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

Samuel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

In 2014, I earned my first dollar when an artist approached me to create a music video. He expressed a desire to film at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, despite not being a student there. To accomplish this, he asked a friend if we could clandestinely use one of the classrooms, and remarkably, we managed to do so without getting caught. The artist was incredibly enthusiastic about the project, as it marked his inaugural music video. The concept revolved around evoking the nostalgic feeling of high school, with the artist portraying a character experiencing a significant crush, passing notes with his love interest in class. I found the song to be quite impressive, and the visual aspect of the video turned out to be equally stunning. Although I received $500 for my work, my primary source of excitement stemmed from the creative process and the opportunity to showcase the artist’s talent.

Samuel, 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?

My name is Samuel McKnight, and I am a photographer, creative director, and music video director based in Los Angeles, California. Prior to pursuing a career as a music video director, I served in the military, a chapter of my life that eventually came to a close. Filmmaking has always been an integral part of my creative expression, and it was during my time in the military that I first delved into directing videos.

Upon completing my military service, I made the pivotal decision to relocate to Los Angeles to fulfill my aspirations of directing music videos. In preparation for this move, I dedicated a significant amount of time to researching how to break into the industry, even reaching out to established pioneers, who graciously responded to my inquiries. Upon my arrival in Los Angeles, I immersed myself in the industry, working on set as a production assistant, all the while pursuing an education to expand my knowledge base. Notably, some of the connections I made during this time as a production assistant have now evolved into collaborations within my film production endeavors.

A crucial turning point in my journey was the fortuitous networking and the recognition of my potential by the right individuals at the right time. Their belief in me has become an essential part of my personal and professional history. In the world of production, challenges inevitably arise, and as creatives, we adeptly navigate and solve them—some easily, and others more arduously. However, at the end of the day, we successfully surmount these obstacles, resulting in exceptional outcomes. What distinguishes my work from that of my peers is the cinematic quality of my shots, infused with a distinctive and beautiful touch that sets my work apart.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I find the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is not just showcasing my work for the world to see, but also conveying the message that regardless of what anyone tells you, pursuing your dream is vital because we only have one life. Additionally, leading my family on a beautiful journey that differs from the experiences we had while growing up shines a light on my family, and for that, I am truly blessed.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had known earlier in my career that you really need to have a thick skin and a great deal of patience. This advice is something I often received from my mentors – they emphasized that one job can either make or break your career in this industry. It’s crucial to keep striving for more and never give up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sammcknightfilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samjmcknight?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamboVision/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-mcknight-139168a4/