Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Mack.
Anthony, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
“It all started when one of my friends handed me a camera and told me to film them while they were skateboarding.” I had never picked up a camera before that point. Having just joined the skate team my friends had back in high school, I was new to the lifestyle and didn’t know many tricks so I mostly “watched” my friends in the beginning. They would randomly hand me a camera from time-to-time to get some of their tricks on tape.
I got pretty good at filming, and everyone really liked my work, so after a couple of months, we had enough footage to put together a video. We put it together and the whole process from shooting to editing to distribution was so exciting to me. At the time, I didn’t know filmmaking was something you could do for a living, I was just having fun creating art.
Skip ahead a couple of years, and I discovered that making movies was something that could pay the bills. I figured film school was a good avenue since I had no previous connections in the industry. (I’m the first in my family to make this career choice.) But in order to afford film school, I joined the Air Force for four years, which is a completely different life experience for another time.
Once in film school, I made great connections and learned all about filmmaking. After graduation, I found breaking into the industry tougher than originally thought. I worked on a few independent features and short films right after school but nothing consistent. It was pretty hard the first year, there were times where I questioned why I chose this path. I didn’t want to give up because, along my journey, I discovered that making movies was my true passion in life and that it gave me enjoyment more than anything else had ever done before.
So, I stuck with it, before long the work starting coming in, and with every job came a new connection to more jobs. I got into drone operation awhile back. I’ve always loved flying in general, there’s something about being in the air soaring high above it all that I find so relaxing. Once I found there was a way to add a camera to that process, there was no turning back.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Probably the first challenge I’ve had so far has been simply getting my name out there. In the age where anyone can make a film, you really have to find a way to make your work stand out. In a way, my drone operation helps me do that. The next challenge I’ve had to deal with is always doubting yourself. Even if you work for a year straight and everyone tells you you’re the best at what you do, if your phone doesn’t ring in a certain amount of time for that next job, you can immediately start to question your own self-worth. But know that you are good at what you do and that your phone will ring for that next job right when it’s supposed to.
Please tell us about AJM Droneworks – what should we know?
AJM Droneworks is my production company, and I specialize in drone operation and cinematography for film, television, and commercial applications.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I really don’t think I would be where I’m at right now without the help of my family. They are always pushing me to try new things and have always supported me with whatever crazy ideas I’ve had. Also, I would like to thank all my professors at the film school I went to that helped me better understand the art of cinematography.
Contact Info:
- Website: anthonyjmack.com
- Phone: 404-630-7153
- Email: amack11300@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themack11
Image Credit:
Xin Wang, Nina Di Salvo, Marco Gutierrez
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