Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amber Dalby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Amber, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Its funny, before I discovered filmmaking, I always wanted to be a scientist. Marine biologist, volcanologist, palentonologist. All those things. When I was about 12, my mom signed me up for a 72 Hour film competition, and I did it with my best friend. And I HATED it. I let my friend take over, and do the film her way when I had a vision for how wanted it. We were co-directors, but she really was the one in charge. Even though it was not a good experience I still did like the idea of filmmaking, and bringing a story to screen.
The next year when the competition rolled around again, I decided to do it again on a separate team from her. I was able to create a film, it was called ” Playtime” and cater it exactly how I envisioned. I really felt like a director..
It was a comedic thriller short film that starred my little sister Bonnie Dalby, My cousin Mason Swanson, and our neighbor/ friend Taylor Bell. Its about two best friends that get chased by a Masked figure which is revealed to just be the little brother of one-of the friends who just wanted to play with them!
But the moment that changed everything wasn’t making the film, it was watching it.
Sitting in the theater, surrounded by an audience, I watched people react exactly where I had hoped they would. They laughed at the comedic moments. They gasped at the twist. They were engaged in a story that had once existed only in my imagination.
It was an incredible feeling. I just loved getting to see people enjoy my film. Ontop of it, I even won the competition for my age category.
Thats moment of watching the film in the theater is when I knew that its what I wanted to do for the rest of my life..
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 am award winning student filmmaker who currently attends The Savannah College of Art and Design, and is majoring in film and television.
I specialize in directing/cinematography. I have shot/directed an abundance of films that have made it to a variety of festivals.
I currently have two big films that have wrapped productions. One is a wildlife documentary about The Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center. It focuses on the conservation work the employees do there, and why we need more of it worldwide to combat rapid species extinction.
The other film is a post apocalyptic Dance film called ” Dance Zombie.” Its about a music-borne virus that turns people into dancing zombies, and a quarantined group of friends must engage in an all out dance battle to survive, forcing a former dancer to rediscover his confidence to save his friends and maybe even the world.
Clearly these films are very different and unique. I feel like the variety of different and unique films is a perfect representation of who I am. I love experimenting and creating assortment of different projects that entertain and engage with audiences. I dont want to limit my self to one genre because I want to be able to have the confidence to take on any film or project that gets brought my way. As long as my projects can entertain, teach, or bring joy to people, then I am fulfilling what I want to do.
All stories have value and I love bringing them to life.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative for me is pouring my all of my heart into one of my films/productions and then seeing people find enjoyment in it. I have had multiple of my short films screen in theaters and hearing the audience reactions never get old. When they laugh at those moments that you meant to be funny or cry at those sad/heartfelt moments, it just feels so fulfilling. I have so much fun making films and it’s insanely to see people have as much fun watching them too.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Consume more art, especially from lesser-known independent artists and filmmakers.
Creative industries like the one I’m breaking into, film, are incredibly difficult to succeed in. There are so many talented artists whose work deserves far more attention and recognition than it receives. If more people made an effort to seek out and support independent artists, rather than only consuming mainstream films and media, it could make a big difference.
I’ve watched countless indie films that are every bit as deserving of recognition as major studio releases. Simply choosing to watch, share, and just support these projects can help artists continue creating and lead to a variety of diverse projects.
Supporting independent creatives doesn’t always require a large investment. Sometimes, something as simple as buying a ticket, recommending a film to a friend, or sharing an artist’s work online can help their art reach new audiences. The more we uplift emerging voices, the stronger and more vibrant our creative ecosystem becomes.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: amberfilmies101
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@risingproductions367?si=MyEltRtJiTyReybN
Image Credits
Zander Pilcher
Olivia Dall’Antonia Chaves
Jack Muzzo