaningful.

I also love that being an artist means I never stop growing. Every project teaches me something new—about my craft, about the world, and about myself. It keeps me humble, curious, and hungry to keep evolving.

Ultimately, it’s the connection that matters most. Creating something from nothing and seeing it echo in someone else’s life—that’s the reward.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think a lot of non-creatives don’t realize how chaotic the process really is. Creating something from nothing isn’t a straight line—it’s messy, uncertain, and often filled with doubt. You’re constantly wrestling with invisible things: ideas, emotions, meaning. Sometimes it feels like you’re lost in the dark, chasing a feeling you can’t quite name yet. But that’s where the magic is—when something raw slowly takes shape and becomes real. It’s not clean, but it’s worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oplingerproductions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@oplingerproductions