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

Alright, Adam thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

The film industry can feel impossible to break into. Too often, success depends on being born into the right network or paying steep tuition just to secure an internship and learn the ropes. For many independent filmmakers, that is why guerrilla-style production becomes the first choice. It strips away bureaucracy and focuses on telling stories in their rawest, most authentic form.

At 7to8 Production and Distribution, we strive to bridge those worlds. We respect the business side of filmmaking such as contracts, distribution, and sustainability while holding onto the independence and honesty that defines guerrilla filmmaking. By doing so, we create a space where pure storytelling does not have to be sacrificed for structure and where artists can share their voices without being silenced by industry gatekeeping.

Adam, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Adam Snook, and I am the founder and executive producer at 7to8 Production and Distribution, an independent film studio dedicated to supporting authentic talent from the Greater Pittsburgh region. We provide filmmakers of all backgrounds and experience levels the opportunity to bring their scripts to screen. At the same time, we are working to build connections with major distributors and exhibitors to showcase Pittsburgh’s creative talent on a national stage. With high ambitions, 7to8 aims to become the beacon of independent film west of the Appalachia and to stand alongside Hollywood as a true hub for storytelling.

Our team works hard to balance industry standards with the raw authenticity that defines independent filmmaking. We want every project to feel professional while still keeping its indie soul intact. Recently, many students have been able to make their films through 7to8, gaining hands-on experience on large-scale sets. After working with us, they discovered a true passion for filmmaking thanks to the professionalism and dedication of every member of our team. We hope to keep this trend going and continue fostering the next wave of filmmakers through 7to8.

To support this vision, our marketing team has built a strong brand identity that resonates with aspiring filmmakers and has fueled steady growth in engagement across the region. Together, we are building not just films, but a community of storytellers ready to make their mark.

How’d you meet your business partner?

The entertainment industry is such a daunting yet fascinating world. On any given day, you might find yourself working alongside celebrities or your old high school friends who just want to be a grip on set. What I love about it is the range of people you meet simply by working on films, even in an entry-level role like a production assistant.

Although I don’t technically have a co-founder, I first met my senior directors on set during a feature film shoot. I had initially reached out to Nate Drew and Max Christopher, who have since become some of my closest collaborators, but at first they thought I was just a bot or a scam trying to sneak onto their set. To my surprise, they invited me to join them, and we clicked right away. Their passion for filmmaking was contagious, and ever since then we’ve been working together to develop 7to8 as well as a nonprofit that helps students find the resources they need to make their films.

My business partners are all driven by passion, hope, and big dreams which is exactly why I knew I wanted to build both a professional and platonic relationship with them. With the ambition I carry and the dedication they bring, I was confident from the start that we would thrive as a team.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

During my college years, reading always felt like something that was being forced on me, so I never really enjoyed it. But once I had time to read on my own, I realized how much knowledge could be unlocked from just a single book. Looking back, I’d say about 70% of the skills I possess as a film producer, and my understanding of the entertainment industry as a whole, came from books.

For anyone starting out as a film producer, there are two books I always recommend. The first is “The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers” by Thomas A. Crowell. Entertainment law and intellectual property law can be intimidating, but they are essential for any producer to understand. This book is approachable, highlights the most crucial aspects of contracts, provides real case examples, and avoids unnecessary legal jargon making it an invaluable resource for novices.

The second is “Humble: Free Yourself from the Traps of a Narcissistic World” by Daryl Van Tongeren. The entertainment industry is filled with egos—some strong, some fragile. Film is often seen as a “sexy” business, and that can easily inflate a person’s self-image. Learning to keep your own ego in check, while also navigating others’, is critical. This book provides a thoughtful guide on how to cultivate humility, and I truly believe more humility is something the film industry, and the world, deeply needs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://7to8prod.com
• Instagram: a.adamsnook
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamsnook-usa-th
• Other: Studio Instagram: @7to8prod

Image Credits

Those in Motion
Lucas S. Cobb
Caleb Grogan
Nolan DuBois