Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cole Brakebill. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The most meaningful work I’ve undertaken is my current project for public television – a three-part, 90-minute documentary on outdoor art in the Texas Panhandle. This endeavor has allowed me to fully immerse myself in crafting a story that is both educational and entertaining. Every phase, from research and writing to filming, editing, and sound mixing, has been a labor of love. Despite working solo, I’ve embraced new technologies to enhance my workflow and exceed my own expectations. This project is particularly special to me because it showcases the incredible outdoor art in my region, including iconic sites like Cadillac Ranch. It’s an honor to bring these stories to life.
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?
I spent 15 years producing my own successful music, blending country and hip hop into high-energy anthems for rodeo events. After settling down and starting a family, I bought a camera from a friend, Michael Green, who taught me everything about videography. His mentorship was invaluable, and I owe my current path to his guidance. After 18 months of shooting various projects, I began receiving requests for larger jobs. I discovered my passion for filmmaking and decided to focus on a significant documentary project. I canceled all other obligations to dedicate myself fully to this endeavor. Moving forward, I plan to take on 1-2 large-scale projects annually, but my immediate focus is on executing this documentary to the best of my ability.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson I had to unlearn was accepting every job that came my way early on. I fell into a “yes man” habit, shooting and editing anything I could with my Canon R6. It was essential for my growth as a filmmaker, but once my dreams started becoming reality, I found myself overwhelmed and overbooked. I had to farm out all those jobs, which was tough to accept. Shifting away from that constant “hunting” mentality is still a challenge, but I’m working on finding the balance I need. I’ll get there.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Non-creatives might struggle to understand the intense passion and personal investment that goes into a creative journey. It’s not just about producing work; it’s about pouring a piece of yourself into every project. The emotional highs and lows, the constant need for inspiration, and the vulnerability of sharing your vision with the world can be challenging to grasp. Finding balance and dealing with self-doubt are ongoing battles. But for creatives, it’s all part of the process. Understanding this can help others appreciate the dedication and resilience required in the creative field.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rooseveltroadvideo.com/
- Instagram: @rooseveltroadvideo
- Facebook: @rooseveltroadvideo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-brakebill-407108118?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: @CYB_Music
- Youtube: @rooseveltroadvideo
Image Credits
Cole Brakebill