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Today we’d like to introduce you to Alec Dawson.
Alec, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was always a dreamer of creativity, and for as long as I could remember, I loved to write and tell stories but could never quite put my finger on what I wanted to do with my creativity. Ever since I was a child, my duty was to become an architect. Coming from a family of engineers, I thought it was my destiny. However, I knew deep down something was missing. In my first semester of college, I determined that a degree in architecture and engineering wasn’t for me, so I followed my strongest passions and transferred to film school.
Sitting through lectures four days a week, I daydreamed of film every moment of every day. While staying busy as a full-time student, I also worked full time in the restaurant industry. Unfortunately, my lack of confidence began to fade on where my path would lead me after I graduated. Desperate to walk through the doors of the industry, I sought the advice of others who I thought knew the industry. This led to me becoming a background actor in productions that were being filmed all around Atlanta. Figuring that this method would be a great way to network with other like-minded people, my lack of confidence got the best of me, and I blocked myself from being able to put my creativity and ambition out into the world for others to hear.
In the summer of 2018, the gates finally opened up for me. Coming across an amazing opportunity for an internship at 3rd Fathom Films. What a life-changing experience it was. Soon after, I was surrounding myself with amazing filmmakers from all over the world who respected one another, their craft, and new rising filmmakers. Being welcomed with open arms and fantastic energy, I was thrust from a world of cooking and baking for the minimum wage to working on 12-hour sets as a grip and gaffer. Learning as much as I could and building my resume and experience, I allowed myself to open up to a new kind of family a “film family”.
Excelling in my craft, my writing was improved, along with my business admin skills, including working in post-production as an Associate Producer on our upcoming feature film. I was introduced to a whole new world I never thought imaginable. My team was highly impressed with my skills, passion, and the ability to produce high-quality content. They believed I could help bring 3rd Fathom to new heights. I now am the Acquisitions Manager for content, and a renowned writer and producer. I am currently in the pre-production stage for my very first directorial film which I have also written and produced for 3rd Fathom’s short content division. I have been blessed with an opportunity to experience a new life I never imagined would be possible. By opening my eyes to my surroundings, embracing my confidence, and seizing any and all opportunities, I have transformed my life completely, and there is no turning back, only looking forward.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One thing I know for certain is that a smooth road is almost never possible, at least on my end. One of the most difficult struggles I faced daily was finding confidence within myself and breaking my mental barrier to help push myself forward. Confidence was a word that I would have never used to describe myself growing up. I consistently doubted myself and worried about how others viewed me. This issue was never more profound until I started surrounding myself with other like-minded people who worked in the industry, and who were also creatives for a living.
When starting my internship, doubts started to arise on all cylinders. Thoughts that soon started coming across my mind on a daily basis were for example “If I was good enough to be working with such talented people, if they happen to like my work and creativity, or if I would measure up to the other filmmakers, I surrounded myself with daily.”
For someone like myself at that time, stepping into a new world with little film experience or knowledge working on a professional production set was quite frightening. Discouragement and lack of confidence seeped through when it came to my work skills, creative outlets, and even down too how I approached other filmmakers and writers. Overtime finding the right encouragement came through my work as I began to grow as a creative force. I also found it from family, peers, and collogues.
Coming out on top, finding confidence within helped push forward my career and craft. One of the most important lessons I learned from a collogue of mine was that in finding one’s true self, you couldn’t think about how others view you, your work, or your life for that matter. In the film, everyone will critique your work, have an opinion, or tell you how you could have done it better. If you are confident in yourself, and your craft, and open yourself up to constructive criticism, then there is nothing you can’t take on, when you have the right support from others.
Please tell us about the company.
3rd Fathom Films is a motion picture production and distribution house that is devoted to crafting high-quality entertainment. I am the Acquisitions Manager for our distribution division. My role is acquiring films from all over the world and help put them out through our many arrays of platforms, whether that be a theatrical release, streaming, or a Video on Demand platform. On the production side, I am a writer and producer. I create, contribute, and help oversee the process of our in-house productions.
I’m proud to say on behalf of the company, the inclusion we bring to all of our filmmakers, crew, and talent. 3rd Fathom’s content does break boundaries of filmmaking with the stories we tell, and we always encourage our production team to bring their creative ideas and stories forward, as we help them bring it to life. There is no one main director, producer, or writer. If anyone wants to achieve, bringing their creation to life, we allow them. This gives everyone a voice, and a chance to share their stories they feel are important with the world. Not one single individual is a number. You are family.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Passion is one of my strongest characteristics, and the adaptability to consistently learn. In this industry, especially in the independent film world, passion is always your strongest weapon. If you are not passionate about the creation you are writing, directing, and bringing to life, then you can only get as far as your mind will allow yourself to go. You have to believe in yourself and the content you are creating. It is your job as the believer and leader to inspire those around you so that they can also be passionate about your story and creation.
The notion to always learn something new is also another superpower I possess and encourage others to accept. Surround yourself with those who know more than you, and who can open your mind to new ideas and abilities. Speaking for myself, I have learned more in the world of film and production just by working hands-on, than I could ever learn in a classroom. One thing I know for sure as I learned from someone wiser than myself, is that you will always come across situations where your prior knowledge, or what you thought you knew will not be enough. Filmmaking is a consistent, rapidly changing industry, with new technology, new standards, and new experimental films changing the way we create and bring stories to life. You must always be up to the challenge and have the willingness to learn no matter your age, experience, or knowledge. These qualities make me a stronger filmmaker and business executive.
Pricing:
- The Final Project A Film By Taylor Ri’chard/ Price: $19.99 You can buy at Walmart.com, Barnesandnoble.com/ Amazon.com
Contact Info:
- Address: 245 N. Highland Ave
NE Suite 230-412 Atlanta, GA 30307 - Website: https://www.3rdfathom.com/
- Phone: 404-698-3635
- Email: info@3rdfathom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3rdfathomfilms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3rdfathomfilms/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/3rdfathomfilms/
Image Credit:
Logan Guy
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