We were lucky to catch up with Sam Reid recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sam, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The last few years I co-produced, shot and edited an 8 part documentary series with all the small budget we have going towards the production itself. Essentially working for many years on this series for free and balancing finishing it between paid work. It’s been a very rewarding experience getting to create what I believe to be a compelling series that uncovers the truth behind the sex work industry here in Alberta. The risk comes from having spent so much time on a project and hoping that it ends up selling and finding an audience. Right now we are in the process of finding a home for it. It’s been a wild journey with this series and I’ve learned and grown so much as a filmmaker over the 4 years.

Sam, 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?

I got started in the industry through the film and theatre program at Red Deer College. It was a 4 year program with two years in live theatre and 2 years in film production. What was so great about that school was that they didn’t have you just read how to books you actually got cameras about 2 weeks in and started shooting. It was a great few years of shooting, failing, learning and failing again without any financial consequences. Those years really helped me learn to check my ego at the door which I think is very important in this line of work and something I am always conscious of. Film school also was instrumental in helping to find my creative voice while collaborating with other filmmakers. I was lucky that while in school I interned on a feature film shooting in Edmonton and worked under industry veterans. I really learned a lot in that month on how to carry myself on set. After graduating and moving back I sent emails to the gaffer I worked under, Martin Wilde, to let him know I was looking for work. He was nice enough to get me on some major productions that first year out of school.
After working on a few productions I realized I really wanted to start my own company and take on a more control heavy role. My friend Justin Kueber and I started Guerrilla Motion Pictures inc. doing small corporate productions, music videos and our own short films as well. Gradually it’s grown to become one of the major production companies in Edmonton and I’m very proud of the work we’ve created. Recently we wrapped up an 8 part documentary series all about the Edmonton Sex Industry and are now in the process of selling the series to distributors. We took this project on without any money so it really was a risk for us but when the opportunity came up to tell this story and pull back the curtain on a controversial subject like this it was impossible to say no.
I work primarily as the director of photography, editor and co-producer through Guerrilla but I’m also a freelance DP. Through that I’ve been lucky enough to work with some very talented people in Alberta and continue to grow my body of work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

When I think about my goals with my creative career I’d say that it is to always feel like the project I’m currently working on is better than the last or that I’m more proud of my work on it. The discovery of new lighting techniques, new looks in the colour grade and a deeper connection between my camera and the performer are the things that make me most excited as a director of photography. When I feel like I’ve really communicated something with a piece of work I feel that high for days and when it fades I’m chase it again with the next project. I think it really comes back to always feel that I’m learning.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect about being an artist for me is getting to express myself. I’m not the best at doing that with words but filmmaking, in particular cinematography and editing, seem to be where I can really communicate. Whether or not that comes across is up to anyone who watches it I guess but I know that if I couldn’t be creative I wouldn’t be able to live. Aside from my wonderful family and friends it is the fuel that keep me going!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.samreidfilm.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samreid.film/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuerrillaMP
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-reid-93706756
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@guerrillamotionpictures7316
• Other: Here’s my production company’s website as well: https://guerrillamotionpictures.com/

Image Credits
Stills of me by Joselito Angeles. All other images are of my work