Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Fair.
Hi Tony , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m originally from Macon, GA, and a proud United States Air Force Veteran, as well as a graduate of Georgia State University. For about eight years, I was part of a music group called the Gnacboys, where we experienced significant local and regional success in Arizona. However, as Arizona’s music scene was still developing, only a handful of artists were seeing major success, and I began to feel stuck.
It was during this time that I met Charles Mathis, a celebrity attorney who represented some of the biggest artists in Atlanta. After several months of connecting with him over the phone and making a trip to Atlanta to get a feel for the scene, I realized it was time to return home to Georgia. I packed my things and drove back to start fresh.
Just as things began to pick up, tragedy struck, Charles passed away. I felt lost for a moment, as I had been deeply committed to pursuing music for over a decade. But after months of soul-searching, I made a pivotal decision in 2017 to transition my career to filmmaking. I shifted from music production and being an artist to becoming a music video director. I saw a major gap in the industry for affordable music video production, and a close friend introduced me to the world of DSLR cameras, which opened up a new chapter in my life.
I bought my first camera, a Canon 60D, and I remember the day it arrived in the mail. That same night, I shot my first music video without knowing exactly what I was doing. I quickly became obsessed with filmmaking. I learned the ins and outs of the camera and editing, and before long, I became the go-to videographer/music video director in Middle GA, shooting hundreds of videos.
Not long after, I received the call that I had been nominated for Best Music Video Director at the Atlanta Underground Music Award, and I won! Over the years, I’ve directed music videos for a variety of signed and unsigned artists. Recently, I was honored to win Best Music Video Director at the 478 Music Awards.
Currently, I’m making another transition to focus on filmmaking. My latest project, Kickstand, has already reached nearly 100k views in just four months, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Filmmaking is an ever-evolving art, and you have to stay on top of your game, especially when it comes to education, technology, and creative trends. Sometimes, I find myself spending more time educating myself than actually shooting. Camera technology is advancing quickly, making it easier for anyone to create a solid image. The barrier to entry is becoming more affordable, which means there’s more competition. To stay ahead, I focus heavily on honing my cinematography and lighting techniques.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
’m a filmmaker and photographer specializing in high-end music video and film/content production. If you want to elevate your social media presence with creative, professional content, whether photography or videography, I’m the person for the job. I like to think of myself as a one-stop shop for all things creative!
I’m known for being one of the first filmmakers in my hometown to pave the way for up-and-coming videographers. What I’m most proud of is my film Kickstand. I believe the hardest challenge in life is finishing what you start, and Kickstand was my first film. It taught me not just about filmmaking, but also about who I am as a person. What sets me apart is my drive and determination—I’m the type of person who finds a way when others see obstacles. This mindset has been crucial in my journey.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Sure, I just want to share with your readers that they should never give up on their dreams. A lot of us fall short before we even get started because we tend to visualize things from start to finish. When things look too hard, we hesitate and never start. I always say that just getting started is already doing better than 90% of people. So, start, and keep pushing for what you want in life. I truly believe that if you keep at it, your dreams can come true.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TeflonMedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonebabyATL
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- Twitter: https://www.x.com/tonebabyATL
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/teflonmedia
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/TeflonMedia
