We recently connected with Shepard Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Shepard, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a customer success story with us?

About a year ago, I got an email from a movie studio located in Texas. Lost Maples Productions. They were in the process of editing “Joe Haladin: The Case of The Missing Sister,” their latest film. They were struggling with their current visual effects artist, so they asked me if I knew how to do visual effects. I told them my experience level with it, and they gave me a shot to do it. I spent countless hours behind the computer making sure I could get it just right so I don’t let them down. Finally, when I finished, I sent it back to them. Their response was overwhelming to me. They were super happy with how it turned out. The movie producer raised my payment past the agreed price, and informing me that “I will be his VFX artist for as long as he is in the movie business.” The lesson I learned from this was that if you work hard, and if you are honest with your work, blessings will come, as well as more opportunities.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Video editing and production is something I was introduced to at school, and quickly realized the business possibilities within that industry as I talked with friends, family, and mentors. I found extra time at home during my 9th grade year due to the pandemic, so I spent many hours teaching myself about video editing through studying specific software, seeking help on YouTube, and just experimenting. A friend who owns an irrigation company soon offered me the chance to make video content for his business. While working with him, he shared that he also used a local marketing agency to grow his business. I decided to reach out to that marketing agency and ask if they might allow me to be an intern. They were excited about my ambition to learn the industry and spent time with me once a week sharing more efficient ways of planning video shoots, doing interviews, and applying basic marketing strategies to my videos so they are effective for companies that might employ me. My brief experience as an intern gave me increased courage to begin cold calling and emailing local and international businesses of various kinds to offer video marketing to them. I decided I would just see what happens, because I had nothing to lose! Surprisingly, some opportunities started to roll in…from pest control companies, to independent movie studios, ballet schools, school projects and more. As I’ve learned more about video production, some of these friends have trusted me enough to share their referrals of business associates who are their clients. It’s allowed me to expand what was once a hobby or dream, into something that produces income with a consistent clientele.

I am proud of how far I’ve come. I’m glad I can help companies through my skills. And I can’t wait to see what’s next!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

My very favorite part of being in the creative industry is when I get to deliver the result to my clients. Maybe tears of joy after a wedding video, shock of how well the visual effects were done in their movie, or maybe a nice jolt of adrenaline after watching a hype spirit week recap video for school. I love bringing people’s dreams to life, and even giving a new perspective on an event or sales strategy. Seeing that I can literally help businesses is so rewarding because running a business requires a lot of time and work, and video production, for me, is fun!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

As said before, I have many family friends who have given me referrals and advice for my business. Some of these same friends have connected me with some of their own clients in which have been huge successes! One of my biggest sources for new clients is connections from these friends, or mutual connections through my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: bit.ly/ssmithfilms
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepsmithfilms/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shep-smith-42aaaa230/
• Email: [email protected]
• Alignable: alignable.com/mount-dora-fl/shepsmithfilms

Image Credits
Mike Doherty