Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Odom.
Michael, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve had a camera in my hand since I was 13 years old. Back then, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I didn’t quite know I was an artist and I didn’t know at all what it meant to be a ‘creative’. I just knew I wanted to make art stuff. 2007 rolls around and I’m walking out of Transformers at the cinema in St. Mary’s, GA with a fast-beating heart, a spinning head and searing questions burning through my mind – is that what I want to do? People have jobs making movies right? Is that what a movie is about… making people feel all crazy inside? I want to do that… no, I need to do that.
And so for years, I did everything but chasing my dream. I didn’t know how. I didn’t know to ask either, I followed a path I thought I was ‘supposed’ to follow until I got to Atlanta, had a child on the way, and needed to make a decision on where I wanted to take my life. My priority was that I create for a living and provide for my daughter. That was 2015.
In 2022 my life, and my goals, are vastly different. It’s been one foot in front of the other. I completed film school, established an LLC, created for some of my favorite brands and people on films, commercials, and product marketing; and continue to thrive as a freelance artist. I get the chance to collaborate with incredibly talented artists all over the country. The life that art provides me, along with the people it introduces me to, is everything I wanted and it continues to get better.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m in a great spot in my life and career, but it wasn’t easy getting here. I made a lot of sacrifices to pursue the life I wanted and still be there for my daughter. There were plenty of low points, bad gigs, broke days and dark days. But these struggles offered new perspectives to learn from and grow. I’ll talk more about this one day, but I’m honestly still growing and still have hurdles to jump.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The creative world will try to put you in a box and make you pick one lane or niche but I’ve been blessed to make a living doing different things. I’m a VFX Artist and Art Director, I do this as projects come in, I’m currently working on two spec films. I do graphics for the largest news network on the planet. I direct and shoot videos, I do product photography for designer art toys, I’m a portrait photographer and an editor. I do each of these things every month or two at least, and it all pays the bills (and my comic book obsession).
My role as a filmmaker differs from project to project. Most people hire me to edit video or do VFX. But sometimes, you can catch me on set as a director or cinematographer. I’m also writing a feature film, which is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. As a VFX art director, I’ll help productions visualize and execute VFX from the pre-production and planning stages all the way to post-production.
I think there’s more than one attribute that sets me apart. My understanding of cinematography is a huge asset in my roles dealing with VFX, and I think the ridiculous amount of inspiration I pull from comic books has shaped a unique style.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’m so thankful to look around and see so many people in my corner. My friends and supporters consistently share my work, refer me to potential clients, and lift me up. People I can send my work to for constructive criticism or just to share what I’m working on. It’s important to have these folks on your side. I’d also like to highlight that the vast majority of these supporters are women, I think that’s important to mention. I would not be in my position without these wonderful people.
Kosh has blessed me with gig after gig and not to mention, the work has been highly fulfilling. His leadership, productivity, and friendship has been a blessing.
My grandmother is forever the voice of good and reason in my head. And of course my daughter, Gwen, is my reason for living and my ultimate motivation. And she’s the best little helper on set! She’s even built up a few credits to her name already!
Contact Info:
- Email: asgardianfilms@gmail.com
- Website: www.ATLFilmmaker.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asgardian_mike/
- Twitter: @mikefromasgard
Image Credits
Caitlyn Smith Michael Odom
