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

Abigail , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

It is very hard to say I have one project that is the most meaningful because 9 times out of 10, my films come into fruition as a result of me finding a strong connection and sense of meaning towards the topic. However, to answer the question; as of right now in my career, my most meaningful project would have to be my thesis film, Facing Forward.

This film for me was extremely therapeutic and helped me process the big change that was about to happen in my life. It was the first time that I felt a complete admiration and gratitude for my crew. Not only was it an incredible journey of learning how to lead but it was gratifying to watch such talented people care about my project as much as I did.

I had so much fun practicing documentary cinematography and experimenting with the different modes. Not to mention all the months of work, critique, shooting, re-shooting, meetings with professors, script revisions, editing sessions, recording in a sound booth for the first time, working with a composer, and then getting to screen it at the end of the year. The experience was a filmmakers dream.

It was incredible and I hope to create a similar feeling soon.

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?

Hello!

My name is Abigail and I am a documentary filmmaker. I steer towards directing and cinematography but produce from time to time as well (one of many favorite parts about documentary filmmaker being the multiple hat wearing).

I remember making terrible little videos with my sisters when we were younger, but truly fell in love with film in 8th grade. I had just moved to Florida and finally got to be close to the ocean, my favorite place. I thought for sure I was going to be a marine biologist. However, when I found out that didn’t mean just spending the entire day swimming with dolphins, I realized maybe all the science stuff wasn’t for me. Cue my first film class. From the minute I picked up the camera, I was hooked. Slowly I started to realize I could blend my love with being in nature and the ocean with my newfound love for film. Fast forward and I just recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design and am working on continuing just that.

I tell stories that would otherwise go unnoticed and I like to think I have a special eye for them. I am an observer and usually not the loudest in the room (unless you are my family or close friends…) and I think that helps me pick up on the intricate details. I also love pushing the boundaries of documentary film and experimenting with editing, story, or even actual composition of shots. I produce my best for my clients because I am hard on myself in a good way. If it isn’t up to my standards, I will figure out how to get it there. I am also a person of faith, so if I am working on a project, I tend to believe it’s for a reason and that makes me connect, love, and respect the topic/people I’m working with that much more.

I sound so serious in that last paragraph! I promise I have many moments of embarrassment and fun. Overall, I think my biggest asset when working with someone is my genuine (and going on 10 year) love for my craft. My films are never just another paycheck or project, that are so much more.

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

When I am older and maybe not creating films as frequently, I want to be able to know I was an award winning documentary filmmaker that inspired other people towards believing they could be one as well. And know that my films incited positive change and awareness towards the topics at hand. I believe God gave me this creativity and this calling; what a waste it would be to not put it to use in a proactive, intellectual, and stimulating way. My creative journey is driven by a mix of wanting to succeed so I live a purposeful life and believing I can.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are a few very rewarding parts for me in terms of being an artist, I’m going to list five specifically as a filmmaker:

1. When I’m filming an incredible moment and take a step back to be present and take it all in. Sometimes you can’t believe where you get to go and who you get to meet, no matter how big or small.

2. When I click export on the final cut. (scary too!)

3. Watching/hearing the reactions from the audience I made the film for or reactions from strangers that were impacted by my work.

4. The fact that I get to be a part of something that adds beauty and value to the world. Although it’s not always openly apparent, creatives are vital for almost everything.

5. My mom’s reaction when I show her something I’ve been working on. She’s my biggest fan.

Contact Info:

• Website: abigailmdickinson.com
• Instagram: abigaildickinsonfilm
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-dickinson-ab46a61a5/

Image Credits
All photos are mine or taken by me.