Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Petri M.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Petri, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Certainly, let me paint the picture of the risk I took in pursuit of my filmmaking dreams:
After graduating college, I found myself standing at a crossroads. My heart yearned to dive into the world of filmmaking & directing music videos, but reality was quite different. I had no formal training in the craft, no connections in the industry, and only a vague vision of what I wanted to create. Nevertheless, that burning desire to tell stories through the lens compelled me forward.
I embarked on a journey that took me from state to state, driven by my unwavering ambitions. It wasn’t until I arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, a city unknown to me, that the risk truly began to take shape. I was a stranger in a strange land, with no friends, no family, and absolutely no knowledge of the city’s filmmaking or entertainment scene.
While working a mundane 9-5 cubicle job to make ends meet, I saved every penny I could, dreaming of owning my first camera. It was my passport to the world of filmmaking, my tool to translate my creative vision into reality.
The pivotal moment came when I faced the daunting decision of quitting my stable job to pursue a career in filmmaking and music videos, a realm in which I was an absolute novice. The fear of uncertainty loomed large, but the allure of following my passion was even greater. With a leap of faith, I decided to work for myself, with nothing but my camera, determination, and a thirst for knowledge.
The initial days were challenging, as I navigated this new lifestyle, filled with doubts and apprehensions. However, Atlanta proved to be a welcoming hub of creativity, and I quickly began networking with fellow creatives who shared my passion. It was through these connections that I landed my first client, a significant milestone in my budding career.
From there, my journey gained momentum. With each project, I learned, honed my skills, and grew in confidence. The list of achievements and accomplishments started to accumulate, painting a vivid picture of my progress in the world of directing & filmmaking.
Looking back, that risk I took, moving to Atlanta and diving headfirst into a career I knew nothing about, was undeniably life-changing. It taught me that passion, perseverance, and a willingness to take chances can lead to remarkable growth and success. Today, I stand as a director and filmmaker, proudly sharing my creations with the world, all because I took that daring leap of faith into the unknown.
Petri, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As a videographer, I am passionate about capturing moments and telling stories through the lens of a camera. With years of experience in videography, I have honed my skills in various aspects of the craft, including lighting, sound, and editing.
My journey in videography started as a hobby, but soon grew into a career as I realized the power of visual storytelling. I have worked on a variety of projects, from corporate videos and commercials to short films and music videos, each with its unique challenges and rewards.
My approach to videography is collaborative and client-focused. I believe in working closely with my clients to understand their vision and bring it to life through the videos I create. I am always pushing myself to improve my skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the industry.
Whether it’s capturing a wedding day or creating a promotional video for a business, I take each task head on to deliver a final masterpiece.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
When I first set my sights on becoming a director & filmmaker, I was armed with little more than a burning passion and a dream. The initial step was saving up for my very first camera, which became my ticket to the world of the industry. It wasn’t an easy task, but my determination fueled my savings.
However, after acquiring that camera, I realized that my equipment arsenal was far from complete. To bridge the gap, I had to get creative. Most of the time, I found myself renting additional gear from friends and local rental houses. This meant that the money I earned from projects often went straight back into the next one, leaving little in my pocket. It was a challenging time, but I was investing in my skills and my craft.
At the outset, I had limited knowledge about forming a legitimate business account or managing finances effectively. But with each project I undertook, I learned valuable lessons about the importance of financial planning and business structure. It was a gradual process of gaining experience and understanding the ins and outs of running a successful venture.
As time passed and my skills evolved, I began to charge more for my projects, reflecting the value I brought to each production. This shift allowed me to save money the right way, setting aside funds for both business growth and personal income. It marked a significant turning point in my journey.
Eventually, I was able to invest in my company, acquiring the equipment I needed and solidifying my presence in the industry. Over time, I realized that I could pay myself as an employee of my brand and company, a significant milestone in my entrepreneurial journey. This transition marked the transformation from a passionate filmmaker with a camera to a thriving business owner with a growing portfolio.
My story is a testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and learning through experience. It’s proof that with persistence and the willingness to adapt and grow, even the most humble beginnings can lead to a successful and fulfilling career.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, for me, is the unparalleled thrill of crafting something entirely unique and unseen before. There’s an incomparable sense of fulfillment in conceptualizing and bringing to life a creation that resonates with the world in a way that no one has experienced before. It’s about forging a path of innovation, pushing boundaries, and leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of human imagination.
What I find truly exhilarating is the trust my clients place in me. They allow me to infuse their projects with my own creative design and perspective, knowing that I’ll deliver something remarkable. It’s a tremendous honor to receive their recommendations and referrals, as it signifies not only their satisfaction but also their belief in my ability to transform their visions into reality.
One of my core beliefs as an artist is encapsulated in the timeless adage: “People won’t remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” This principle is the beating heart of my creative process. It makes me happy to know that every step of the journey, from concept to execution, is a memorable and enjoyable experience for my clients. It’s about not just meeting their expectations but surpassing them, creating an environment where creativity flourishes, and collaboration is a delight.
Ultimately, being a creative allows me to express myself in ways that words often fall short of capturing. It’s a language where emotions, thoughts, and ideas meld into something tangible, something that can evoke powerful emotions and spark connections. This is what’s most rewarding, this is what fuels my passion – the ability to convey my innermost thoughts and feelings through my work and, in the process, touch the hearts and minds of those who experience it. It’s a journey of self-discovery, connection, and endless inspiration, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MicaPetriStudios.com
- Instagram: @MicaPetri
- Youtube: @MicaPetri
- TikTok: @MicaPetrii
Image Credits
@MicaPetri