Today we’d like to introduce you to Santiago Simms.
Hi Santiago, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in a normal healthy family environment. My dad is a doctor and my mother is a teacher so we always have really valued education as a household. When I was 12 years old I attended the Fay School in Southborough, MA which is a private boarding school and I think a lot of my character development started there. I had always had a love for movies and tv but it was there I started to develop my goals that would ultimately lead to me becoming a screenwriter and filmmaker. I recently graduated from GA State University in May with a bachelors in Film and Media and have been working on both professional and semi-professional film sets as well as developing my own writing and directing skills. I also am developing my skills using the camera, as I do freelance videography and photography. I have my own Blackmagic pocket 4k camera I use to shoot videos and a Sony A6400 I use for photography. Currently looking to get out there and work with more people and build connections now that I’ve graduated. As well as ideally traveling more and further broadening my worldview. I’ve been to 8 different countries thus far and enjoy the increased perspective I get when I go abroad.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think I’ve had a relatively easy time with everything I’ve sought to accomplish up until recently. Growing up I always excelled in school and was very well supported by my family both in the material and emotional sense. It’s only been recently in the years since I started college actually that I’ve faced many of the challenges that come with young adulthood. Battles with depression, loneliness, and isolation are what caused me to move back to Atlanta from Chicago in 2022 and similar struggles still sometimes impede my progress with creative endeavors. But all in all, I’d say I’m a pretty privileged individual who has fortunately not had to deal with a lot of serious hardship in my life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I write screenplays, direct short films and music videos, and do freelance videography and photography. I also have worked on several film/tv sets as an onset PA, behind the scenes photographer, grip crew member, a 1st AC, and as an extra. I’m seeking out more onset work where I work with the camera, like camera op or DP. I also have done a lot of editing of my own work primarily in Adobe premiere pro. So in terms of film or televison pre-production, production, and post production I try to dip my hands in as many different specializations as possible because you never know which opportunity can lead to another and also I just enjoy every step of the process!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Just put yourself out there. Go outside. Everyone I’ve met that’s helped me further my career thus far I’ve met on set, in class, or specifically at a networking event(which there are plenty of in the city).
Pricing:
- Half day rate(photo or video) $350
- Full day rate(photo or video) $650
- editing only work $35/hour
- Writing consultation/help $25/hour
Contact Info:
- Instagram: santisimms
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-simms-1a3664294
Image Credits
Santiago Simms
