We recently connected with Wesley Clark and have shared our conversation below.

Wesley, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

How did you learn to do what you do?

I learned filmmaking through a combination of reading books on the craft, watching behind-the-scenes footage and “making of” documentaries, and most importantly, gaining hands-on experience while working on my first feature film “Sirona”. It’s been a journey of self-teaching and learning by doing but, my first feature film opened the door allowing me access to industry professionals who have helped me learn more as I continue to work on my craft.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?

Looking back, I think I could have sped up my learning process by getting involved in more hands-on projects earlier on, whether through internships or even volunteering on film sets. The practical experience of being on set is invaluable, and nothing compares to learning directly from real-world situations.

What skills do you think were most essential?

The most essential skills in filmmaking are storytelling and collaboration. Understanding how to visually tell a story is critical, but so is working as part of a team. Being able to communicate your vision clearly, while also being open to the creative input of others, is key to bringing a film to life. Sometimes creative ideas can lead to clashes or disagreements so it is also incredibly important to understand how to peacefully work out solutions so that everyone can continue to work together.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

One of the biggest obstacles was simply finding opportunities to be on a set or connect with others in the industry. Filmmaking can sometimes feel like an exclusive world, and getting your foot in the door can be challenging without the right network. Budget constraints also made certain aspects of filmmaking difficult to experiment with early on, but ultimately it pushed me to find creative solutions.

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

I am indie filmmaker and founder of Creative Cinema Studios. My journey into filmmaking was fueled by a deep passion for storytelling, and I learned everything I know by diving into books, studying the behind-the-scenes work of movies, and gaining invaluable hands-on experience working on projects with friends that share similar passions as well as my first feature film, Sirona. What started as a passion project turned into a full-fledged production that resulted in a large audience with members asking for the sequel and as of today we are gearing up to produce that sequel.

At Creative Cinema Studios, we focus on creating high-quality, character-driven films on limited budgets. Our goal is to tell impactful stories that resonate with audiences, blending emotion, action, and mystery. We specialize in film production, offering end-to-end services from pre-production to post-production, and we work hard to craft films that feel larger than life, even with the constraints of independent filmmaking.

What sets us apart is our relentless dedication to getting the job done, regardless of the resources available. We’ve learned to be incredibly resourceful, building strong relationships within the community, and finding creative solutions to keep production moving forward. With every project, we aim to push our limits and deliver films that exceed expectations to the best of our ability.

What I’m most proud of is how far we’ve come since our first feature film. From a shoestring-budget production to signing with a distributor, the journey has been nothing short of remarkable. What I want people to know is that our films are more than just projects—they are the embodiment of dreams, perseverance, and a commitment to bringing fun and exciting stories to the screen.

Whether you’re a potential client, a fan, or a fellow filmmaker, we want you to know that we’re here to tell the kinds of stories that inspire, entertain, and connect people. We invite everyone to join us on this journey, as there’s so much more to come!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Supporting artists and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem requires a multi-faceted approach from society. First, greater access to funding is essential, whether through government grants, private investments, or crowdfunding platforms. Creatives often struggle with financial barriers, and offering sustainable ways to fund projects would allow them to take risks, innovate, and focus on their craft without constantly worrying about survival.

Education also plays a key role. Society can encourage creativity by embedding arts education at all levels, showing that creative careers are just as valuable as more traditional paths. Providing mentorship programs and workshops would also help aspiring artists develop their skills and connect with industry professionals.

Additionally, celebrating diverse voices and stories is crucial. By doing so we create space for new perspectives, which enrich the cultural landscape and offer a broader range of artistic expression. Recognizing the value of creativity beyond mere entertainment—seeing it as a tool for societal reflection, empathy, and change—would also elevate the status of the arts within society.

Finally, building more platforms that are focused on promoting and distributing independent works would be immensely helpful. From streaming services for indie films to local art showcases, society can provide opportunities for artists to reach wider audiences. Creating a culture that not only appreciates but actively supports the arts will help creatives thrive, innovate, and continue contributing to our shared human experience.

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

My goal is to create films that provide audiences with a fun escape, taking them on a journey through new and engaging stories. I’m driven by the idea of giving people unique experiences that entertain and resonate with them. While not everyone will love what you do, if even one person walks away saying, ‘Wow, I really enjoyed that,’ I feel like I’ve succeeded.

As a child, I loved movies and TV shows that transported me to new worlds, and that love still drives me today. Now, I’m inspired to create my own narratives alongside friends and family who share the same passion. I hope our creativity not only entertains but also inspires others to pursue their own passions. Filmmaking can be incredibly challenging, especially with budget constraints, but if you love it, there’s no better feeling than seeing your work completed and enjoyed by others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://creativecinemastudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sironathemovie/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sironafilm/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCchueTT8V7UjA4HUI_JPabQ/about

Image Credits

Courtney Gonzalez, Wesley Clark, Amber Johnson