Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Quinn Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Quinn, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Well, this is tough because don’t we all have days where our self esteem hits a low? Mine has always fluctuated between “hell ya, I got this!” to “what the hell am I doing? this work I’m putting out sucks…” That struggle is seemingly at the core of all artists. I can’t say I know one that hasn’t had these bouts of doubt and elation.
My confidence grows every time I step on set, or work and learn a new skill on a project. Most of my lack of confidence came from when I wasn’t so sure how to do something. So I do my best to research as much as possible so I feel comfortable with the job I’m tasked to do. If it’s a new camera I’m not familiar with, I’ll learn the menu and where the buttons are or how to balance it properly on my shoulder. A new gimbal? No problem, play with it before getting on set so you’re not putting out fires when it’s crunch time. If it’s a new After Effects workflow, I figure out how to create the animation. YouTube university is a real helpful place! The fear of failure is always looming over your head, or that tiny little goblin sitting on your shoulder telling you that you are absolutely terrible at what you do, that little f*cker is there too. To curb these things, I try to learn as much as possible and be as prepared as possible for any project I’m working on and then my confidence can really shine. Nothing can stop me when I’m feeling ready.
Also, having some professional success has helped too, though that success certainly came with many nights of doubt and insecurity.
“We all gotta start somewhere.” I say that constantly. Even now, over a decade in – I’m always learning something new. Through my career I’ve had lots and lots and lots of ups and downs. There were definitely days I wanted to give it all up and some where I felt on top of the world… Despite that, I can look back and am proud of my process, my story and where I’ve landed.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m an award winning filmmaker and photographer with over 13 years of experience.
In 2023, I moved away from Los Angeles and returned to my roots on Cape Cod, MA to be closer to my family. My wife and I had a little girl and we are both so grateful. She’s absolutely perfect. What parent doesn’t think that about their child?
My LA days were a wild ride. I was fortunate to have worked alongside some of the most talented and creative people in sports and entertainment. I’m forever grateful to have covered some of the world’s biggest events (Super Bowl, NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs, Grammys, Oscars, Emmys, Met Gala, Coachella.) My cameras, lenses, laptop and equipment have been all over the world – crewing up on numerous TV shows, multiple feature films, documentaries and commercials. I’ve also worked with Netflix, HBO, Disney, Apple, Hulu, Warner Brothers, Spotify, numerous charitable foundations, and A-List talent like: Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Zendaya, Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, U2, and Jennifer Aniston. I could go on, but I’ll spare you dear reader. Name dropping still makes me gag, but it’s a necessary evil in this business.
Since moving back east, I’ve directed a few commercials, most recently with the New York Red Bulls and one of their sponsors, and have another directing gig on deck in Houston at the end of May 2024. I’ve launched a new company called Salt Spray Films – a botique production company that specializes in creating commercials and short form content for established brands and small businesses. Salt Spray Films also covers weddings. I love filming and photographing weddings they are the perfect canvas for a filmmaker – there’s always so much energy and all these beautiful, intimate, tiny moments that happen. I’m always honored when a couple comes to me asking to shoot their wedding.
I’m also writing a few different feature films that I cannot wait to self produce and release. One is a thriller set here on the east coast about a small town taking down a cult-like figure, the other is a more personal story about my grandfather’s time as an immigrant in CA during the 1930s and his fight overseas in WWII.
And occasionally, I find time to sleep.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three most important qualities that I have, that have gotten me where I’m at today are:
Be open. Be open to other ideas and criticism. Don’t take offense to a critic, as annoying as a note might seem, know that it’s coming from a good place. Also, don’t be so literal with the note. A friend of mine told me, “what’s the note behind the note.” When you get a note, know that the person giving it is seeing a flaw in your work, and it’s not necessarily exactly what they are saying, but it should be clear to you that there is something that just ain’t working. And you gotta fix it. Or rework it, show ’em something totally different.
Ask questions. But not too many. And only at the right time. Don’t ask lots of questions when your boss is busy, it’ll only piss them off. Do it during a slow time and take the advice of people ahead of you to heart. They are in their positions because they did something right during their work life, even if they are annoying.
Shut up and listen. Actively listen. It’s so important.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
If I’m feeling overwhelmed, which happens often, I try to breathe. Breathe, calm down and take stock of what’s around me and what’s important in the moment. I really try to focus on the one thing that actually matters in the moment, or what the main goal of the project is. It helps to take these precious seconds to stop and think, to reground yourself, so you don’t lose sight of what you actually have to do. By slowing down a stressful situation, you de-escalate your own adrenaline and you can see clearly what needs to get done. Regrounding yourself is essential to high paced, high stakes work. Sometimes when I get overwhelmed I get blinded by what’s in front of me. Taking a few beats and sometimes just walking away to clear your thoughts is the best you can do.
If you lose control, you’ll lose your job.
And if things just ain’t working, don’t be opposed to just hitting that reset button.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.saltsprayfilms.com + www.mightyeskimofilm.com
- Instagram: @saltsprayfilms + @mightyeskimofilm
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnpsmith/
