I started working in film and video in 1994. Over the years, I’ve worked as an editor, cinematographer, producer, and director on everything from documentaries and corporate films to nonprofit and feature-film projects.
Along the way, I’ve learned that making great videos requires more than talented filmmakers and good equipment. It requires people who understand one another, a clear purpose for the work, and a process that helps everyone succeed.
That’s a big part of why I started MyFilmTeam.
The Gap I Kept Seeing
There are countless resources available to help filmmakers improve their craft. On YouTube alone you can learn about cameras, lighting, editing, sound, and storytelling from people all over the world. But I’ve found fewer resources addressing the working relationships between filmmakers and the organizations that depend on them. I’ve seen projects become unnecessarily difficult because of unclear expectations, poor communication, confusing workflows, or disagreements about creative direction.
Sometimes the filmmaker doesn’t fully understand what the organization needs to accomplish. Other times, organizational leaders don’t understand what goes into making a film or how to give their creative teams what they need to succeed.
The result can be frustration on both sides, wasted resources, and relationships that end before they should.
I believe we can do better.
Helping Organizations Build Better Video Teams
Since 2015, I’ve had the opportunity to build and lead an in-house film team. That experience has helped me understand filmmaking from another perspective—not just how to create the work, but how to organize, staff, and lead the people responsible for it. There’s a significant difference between leading a freelance crew through a production and building and leading an in-house team over time. You’re responsible not just for the projects, but for developing people, managing resources, and improving how the team works together.
I’ve learned that hiring another filmmaker or buying another camera isn’t always the answer. Sometimes an organization needs clearer priorities, better workflows, or a different approach to staffing. Sometimes a creative leader needs guidance or someone experienced to help think through a difficult decision.
Through MyFilmTeam, I help churches, nonprofits, and businesses build, improve, and lead their video teams.
That might involve assessing an existing team, identifying the right person to hire, or developing processes that make the work more effective and sustainable.
The goal isn’t simply to make more videos. It’s to build teams that consistently produce meaningful work while making wise use of their resources.
Helping Filmmakers Build Better Careers
I also believe filmmakers benefit when they understand more than the technical and artistic aspects of their work. Understanding a client’s goals, communicating clearly, managing expectations, and developing strong professional relationships can make a tremendous difference in a career.
But there’s another challenge I’ve seen throughout my career: figuring out where you fit.
It’s easy to move from one opportunity to another without giving much thought to the kind of work you actually want to do. I want to help filmmakers identify their strengths, develop their abilities, and build purposeful, sustainable careers.
Whether you’re trying to break into the industry or considering a change in your career, having a thoughtful plan can make a real difference.
What MyFilmTeam Is Really About
I love making films, but I also love helping people succeed in their work. I want organizations to make the most of the people, time, and resources they invest in. I want filmmakers to develop meaningful careers and strong professional relationships. And I want both sides to enjoy the process of making great work together.
That’s what MyFilmTeam is about.
If you’re facing a challenge with your video team or trying to figure out your next career move, I’d love to hear what you’re working through. And if you’re not ready to reach out, I understand. I’m an introvert who tends to research and work things out in my head before engaging other people.
Take your time. I hope the resources I share here, on YouTube, and on LinkedIn will be useful whether we eventually work together or not.
When you’re ready, let’s talk.