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

Alright, Christian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I believe filmmaking as a craft is a gift, and as filmmakers, we have a special opportunity to manifest our dreams, stories, and wildest imaginings into something tangible and perceivable for others to share in. With that opportunity comes many challenges and risks,

Undertaking a film, in any form, is a daunting prospect. Time, Energy, MONEY- and so many other aspects are present to consider when choosing to take that first cinematic step. “Risk” itself becomes a creative roommate, a constant companion that shares in every decision made and approach taken. Believing in ones story and ones self, and bringing a whole gang of people along with you for the ride, takes considerable risk, but in that, the chance to create in its purest form is possible. No, obtainable!

Choosing to put your story and perspectives into the world, one must accept (and learn to love) risk. It is a creative cornerstone that will never leave, but sweetens the experience in every facet.

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.

In keeping with my love for film and filmmaking, I strive to share that love with any one who has ever wanted to tell their own stories. Whether through education, where I’ve served as a mentor and educator to help inspire and empower the next generation of creatives, or through production work, where I partner with clients and and other filmmakers to bring their stories to life on screen. I am driven by the passion for supporting meaningful creative expression.

It is my mission to bring the expressive and emotional power of film, to both the narrative and non-narrative work I do. I believe every film is simply a story, and every person has a story. So I choose to tap into as many cinematic techniques and approaches when crafting a video. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a passion, a service, or an experience.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the hardest things to unlearn while on my creative journey, was to not be overwhelmed by the many different aspects and approaches to the craft of filmmaking. In all honesty, I learned that anything “technical” is the easiest thing to ingest. Youtube, school, workshops, online classes- there are MANY avenues you can go down to learn something generally or specifically. I learning to not be overwhelmed by all this, and instead, discovered I found more time to learn who I was as a creative and as a person.

There is no video on social media you will find, or course you can take, that will teach you about YOU. Taking the journey to craft your own voice, vision, and virtue takes a healthy dose of patience in self-reflection and consistency.

Allowing myself to focus on what I wanted to do with the tools available to me as a filmmaker, bears more fruit than simply knowing what a tool does in itself.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Nothing can beat being a reliable, respectable, and overall good person. This creative business is all about working with people and sharing space with others and their creative minds. And as the kids say now “Life be Life-n'”, so remembering to consider the humanity behind all the roles and duties. Keep a clear perspective to WHY we do this.

Being a good person is not only seen, but it is felt, and if a client sees that in you, they will not only invest in your story, but also in you. The same goes for a crew that may work with you on a project. If they feel seen and heard, they will see and hear you.

I love people. I love their stories and experiences. There is no better film to watch than the very real life the medium of film itself imitates.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.reelretroprods.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnelsonsays/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cnelsonnelson39
• Other: https://vimeo.com/reelretroprods