Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to D.J. Walker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
D.J. , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?
I graduated high school in 1991. I dreamt of getting into the movie business. So in the fall of that year I headed to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to attend school at the Art Institute. There I studied for a year in their Audio/Video Production program. After a year I had to leave due to funding. I was doing quite well with my learning and grades and to say I was disappointed was an understatement. For the next 20 years I went about my life mostly working in retail management. When I about to turn 40, I had wanted a change in my life. and had been seriously dwelling on going back to school to finish my fream of going to college and getting a degree. I also wanted those studies to be in filmmaking. I moved to the Phoenix, Arizona area when an opportunity arose. I researched film programs and ultimately found a great program that was affordable at the Scottsdale School of Film and Theater. I atteneded there for four years and received high honors. I graduated with a degree in Televsion/Film Production and a certifcate of completion as well in Film editing. I also was able to get certified in Avid’s editing program. I do wish I had went back sooner, but I do believe things happen for a reason. I have been able to direct some fun projects (even getting and winning at some film festivals), but even better, I have made some great friendships from that time that will be long lasting I’m sure.
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.
I am filmmaker from a small town in east central Illinois where I was born and raised. I have always been drawn to movies ever since I seen movies like Star Wars, E.T., Back to the Future, and more when I was a young boy. I always had a pretty active imagination. I love that movies can have such a profound impact on someone. They can make a person feel, but also really think. I love that. I want to make entertaining films that provoke thought and conversation, but make you laugh, cry, or be scared. I am working on establishing my own production company called HB4L films, so that I can continue to make films/ music videos/ or commercials as I progress in my career. I have been in the filmmaking realm now for about 10 years, and am always looking to grow, and expand my skills. I am open to working with other creatives to help make their projects come to life. Film is all about collaboration.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Well I did attend a trade school right out of high school as I stated earlier. I was set back because of financial reasons, but I was determined to go back to school one day and finish. There was a drive in me to be the first person in my family to go to college, and ultimately I did accomplish that dream. It came many years later, but I finished it. Since attending and graduating film school, I went through a huge health change. I lost 190 lbs and changed my life forever after going through bariatric surgery and then eating healhier and working out consistently for the last 2 years. I also was diagnosed with Renal Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) and had to have a kidney removed. Going through these obstacles really made me think about how precious time and life is. I am glad to have made it through and getting healthier so that I can continue to pursue my filmmaking dreams.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
To me being creative and an artist is about being true to yourself. To dig deep in your soul and relay your ideas and visions into a creative medium (film, music. art, etc.). To express yourself and be truly yourself. I like the ideas of pursuing topics and subjects that may be of a darker nature or make people think. To use art to show the under belly of life. I also like the mainstream approach too by directing pieces that are just for pure entertainment by many people. Being an artist allows you to really dig into your beliefs, your thoughts. The thought of challenging yourself to go outside of your own limits can be quite creative as well. Being creative is the substance the feed’s an artist’s soul. I do believe that.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: HB4L films one- https://www.instagram.com/hb4l_productions_ Personal one- https://www.instagram.com/icon4life2/
- Facebook: personal one-https://www.facebook.com/david.walker.18659041 HB4L one-https://www.facebook.com/honeybear4life/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/icon4life2
- Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9886739/
Image Credits
Stephane Strande