My newest interview is with Landon Steele, the founder of the Chattanooga Filmmakers Guild. He shares information about the guild and how anyone can get involved. I have attended a few meetings in Chattanooga and have enjoyed them.
Introducing Landon…
What do you love about your life right now?
At this point in my life, I enjoy the balance between work, hobbies, relationships, and entrepreneurial pursuits. I’m not too busy with work that I can’t focus on other things that bring joy to my life.
You’re the founder of the Chattanooga Filmmakers Guild. How did you decide to create a guild for filmmakers? What was your inspiration?
After practicing with some film gear and following some actors around with a camera in a studio in April 2019, I was told by the group I had recruited that we should do that on a regular basis. They said that this kind of thing is needed in Chattanooga, so I created a Facebook group and we started inviting others to join. I initially called the group the Chattanooga Film Club, but later changed the name to the Chattanooga Filmmakers Guild shortly before we became an official nonprofit organization.
As founder of the guild for Chattanooga Filmmakers, what do you love about films?
Ironically, I’m not a film buff, so I haven’t watched every movie that “every filmmaker should watch.” But I love quality acting and storytelling in general. Although I can’t say that I’d call myself a filmmaker, as I’m rarely involved in projects (primarily because of having a full-time job that prevents me from focusing all my attention on filmmaking projects), I love quality acting and storytelling in general.
How can someone be involved with the guild? Are there dues?
Our private Facebook group is a great way to get involved initially. With over a thousand members from every experience level, from aspiring filmmakers and actors to Emmy Award winners, the group is a great resource for everyone to introduce themselves and find possible gigs or to post crew calls or casting calls.
Our monthly networking events are free to the public, but we are working on creating more official ways to become a member that involve more than being in the Facebook group: a free level and a paid level.
What can one expect by attending the monthly meeting of Chattanooga Filmmakers?
You can expect to make new connections and learn something new from our keynote speaker at each event.
Stanley Kubrick said, “If it can be written or thought, it can be filmed.” Do you agree with his statement?
I’m not sure I have enough experience in filmmaking to answer that specifically. But as a visionary thinker, I’ve learned that if you can see it working in your head, you can likely bring it to life in reality.
Describe yourself in one word.
Optimistic.
This is one of my favorite parts of the chat. Alright, Landon, tell me three fun facts about yourself.
I was born in Spokane, Washington, but moved to the Chattanooga area with my family when I was 6.
I love mountain biking and I’m always looking for riding buddies.
I can’t think of a third at the moment.
I would love to end the chat with a quote. Do you have a favorite quote or saying that has inspired and motivated you in your life that you can share with my readers?
Other quotes aren’t coming to me off the top of my head, but my motto that I live by is to“Serve God by serving others.”
Thank you for reading my chat with Landon! Check out the Chattanooga Filmmakers Guild website at this link.