We recently connected with David Church and have shared our conversation below.

David, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Great question! For as long as I can remember, I have loved movies, and I always enjoyed watching making-of/behind-the-scenes documentaries about the making of those movies. The fact that there are so many parts in putting together a film is really fascinating. Not only is it a creative endeavor, but a technical one, too.

But then, when I was about ten years old or so, that’s when I first realized that I wanted to be a filmmaker. I would come up with ideas on stories that could be told. When I made my first short film in 2011, it was quite an undertaking, but definitely worth it, and a valuable learning experience. And upon going to film school, it really helped in growing my talent and understanding the components of filmmaking much more.

Then, in 2019, I started working in the news. I felt that some of the knowledge I learned in school, from operating cameras to video editing, would really come in handy. I have worked across three news stations since I first started, with my current station being the one I’ve been working at the longest. So, while I haven’t made my own feature-length film yet, I still work on shorts and various other video projects. And I am glad to have taken on a film school education, and that it’s helped me in the industry today.

David, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a man of several passions: paleontology, railroad history and technology, cryptozoology, the list goes on. Plus, I have several hobbies, like cooking/baking, figure photography, model railroads, and others. And I often like to incorporate these passions and hobbies of mine into my projects.

As far as professional experience goes, I had my first dabble in it after I finished college, when I took on an internship at the New Mexico Film Office in Santa Fe. From there, I was able to work on two features as an intern – one on set, the other in the production office. And more than a year after my internship ended, I worked on three episodes of the TV series Bar Rescue, which was an amazing honor.

In 2015, I started doing some freelance video work here and there. Most of my experience has been for family affairs (like weddings and parties), though I have also done video work for people unrelated to me, such as meetings for the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society, or filming a co-worker’s baby shower. And recently, I filmed a commercial for a local antique mall in Minnesota. All in all, from making short films to video gigs, it’s always great to be behind a camera.

I use what I learned from college for my own personal projects, video clients, and at my regular job (I work at a local TV news station as a production assistant). I like to approach my work with an angle that analyzes what makes it stand out – has anyone told a story like this, or about this subject? Whether it’s a documentary about deacons in the Catholic Church, a comedy short about Bigfoot, or a series about baking and cooking, it’s fun to mix my passions and interests with film and video.

What makes me and my work stand out is that I have my own style for projects, mostly in the aforementioned subject matters. Of all the projects under my belt, my best work would have to be Returning to the Rails: Restoring the 2926, The Diaconate, Sasquatch Vengeance, The Date, and Homemade Goodies.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I have to say that the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing your finished product, from conception to release. Whether it’s an episode of a YouTube series, or a standalone short film, there’s a sense of pride and accomplishment from finishing a project that you start, and sharing it to the world for everyone to enjoy.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Personally, I believe society could be more receptive to new/original ideas in visual storytelling (which applies to me as a filmmaker/video creator). Several films and TV shows right now are part of already-existing franchises, like Marvel, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, etc.. While I like all of these properties and many more, I feel that we should have a greater appreciation for new/unique stories. There are so many untold stories out there. Every person has a story to tell, whether it’s a fantastic adventure or a story inspired by their own personal journey. It would be great to have more support for original storytelling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dwchurch.wixsite.com/david-church-films?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYf2CdBEsv06O19pObepomRj54DtO3JN3x7PsIRVE4pYgY1U7UMP3k-8nQ_aem_AtGOqWX9972zphaVd0sOfg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dchurch1995/
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• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-church-992085122/
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• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FueledbyCookiesProductions