Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robert Gobelet. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Robert, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

(Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work?)

Yes. I’ve worked full-time in the film industry in various capacities, whether I was a cinematographer, director, producer, editor, or screenwriter, but my income has fluctuated depending on the projects and opportunities available.

While I have made a living off my creative work at times, it hasn’t always been consistent, which is common in the independent film world.

Right now I am in the process of working on multiple projects in various stages of development.

Usually freelance work is seasonal, it gets so busy in the spring/Summer time that you can’t even catch your breath and must make sure that you don’t over book yourself, and then in the winter, it’s dead.

So I began looking into more corporate videos and commercial work. Thats where I landed my biggest client. A home building company that has built over a 100 homes and needs each one filmed and photographed for their website and social media accounts.

I contracted myself out to them with a retainer that gives them an EXTREMELY BIG discount but it locks me in as their full time videographer and media director.

So now I have guaranteed work year round with this company, to produce all of their video needs. I do their commercials, training videos, YouTubes, shorts, reels, and TikToks. This is my main source of income.

On top of that, I am also working on 2 horror films, a western, a music video, and 3 other commercials for different businesses in the local area.

(If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one?)

It definitely wasn’t like that from day one. My journey has been a mix of passion, persistence, and adapting to industry changes. I started working in independent films, often taking on multiple roles to gain experience and build my skill set. Over time, I expanded my work to include commercial projects, music videos, and freelance cinematography, which helped sustain my income. There was often times that I did work for free to gain experience, or exposure. I also went to as many networking events as possible.

One major step was getting formal education in Digital Cinematography from Full Sail University. That gave me technical expertise and credibility. It also gave me access to professional equipment that others couldn’t.

Another was actively networking, joining filmmaking communities, working on different sets, and building strong relationships that led to more opportunities.

I’ve also diversified my income streams by creating my own projects, consulting other filmmakers, and recently working on developing my own production company.

(If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones?)

Some major milestones that I had reached in order to get here includes working on over 70 films and 6 TV shows, each one helped me build experience and credibility.

Publishing five books, which expanded my creative brand beyond film. Building an audience and a following.

Transitioning to high-end equipment like the Sony FX6 and RED cameras, allowing me to take on bigger and better-paying projects, that transitioned me from hobbyist/amateur to professional.

Another was learning how to develop and pitch projects from scratch with my own TV shows and films. This opened up doors that I never thought was possible.

Exploring online filmmaking education and consulting, which has helped me engage with and support other filmmakers while generating income.

(Do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?)

Absolutely. If I could go back, I would focus more on business strategy and marketing earlier in my career. Being skilled in filmmaking is one thing, but knowing how to market yourself and monetize your work is just as important.

Some things I would do differently:

Build a personal brand sooner, having an active presence on YouTube or social media could have helped attract clients and collaborators earlier.

Focus on niche filmmaking markets, like commercial and corporate video work can provide steady income while pursuing passion projects.. If I had been doing those things sooner, I wouldn’t have spent as many years being a starving artist as it were.

I would have sought mentorship earlier, having someone guide me through industry challenges would have saved me a lot of trial and error.

I would have monetized content in multiple ways, like online courses, production services, and licensing footage. This would have helped bring in more money and helped fund some of my more creative ideas.

While the process took time, every step shaped me into the filmmaker I am today.

(The key takeaway?)

Persistence, adaptability, and business savvy are just as crucial as creative talent in building a sustainable career.

There is an old phrase that filmmakers say, “one for them, and one for me” which refers to a strategy where a director or actor alternates between making commercially successful, mainstream films (“one for them”) with smaller, more personal or artistic projects (“one for me”).

This would let me pay the bills, put food on the table, and help my more passionate projects next.

Robert, 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?

(For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself, how you got into your industry/business/discipline/craft, etc.?)

My name is Robert Gobelet, and I’ve spent my career in the film industry working as an actor, writer, production assistant, cinematographer, director, producer, and editor.

My passion for storytelling led me to work on over 70 films and 6 TV shows, and I hold a degree in Digital Cinematography from Full Sail University.

I host a podcast called “Frame by Frame”. Each episode I interview other professionals inside the industry, including both in front of the camera and behind, each episode is a step-by-step exploration, offering invaluable insights, anecdotes, and practical advice, making ‘Frame by Frame’ a go-to companion for unlocking the secrets of the entertainment industry, helping others on their journey through the process.

I was born and raised in the hills of Tennessee. We were an extremely poor family that lived on a farm. We had homemade shoes, and hand-me-down clothes. We gardened, hunted and fished for everything we ate.

We didn’t have television for a long time, my Dad was a gunny sergeant in United States Marine Corps, he was Hard, and serious. He was also a realist who didn’t believe in wasting time on dreams that he thought would never come true. My mom was a flower child hippie, and encouraged imagination and creativity.

When I was 7 and went to the drive in, I fail in love with movies and never stopped. I became obsessed with film and television and read every book, and article at the library about filmmaking.

I worked for 2 summers to save enough money to buy my very first VHS video camcorder.

I made homemade videos and films as a teenager, and eventually left home to follow my dreams.

I was homeless living in my car for four months when I decided to come back home and had to get a job working at a saw mill.

I worked there for 15 years. In that time, I never gave up, I still dreamed but my focus shifted to family. I got married and had 3 children. After my marriage of 11 years ended, I started applying all of my extra time to filmmaking and auditioning.

I took classes, and attended workshops and seminars. I went to every red carpet event and networking party possible. I volunteered for every gig I could.

My journey into filmmaking began with a love for visual storytelling, which evolved as I gained hands-on experience in micro-budget independent films. Over the years, I expanded my expertise into commercial projects, music videos, and corporate work, refining my skills in both narrative and branded content.

My experience spans working in various locations all across the U.S. and the Caribbean, as well as on a documentary in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

I’ve also transitioned into mentorship and consulting, helping other filmmakers improve their craft and navigate the challenges of independent filmmaking. My brand is about passion and inspiration.

(What type of products/services/creative works do you provide?)

I provide a range of services in film and media production, including:

Cinematography & Videography. High-quality visuals for films, commercials, music videos, corporate projects, and branded content.

Directing & Producing. Overseeing projects from script to screen, ensuring strong storytelling and execution.

Screenwriting. Crafting compelling narratives for films and television.

Editing & Post-Production. Polishing projects to deliver professional, engaging content.

Consulting & Filmmaker Mentorship. Providing feedback on commercial videos, helping filmmakers improve their projects, and offering industry insights.

Additionally, I’m developing several original projects such as Nashville Homicide (a crime drama series), Unnatural (a paranormal TV series), a music video, 2 horror films, and a western.

(What problems do you solve for your clients?)

One of the biggest challenges in filmmaking, especially in independent productions, is achieving a cinematic, professional look on a very tight budget. I specialize in using natural light, practical effects, and creative cinematography to maximize production value while staying cost-effective.

For businesses, I help create engaging, high-quality video content that captures their brand’s message and connects with audiences. I also assist filmmakers by providing guidance, feedback, and hands-on expertise to improve their storytelling, production quality, and overall project success. We create things as a team and meet our audience’s expectations and provide quality content for consumers.

(What do you think sets you apart from others?)

Versatility & Hands-On Experience. I’ve worked in nearly every aspect of film production, giving me a well-rounded understanding of how to bring a project to life.

Strong Visual Storytelling. I focus on making every shot meaningful, ensuring that the cinematography enhances the narrative.

Independent Filmmaking Expertise. I understand the challenges of indie filmmaking and know how to create high-quality productions with limited resources.

Commitment to Helping Others. I actively mentor, support, and encourage other filmmakers, offering insights and feedback to help them succeed.

I also have a long history of overcoming obstacles both in my professional and personal life that gives me a unique perspective of life and how to approach problems.

(What are you most proud of?)

My three children. They are all very well behaved, hardworking, loving kids. Next is finishing school with so many degrees and certificates. Growing up poor, I was constantly told that I would never amount to anything. And when you hear that long enough. You start to believe it. You start doubting yourself and your worth.

Overcoming setbacks, like the financial loss on a western film project in 2020, and continuing to push forward in my career.

Encouraging and mentoring other filmmakers, fostering a community of creativity and collaboration.

Developing my own production company, working toward building a sustainable business in filmmaking.

(What are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you, your brand, and your work?)

I believe that great storytelling doesn’t require a massive budget, it requires creativity, passion, and the right approach. Whether I’m working on my own projects or helping clients bring their visions to life, I strive for excellence in cinematography, direction, and storytelling.

For those looking for a dedicated cinematographer, director, or consultant, I bring: Years of hands-on experience in film and television. A deep LOVE for the craft and a strong visual storytelling style. A commitment to delivering high-equality results in every project. A passion for mentoring and supporting other filmmakers.

I’m always open to collaborations and new opportunities, so if you’re looking for someone who can help bring your project to life, let’s connect!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My entire life has been a testament to resilience, overcoming hardships that could have broken me but instead shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve faced poverty, abuse, addiction, violence, and loss, yet I refused to let any of it define me.

I was beaten, bullied, and molested as a child. I’ve been homeless, hungry, and living in cars, eating from trash cans just to survive. I’ve had my bones broken, been shot at, stabbed, tied up, and tortured. I’ve endured emotional and psychological abuse, been gaslit, mocked, and told I would never amount to anything.

By the time I was a teenager, I had spiraled into drug addiction and alcoholism, overdosing multiple times. I was expelled from school, locked in a mental hospital, and diagnosed with ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Manic Depression. I attempted suicide more times than I can count, through pills, hanging, and even putting a gun in my mouth and pulling the trigger, only for it to be empty. I jumped from bridges and bluffs, desperate for an escape.

Despite all of this, I kept going.

I turned my life around, finding faith and becoming a pastor. I wrote and published four Christian self-help books, donating all profits to a homeless shelter. I overcame my struggles and built a career in film, television, and writing, starring in over 70 movies and six TV shows, directing, producing, and telling stories that matter. I graduated from Full Sail University with a degree in Digital Cinematography, defying the teachers and counselors who told me I’d never make it through college.

I have traveled across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Haiti. I’ve spoken at churches, schools, and colleges, using my story to inspire others. I live my life by the pillars of kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, and generosity, always striving to uplift and motivate people.

Resilience isn’t just about surviving, it’s about rising above, refusing to be a victim, and choosing to turn pain into purpose. I refuse to dwell on the negative. We can’t control the hands we’re dealt in life, but we can control how we play the game. My mission is to help others, to be a positive force in this world, and to prove that no matter how dark the past, the future is still ours to write.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media wasn’t an overnight success, it was a process of consistency, engagement, and authenticity. I didn’t rely on viral moments or paid promotions. Instead, I focused on genuine connections, sharing valuable content, and supporting others in my industry.

I started by joining filmmaking communities, industry groups, and networking platforms, especially on Facebook and YouTube, where I could interact with like-minded creatives. I followed over 820 pages related to filmmaking, casting, and acting, becoming active in communities like TN FilmCommUNITY and The Adviser. Instead of just promoting my own work, I engaged with others, offered advice, gave feedback, and encouraged fellow filmmakers.

Over time, my audience grew because people saw me as a valuable voice in the industry, not just someone looking to promote themselves. I shared my experiences, struggles, and insights into filmmaking, creating content that educated, inspired, and entertained.

Advice for Those Starting Out:

Engage First, Promote Later. Focus on conversations and value rather than just posting your work. Be part of discussions, comment on others’ content, and support fellow creators.

Find Your Niche & Be Authentic. Whether you’re a filmmaker, writer, or content creator, lean into what makes you unique. Share your journey, lessons learned, and personal insights rather than just polished highlights.

Be Consistent. You don’t have to post every day, but regular engagement is key. Show up, provide value, and keep your audience interested.

Join & Contribute to Online Communities. Being active in groups, forums, and industry discussions can help you gain credibility and visibility.

Create Shareable, Useful Content. Tutorials, behind-the-scenes looks, personal stories, or industry tips tend to perform well. People follow those who give, not just take.

Social media is about building relationships, not just numbers. If you focus on genuine connections and adding value, your audience will grow naturally, and your presence will have a lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rabcgobelet.wixsite.com/robertgobelet
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertgobelet
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.gobelet.7
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-gobelet-897b03124
• Twitter: https://x.com/robert_gobelet
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@robertgobelet1622
• Other: IMDB link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7097263/

  Spotify link:
  https://open.spotify.com/show/4YBapnG9DPV0LPvdjEYVMC

Image Credits

None. I own the pictures