Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Pfister

Hi Derek, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Last time I explored how I first picked up a camera and how it became my passion. This time I wanted to discuss my business, Chair on Stair Films. Chair on Stair Films, formally known as Chair on Stair Productions, was originally just a production name for all my film works as a teenager and high schooler. The name came from my brother’s old high school video project from his media class. I loved the name so much due to its originality; I took it on and gave it meaning. What does the name mean? Taking simple ideas from unique places and turning them into stories. Friends and colleagues loved the name and meaning, so from then on out we kept it.

I turned Chair on Stair Films into a business in 2010 when I was invited to film a wedding, not knowing what to expect. The funny thing was, I got a call from a friend of mine asking if I could film his sister’s wedding as well. Guess what, it was the day after the first one I was asked to do! I took a chance and gave it a try. It was a daunting challenge, especially doing it by yourself! I don’t recommend it. I was pretty much running around with my head cut off the whole time. In the end I survived and loved taking the opportunity. It was a challenge and that’s what I needed to do to level up my abilities.

Soon after, I asked my longtime friend, who was more of a brother to me, Brendan Adams to assist me in future shoots. He bravely said yes. That yes became the start of what has now made Chair on Stair Films a trustworthy video production business in the state of Wisconsin. If it was not for taking a chance with the wedding and having Brendan joining me, I would not be standing here with everything the team has accomplished.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Your path will never be smooth. Mine was not smooth, but isn’t that what makes you stronger as a creative? I faced rejection after rejection when I summited my film work to competitions. When I received a rejection letter in the mail, I had the most unsettling feeling. I wanted to give up. What kept me going was my continued passion for art, my family, and my closest friends. Their continued support kept my head on straight. Due to that, I stand tall today doing what I love and succeeding because I kept at it. I do it because I love creating stories. All these years later, I still face rejections. That’s okay, I use those rejections to my advantage by pushing myself harder and harder each time. I study and work on my craft repeatedly. My process is to learn, practice, evaluate, and repeat. Never stop learning, keep at it. You will succeed.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

My company Chair on Stair Films is all about taking a small idea and making it become something impactful through the art of video or film. We work weddings, business campaigns, interviews, personal branding, and films in short or long form. Whether it is for a client or competition, we stand by our word to make the project a reality. I’m proud to be standing here today twenty plus years later keeping the meaning of Chair on Stair Films alive.

When I get the question as what I do, it’s hard to really say what my exact title is. My skillset rangers from cinematography, producing, directing, editing, and social media managing. I guess you could just say I’m a video production specialist or just simply, a storyteller. Ultimately, my passion is filmmaking. I love to turn screenplays into motion pictures. My goal is to take words on paper and visualize what the print is presenting. Whenever I can pick up a cinema camera, I am where I need to be. There are so many ways to create breathtaking visuals with the camera and lighting. I want my audience to be drawn in by the emotion and story of a video or film that I’ve produced. If I can do that, I know I’m doing my job correctly as a filmmaker.

Over the past five years, my craft as a filmmaker has taken me to new heights, especially with my work as a cinematographer. My team and I are heavily involved in the 48 Hour Film Project in Wisconsin. In this competition, filmmaking teams have just 48 hours to write, produce, direct, film, edit, and compose a film. You go in not knowing what to expect. You draw a genre from a hat and are given prompts that are needed to be part of your film. The story of the film cannot exceed seven minutes. This competition tests you; it challenges you by taking you to your limits. You start with nothing and end with a completed film. I love it so much because it forces you to work and complete a project from beginning to end. With just 48 hours, you need to be at your best to complete it. Some of the films that I am most proud of are “Sirius Beta”, “Rearview”, and “Reasonable Doubt”. All were produced for the competition.

What sets me apart from others is my personality. I’m a calm and lowkey type of person, but when it comes to production time, I’m stern and focused on the task. I’m also the type of creative that likes to go out of his way to help others achieve their goals. I don’t want to see outside creatives as competition, I want to see them as inspiration. I’m part of the filmmaking community in the state of Wisconsin, and there are so many creatives surrounding me. I want to work with as many as I can to help them achieve their project goals. I am always willing to learn as much as I can.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

Give credit where it is due. I did not accomplish my dream of becoming a creative if it was not for God, my family, my best friends, my team, and all the creatives I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. All their words, encouragement and teachings made me accomplish my goals. It’s not just about you, it’s about those who surround you and your journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chaironstairfilms.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaironstairfilms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChaironStairFilms/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chair-on-stair-films?trk=public_profile_experience-item_profile-section-card_subtitle-click
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/COSFilmsINC
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chaironstairfilms
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14196892/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_2_nm_5_q_derek%2520pfister

Image Credits

Elizabeth Schatz
Chair on Stair Films