Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Arie Lombardozzi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Arie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I literally had this conversation yesterday! The overall answer is yes, I am happier as an artist. With that being said there is a but to that answer. I sometimes envy people who have a “regular” job for the security of paychecks, paid medical benefits, and being able to leave work at work. There are always exceptions to all of the previous items listed. I was with my wife while we were looking at spots open late to do work for the multiple projects we both have going on, but the only places that tend to be opened late are bars aka not the most conducive space to be working in when you really need to focus. As a freelance filmmaker and podcaster it is amazing to be able to take on whatever projects I want to, make my own hours, and be my own boss, but it also means I’m always trying to find the next paying gig, wear multiple hats for any project, be motivated to find projects/finish up projects, I never know exactly when to expect a paycheck to come in, and am always working in one way, shape, or form. My stress and anxiety are through the roof most days! What really matters in the end is that I’m doing what I love and am able to make a living from it, get to spend time with my family, and get to call my own shots. The feeling of wrapping on a film set after a long day is easily one of my favorite feelings. Seeing people react to my art whether it be film or podcasts is enthralling. For all the pain, stress, and anxiety that comes with being an artist I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About myself:
– My name is Arie Lombardozzi. I’m 31 years old and currently reside in Indianapolis, IN with my wife Skyler and dog Luna. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2013 with a BA in Film Studies and a related area in Communications. I’ve been doing film for about 9 years, not counting film school, and podcasting for about 5. I love anything that goes bump in the night, makes me wanna bang my head, and Spongebob Squarepants.
How I got into the industry:
– Ever since I can remember I’ve always loved movies and music, but I’m not 100% why I wanted to go into film specifically. I love story telling and film was the medium that made the most sense for me to explore. I want to create something that can resonate with viewers the same way that my favorite films/shows resonate with me.
– In regards to podcasting, I used to think it was such a dumb medium until I found shows that resonated with me. It was game over at that point, I was hooked. This was a way I could be doing other tasks and still be able to learn/be entertained on the move. I had experience with audio from the filmmaking industry and thought this was something I could do and be good at! After lots of trial and error I think I can finally call myself a “podcaster” and actually believe it for myself haha.
What creative work do I offer:
– Lately my main focus has been doing commercial work for mobile apps/games. This could be anything from a full fledged production to me recording videos with my phone for TikTok. I’m able to be a one-stop shop for clients to fulfill their vision or I am happy to hop on a crew and help with any project that fits in my lane/schedule.
-In regards to podcasting I just stick to BREWTAL with my co-host Todd Bailey to bring the best in craft beer reviews and heavy metal news! We work with bands that we enjoy to help spread the word about their music and welcome any band to message us for a potential feature. If the opportunity presented itself then I’d love to work with people to get their show off the ground or produce something that wasn’t my own.
What problems do I solve for clients and what sets me apart from others:
– For filmmaking I bring a client’s vision to life. Sometimes that means fleshing out a loose concept they may have or it may be me coming up with something from scratch to present to them. Either way we’re going from thought to form, as my Dad used to say to me. With BREWTAL, specifically, we’re trying to make it easy for our listeners to find new beers/bands, promote bands we dig, and give our audience, the hopwolves, a snapshot of some news in the metal community.
– What sets me apart from others are the connections I tend to make. I’m an introvert at heart, but can be extroverted when I need to be which has led to many great opportunities with people that I still continue to forge relationships with to this day.
What am I most proud of/what do I want fans to know about my work
– I’m most proud of being able to adapt to any situation, good or bad, in my journey to become the best version of myself.
– I want the fans to know that I take great pride in my work, but my own mental stability comes first. It may take me longer or my be inconsistent to get projects done, but I assure you that they will get done and that I’m giving them my all!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Know your worth and have good communication. It’s such a bizarre concept to think about how you’re supposed to price your talents for other people, but I guarantee you that you’re worth more than what you initially think! The worst thing people can say is no and if that’s the case then you don’t want to work with that person anyway. I’ve done freelancing off and on over the years, but only recently has it been a full time gig for me. In those years there’s always one particular project that has left a bad taste in my mouth. Basically I was hired to do some training videos for a company, I priced it WAY too low, the project turned into a bigger one than I anticipated, and I kept putting it on the back burner due to growing frustrations with myself and the client. In conclusion I under sold myself and had nothing set in stone in regards to the details of the project. Neither myself nor the client handled this well and I continue to use that experience to shape how I present myself nowadays both in a professional setting and in my personal life.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My ultimate goal is to have a space that would house my production company, a screening room for movie premieres/film festivals, a music venue, a brewery/restaurant, and a coffee shop. I really just want a one-stop shop for everything I love that will also stimulate the creative community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Brewtal
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brewtalpodcast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brewtalpodcast/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq47UPuR5bENYa3QSPgz9DQ
- Other: https://www.deathdealerproductions.com/
Image Credits
Andrew Torbenson (the black and white picture)