Today we’d like to introduce you to Nika Tabidze.
Hi Nika, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Like many creatives, I started young. I spent a good bit of time shooting silly sketches with friends, acting in plays, and playing music. It wasn’t until my junior year of college, three years into a biology degree, that I switched it up and chose to be a filmmaker. I finished my degree because momma didn’t raise a quitter and I recognized my inexperience in storytelling and pursued a master’s in journalism. Shortly after finishing my master’s, I moved to Atlanta. From there, I interned at RiTE Media and have been with the company since. I’ve been directing, managing some social media, exploring the bleeding edge of filmmaking, and now help make decisions as a part owner.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Deciding to be a filmmaker was difficult. I grew up in a small town in West Virginia where there’s not much when it comes to networking and career opportunities in film (although that narrative is starting to change, thanks to some up-and-coming WV Filmmakers). If you want to speak the language, go to where the language is being spoken. Fortunately, that place happened to be Atlanta and subsequently RiTE Media. I don’t believe anyone has a smooth go of it when it comes to being a creative. The market is brimming with such incredible talent, especially in Atlanta. While getting a leg up financially is difficult, my biggest struggle has been imposter syndrome. It’s only a matter of time before you start questioning your own ability and whether or not your voice can be heard in this vast sea of ideas.
I do enjoy the daily pressures and challenges filmmaking brings. It tells me there’s more exploring, growth, and learning to be done, whether that be collaborating with others or taking a beat to self-reflect and remind myself of why I chose this career: To understand human nature, tell compelling stories, explore new forms of storytelling, and have some fun doing it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a director at RiTE Media specializing in the bleeding edge of filmmaking through virtual production. I’m most proud of the network that I’ve built around me. I have some amazing friends who have become provocateurs of culture which tells me I’m with the right people. I think I have a pretty unique perspective. My parents are from the Republic of Georgia, I grew up in a small town in WV, and now I’m in Atlanta. It’s been an interesting journey to say the least.
How do you think about happiness?
The support from my friends, family, and fiancé keeps me going. I’m grateful to them for their support. They make me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: ritemedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatabidze_/
