Today we’d like to introduce you to Seth Chapman.
Hi Seth , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started getting into video production in middle school. I took a technology class that ended up just being an outlet to make fun videos with my friends. I then continued in my high school’s broadcast video pathway all four years. After high school I went to UNG and got my BS in Film and Digital Media. While in college, I started freelancing for a local radio station and news website doing sports and news video. After college I went full time there. I worked there for almost a decade and did film/ production work on the side when I could. Recently I joined one of my friends in opening a company and studio space of our own. In that 10 year span I have shot almost everything there is to shoot. I’ve shot weddings, college and pro sports, and worked on a good handful of indie films with various budgets. These days I usually serve as gaffer or cinematographer in most of our projects, Out of the two roles I have to save my favorite is gaffer. I love lights and the gear that surrounds them. Pretty much a gearhead in general. I also serve in the AV department at my church and get a lot of fulfillment there.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been an overly tough road so far. There are as in any career path, some lessons we have to learn the hard way. I have had my share of those lessons. And there was obviously a pandemic the year after I graduated college. At the time, sports video was my main source of income. In 2020, I had my main contract tell me they had nothing for me, and I had to find another job. However, I stuck with it and did as much video and production work as I could and God graced me with the ability to get back in the game full time when things opened back up.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Visceral Film Studios?
We are a local production company out of Gainesville GA. We specialize in run and gun filmmaking, however our true passion and goals lie in creation our own content and films for our audience. We are about to release more episodes of our DND cooking show, “A Taste of DorTalye.” I also just directed my first short titled “A change In Tone,” which is now in post production. We also host one or two other web series in our studio. Our brand is real. We want to create content that people really connect with weather they see experiences they have had personally, or just come for a laugh. We also love teaching on our projects. We try to create a leaning environment her at Visceral.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Just get out there. Keep perusing what you want. SHOW INTEREST. BE VALUABLE. Even if you know nothing at the moment, show up ready to work and ready to learn. The rest will take care of itself. I’ve worked with a lot of students in work based leaning programs and the ones that stick out to me were the ones that showed genuine interest. I call them to work on set because I know they will WANT to be there and WANT to work hard and learn. All that said, there is a line between being eager to earn your place and giving yourself away. Know your worth. Know when to stop working for free.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://visceralfilmstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visceralfilmstudios?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTastefulBard
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/@visceralfilmstudios
Image Credits
Ryan Davis Photography.
