We were lucky to catch up with Micah Hamilton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Micah, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

One of my core philosophies I live by is the term “get clever.” It’s a trait that I admire in others and constantly try to sharpen within myself. I look for ways to maximize every film opportunity and resource available. When working on a client project, I not only focus on delivering exceptional work but also leverage that project to fuel growth and creativity in multiple ways. Here’s some ways I try to get clever about my filmmaking.

I treat my Instagram as a business card, showcasing work that aligns with the direction I want to take my career. This isn’t just about self-promotion; it’s about curating a visual narrative that attracts the kind of projects and collaborations I’m passionate about. I don’t share probably 60% of the work I do because it doesn’t align with what direction I’m wanting to go. That being said, and putting my ego aside, I look at every project through the term “meal or reel.” Meaning, is this a job that I can actively use my skill set, refine my process, and get food on the table? Great! That still aligns with my goal of making a career in film and paying the bills. And for the reel, will this project push me in the direction I want to be going, do I want to do more projects like this one, is this something I’m proud to say, “I did this.”

I believe in the power of reaching out proactively, without abandon. I send emails daily to potential clients, artists, and companies, knowing that even if the response rate is low, the effort compounds over time. And reaching out doesn’t stop when I’m busy, commercials, music videos, documentaries, social videos can all take a lot of time to set up. My mind set is, there is very little chance I’ll have some of these brands or artists reaching out to me out of the blue so why not reach out to them? I’ve gotten many projects or leads just from just reaching out. That being said I try my best to avoid the “let me know if you want to do anything” emails. I think it’s all about being in motion with your plans. Recently I got in contact with an electric bike company after reaching out to probably 15 other companies. To summarize what I said, “I love what your doing. I have a commercial that I’d love to create of your product. Here are the deliverables I can offer that can help your brand e.g. website content, banner, socials, commercial, photos. I have a pitch deck ready if you’d like to see if it aligns with your companies. I’m wanting to shoot (date) and have a finished product for you by the end of (date).” So I’m essentially saying, the trains moving do you want to jump on?

I use the term “stacking” to get the most out of a given project. This doesn’t apply to every project, but when it aligns, man it feels good. When I get hired on to create a project, first and foremost I focus on making an exceptional piece for the client. Secondly I integrate stacking to see how else can this project benefit me (this should be without saying but this never involves taking advantage of a client). I rent gear that I’ve been wanting to learn or my team to use. If I own the footage I upload the unused takes to Filmsupply as stock footage. If we have extra time at the location and the shoot is wrapped, I love to plan another spec shoot to utilize the space. I’ll bring on a model or pay one of the crew to act and often let the talent use the footage after for whatever they need. Am I using a lens that’s new to me? The make a YouTube video about using it then. Suddenly I’m getting more out of a shoot than I ever did in the past just by seeing how I can stack. This not only optimizes resources but also opens up creative avenues that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional, one-off project model.

Lastly, having close friends who are also collaborators, sharing an office space where we can bounce ideas, experiment with new techniques, and learn from each other, adds a unique aspect to my work. It’s a testament to the power of creative collaboration and how it can elevate the quality and innovation of the final product.

In essence, these practices might not be so different from the norm but getting clever in a freelance environment and making any type of structure makes it a more fulfilling and impactful freelance experience.

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 guess at this point I’m a seasoned filmmaker with over 14 years of experience in the industry haha. My journey began with a passion for storytelling, a deep love for visual arts, and hanging out with my friends which led me to explore various avenues within the film and video production space.

I specialize in directing, cinematography, and editing, working across a range of projects including music videos, documentaries, short narratives, commercials, and more. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with brands such as GQ, Vogue, Nike, and YouTube, as well as working with a spectrum of talent including Jennifer Lopez, The Weeknd, Post Malone, Austin Butler, and Selena Gomez.

What sets me apart is my unique approach to filmmaking. I believe in “getting clever” with every opportunity, maximizing resources to deliver exceptional results. I treat each project as a chance not just to create outstanding content but also to innovate, solve problems creatively, and exceed client expectations.

My services encompass everything from concept development to final delivery, ensuring an engaging storytelling or visual experience. Whether it’s crafting a compelling narrative, capturing crazy visuals, or editing to perfection, I strive to create impactful and memorable pieces.

What I’m most proud of is the ability to blend artistry with strategy, offering solutions that not only meet the client’s objectives but also resonate with audiences on a deeper level. I take pride in building lasting relationships based on trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for excellence.

For potential clients I want them to know that my brand represents innovation, creativity, and a pursuit of excellence.

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

During my time in film school, I encountered the belief that success in the industry required thick skin and tolerance for toxic environments. This perspective didn’t sit right with me, and it’s one of the reasons I chose the freelance path. As a freelancer, I have the freedom to choose the projects I take on and the people I surround myself with.

I strongly believe that sensitivity plays a crucial role in filmmaking, both on and off camera. This sensitivity extends to how we communicate with our crew and handle our interactions, including emails. There’s always a way to convey even complex ideas in a gentle and respectful manner. Creating a positive and healthy work environment is paramount because we spend a significant portion of our lives at work.

This philosophy also extends to giving and receiving critique. It’s about being clever in how we communicate feedback, ensuring it’s constructive and fosters growth rather than negativity. Ultimately, fostering a supportive and respectful atmosphere leads to better creativity, collaboration, and overall well-being.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I’ve come to realize the value of surrounding myself with like-minded people and friends who share similar goals. Initiating conversations at coffee shops, engaging in online communities, and participating in networking events have been invaluable in expanding my horizons and opportunities. Also, I’ve learned the importance of not gatekeeping—sharing resources, tips, and connections freely can benefit everyone in the industry.

Creating a compelling pitch deck has been an ongoing learning curve for me, yet it’s essential for showcasing my work and attracting clients. I’ve also found that confidently advertising myself, like sporting a sticker on my laptop that says “Need video?” with my Instagram handle, communicates my services and capabilities. Is it cheesy? Yes, haha. But I’ve had too many projects come from the most random circumstances that I feel like I’m just adding to the odds of something magical happening.

Embracing the title of director and confidently articulating my role has significantly influenced how others perceive me and my work. It’s about owning your expertise and position in the industry with confidence and clarity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.micahvisuals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micah_hamilton/
• Youtube: @micahhamilton117
• Other: https://www.hamiltonweddings.co

Image Credits
Micah Hamilton