We were lucky to catch up with Erika Gilsdorf recently and have shared our conversation below.

Erika, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

I am passionate about the environment, sustainability, conservation…you get the picture. But, not being a biologist or scientist I din’t know how I could throw my hat in the ring to make a difference. I was talking with a biologist and he said ‘video is the future’. I was like, well then I’ll do video! I can do that. I can be the voice of the biologists, researchers and leaders leading change.

I had no idea how to make videos, no techie skills, and personally didn’t like taking even photos. But, I was going to do what was the most effective way to reach people, and I felt that was video. This was in 2007 when social media hadn’t totally caught on…at least with me…and producing videos with a crew, sort of docu-style was kind of how it was done. Phones with video capabilities weren’t available yet…again to me or people in my circle and budget…like they are now.

So, how do you begin a crazy idea like deciding to go into video production with no skill, knowledge or background in it? I started by going to people who DID have the background, skill and knowledge. I found the people who could create what I wanted. There was A LOT on my part of learning, blundering, making a fool of myself, asking a thousand questions, and above all persevering. I was passionate about wanting to make a difference and so I kept at it. My learning curve was basically a vertical line.

A lot of starting my video production business was also pure Minnesota naivety. I grew up with parents that taught me I can do anything. And, that there’s no fear of failure…just possibly regret if you don’t try. So, I started with a small project with an organization that was looking for video. They were kind enough to give me a try. I pulled together a little team of people who knew what the heck they were doing and did the project. It went well. I got a few more little projects but then wanted something bigger. I pitched a video series to Public Television and got it aired in like 5 states. And, after that, I got a project with National Geographic Wild Chronicles. What?! I know. Crazy. Perseverance baby!

It was a few years before I realized I had become a producer and I still love it. This career has taken me to many places in the world, capturing stories of inspiring people driving change for our planet. It hasn’t always been easy, profitable, or without struggles and headaches…but many things worth pursuing often aren’t.

So, basically…my idea for video production started with a ‘why not’?

Erika, 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 video producer who works with LBvideo.pro locally and have my own road trip series called What Fuels You? An Electric Road Trip …whatfuelsyouusa.com.

I like working with people to share their story. Video offers so many ways to do that with social media, websites, broadcast, etc. I’m most proud of my authenticity and integrity. This business can be pretty cut throat. It should be. There’s a ton of talent and skill out there, all over the world. I focus on just being honest and real with clients on what we can do. I pride myself on working with a good, reliable and a talented team. I like to bring out the strengths and ideas of others. I like seeing what we can do for clients to help them. And, I love the creative process behind video production. For me, it’s always changing from doing the fundraising to pre-production, on location shooting, and editing. It doesn’t get boring.

Right now, I’m kind of a half-nomad traveling half the year for my road trip series and working remotely for lbvideo.pro at the same time. For my road trip series, I started with a camera kit and now I just shoot mostly with my phone or a GoPro. I’ve found its easier on the road with often limited or slow internet to be able to quickly edit and post to social media.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I had been working on a very big project with a well-known non profit. It was epic. Going to change lives sort of thing. I got a big no from the sponsor. I was SO upset. I had worked so hard! This wasn’t fair! How could this happen? Didn’t they know how cool this was? I was still too naive to know rejections were common place in the video biz and part of the gig. I was crying and walking outside wailing to my sister about the unfairness of it all.

I went to the grocery store, still sniffling and feeling sorry for myself. I remember it so clearly…I was by the tomatoes in the fresh produce. I got a call. It was the sponsor. They had reconsidered and decided they would fund the project after all, and in its entirety. She asked for me to take down her number. I didn’t have a pen so I wrote her number down in lip gloss on one of my check duplicates.

I don’t know if this is an example of resilience but it was a good lesson to not get so emotional and to persevere. You get breaks…and you don’t. You work hard and sometimes it pays off… sometimes not. But, each time, you’re building your skills, your approach, and you’re learning. And, it’s much more fun to have a ‘no’ fuel your passion vs extinguish it.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My pivoting happened recently within the last few years. I had staked my video production on showing people a lot of challenges in the world in hopes to inspire action. I found myself depressed. So much sadness and struggle. I changed and started focusing on what was good in the world. I started my road trip series to do just that, focus on the good things people are doing in their own corners of the world. I also pivoted by not working with crews as much. I still do but I do a lot of video stuff just myself to keep it simpler and easier to raise money to support the stories I want to tell.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.whatfuelsyouusa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatfuelsyouusa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatfuelsyouUSA
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgOjNEdhr7Nj7b_Ur_6zjcQ