We recently connected with Nicole Merlino and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on thus far has been the “Second Mile” music video that I directed. It was a project 11 months in the making, from conception to publication. In July of 2022, I had been walking my roommate’s dog and listening to a phenomenal local artist’s (Chris Black) newest album, “Second Mile,” when the title track came on. I can only describe this experience as having an open vision or daydream. As I was hearing the lyrics, scenes were flashing into my mind. A sequence of images that would make for a music video. It wasn’t an audible voice of God, but more a prompting in my spirit that I couldn’t shake (and believe me I tried) that I was supposed to shoot a music video for this song. I fought it for days until I reached out to Chris, set up a meeting and got his thoughts on my vision and interpretation of his song. He was on board and so 3 months of pre-production ensued. We shot 4 days over the course of October-December and spent the next 5 months on the edit. It was finally published to the public in early June of 2023.

I was so scared, I felt so unequipped, yet never so sure of what I was doing- never more in my purpose. I had never directed or conceived a project of this magnitude before so, as terrifying as it was, there were so many moments while shooting that I felt so assured that I was being obedient. I had the absolute best crew! These people were so willing, no questions asked, no hesitation, to spend their Saturdays helping me execute my vision. It still makes me emotional to think that people believed in me and in what we were creating enough to lend their time and talents! I remember we’d be working on setting up certain shots and I’d see it executed over the monitor and just be in absolute awe at the fact that what I had “seen” in my head months prior was happening EXACTLY as I had envisioned it!

The people involved in this project alone made it the most meaningful thing I’ve worked on, but the song itself is a beautiful story of the journey we all experience- a dream we had gets lost and so does life’s purpose and meaning, but God gives us the strength, resilience and boldness to “walk that Second Mile.” The love and positive feedback for this project were overwhelming. We held a premiere for the cast, crew and our loved ones in a small Willoughby church full of people from all backgrounds. In that moment, for that evening, we were united under one roof- under a guise of hope, strength and love.

The entire project, from creation to release, is one that has marked my life not only professionally, but personally and spiritually. Thanks be to God for creative vision and the boldness to step out in faith, in obedience- to create a work that was quite literally heaven sent.

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’m from the Northeast Ohio area and after graduating with degrees in Marketing and Promotional Communications from Cleveland State in May of 2020 (the height of the pandemic) I had to make some hard and unideal decisions. I had been teaching myself photography and videography since 2018 and wanted to continue those hobbies on the side once I graduated. I had some gigs and so, made the decision to form an LLC in February of 2020. By May, I was on unemployment, my roommate and I had to move out of our college apartment and as much as I was trying to find a job in my career field, nothing was fitting or panning out. I took a job nannying from June-October. During this time a mentor and friend of mine in the Cleveland film industry had reached out as shoots started popping up again and asked if I would come on as an assistant. When the family I was nannying for no longer needed me as of October, I made the decision to try this freelance production thing full time, I had nothing to lose, I couldn’t find a job and I was already on unemployment. So, I went for it and thought if it doesn’t work out I’ll go work at Target!

I was introduced to so many people and production companies in the city and worked on a variety of projects in the months and years to follow and now almost 5 years later I have been full time freelance working in commercial photo and video production. I got to work in almost every crew position, which gave me a great reality and understanding of all aspects of production. This lead me, in 2022, to decide that the path I wanted to pursue was Directing and Producing. A role I have been blessed to seemingly “fall” into as my mentor, Keith Nickoson, and myself work as a great Directing/DP duo on the majority of shoots we’re brought on to execute.

I have learned that my strengths really lie in communication, organization and time management. I am usually the liaison between the client, DP, talent, producers and post-production. I do my best to understand the goals of the client and collaborate to create solutions and suggestions that will best service everyone involved. I think this is the thing that sets me apart from others- that I am able to be efficiently both creative and logical. I am able to multitask in not only thinking of actions, framing, blocking etc., but also stay on schedule and within the scope of our resources and delivering assets that best service our client. I’m really proud of the work I’ve gotten to be a part of and love that I get to work in a position I’m passionate about!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve had to pivot quite a bit over the last two years in my personal life. Most recently I had to make the tough decision to walk away from a church organization I had spent the last 8 years attending and was heavily involved in building. I had volunteered and lead in multiple capacities and didn’t foresee this change coming. However, about 2 months after I stopped attending that church, in the midst of grief, confusion and lack of clarity, God began to put it on my heart to open up my home, to, for lack of a better term- start a church! I fought the notion at first because I thought it was crazy and I definitely didn’t feel equipped. After a few weeks God brought me to Acts 2:46 “They worshipped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper and shared their meals with great joy and generosity…” and then it clicked! The church is not four walls with lights and music and a sermon every Sunday (not that I believe there’s anything wrong with these things) but, the church is a people that seek and allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within them; our bodies are the temple (1 Corinthians 6:19).

And so, on October 27, after reaching out to friends who reached out to friends, I hosted our first gathering. A beautiful blend of 10-20 people from all backgrounds on any given Sunday come, we go through the scripture for that week, discuss the text, ask questions, share food, worship and pray. A pivot that still blows my mind and makes me emotional to be apart of, but a healing and blessed honor nonetheless.

Sometimes pivots are painful, unexpected and confusing, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last few years it’s that God is in the business of redeeming; “beauty from ashes” and “shame to glory” (Isaiah 61:3 & Zephaniah 3:19) and he gives us “exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask, think or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). So, if you’re in a season of change, grieve what you need to grieve but, there is better on the other side. Especially when you empty yourself and allow God to position and equip you for the work He has called you to.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think a good reputation comes from your work ethic and attitude. I definitely didn’t know a lot when I started, but I was continually asked back and requested as an assistant because I showed up, asked questions and was observant. I, even to this day, take the approach of how I can best serve those around me. Even someone who isn’t in camera department, if someone needs help I look for how I can try to make their day easier. When people know you have their backs they will have yours so I try to lead by example of servitude. I think whether I’m assisting or directing this approach has created a calm, yet reliable environment for those working with me. Having a good attitude on set makes a world of difference too. Again, you don’t have to know everything, but if people like having you around and you are helpful and willing to learn, you will be asked to work again.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicolemmedia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolemmerlino/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-merlino-3b780b126/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LTBN_

Image Credits

Thomas Cook

TRG Multimedia