We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andrew Carothers. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrew below.
Hi Andrew, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I feel like in life people are always searching for their purpose in what they want to do or accomplish. I believe, if you follow your passion. what pours out of your heart naturally, what you’re drawn to naturally. You will find it within the journey of finding what is that purpose.
For me it was at my grandmother’s house watching MTV. The Music videos that would play and I was just captivated by the artistry of it all. From the artists and the videos themselves. I remember thinking to myself how cool would it be to make those videos that could end up on MTV. I found Videography from a clothing line I had for a few years, and there I found my passion. Fast forward to today, That passion is evolving into something more. Not just creating those videos for the Artist’s, but now more so, Short films, Docuseries, Episodic Series eventually to a feature.
Bringing that idea to life not only for yourself to be proud of, but something that you can leave with someone they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. That truly is what I believe discovering your purpose and who you are during the journey,
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Andrew Carothers, but I am better known as ghost since that is the name of my company a shot by ghost production.
I started my journey in Videography from a clothing line back in 2014 called Of God[s]. Apparel.
The first time I picked up a camera was to shot models wearing my clothing for a campaign for my winter line which consists of beanies, Hoodies, T shirts. jogger etc. It’s was a streetwear brand based off spirituality and ancient civilizations like, The egyptians, Romans, the Greeks and modern beliefs.
I made a video to put on instagram to promote the brand and by this time i’ve already have met Buzz from Street Approved LA, a magazine based in Los Angeles. He Dm’d and loved the video and introduced me to Chanel West Coast and I’ve been filming for her ever since.
Through the years of working with chanel and developing my craft, I stepped into producing music videos for her and which eventually led me into directing them as well.
During this time, I also got into Real Estate Marketing for a team in Santa Clarita, The Rafeh Group. I’m their Marketing Director, So I run and manage ads for them, Set up marketing systems and manage them. Film and Photograph the listings. Social Media Management and give classes periodically to agents on Systems, Branding and Marketing,
With learning these skills throughout the years I am now starting my company Ghost Media Marketing LLC. which was recently formed and providing services such as Branding, Content Creation and Marketing,
Now I moved from behind the camera to cast member on Chanel West Coast’s new MTV television show that is scheduled to air early 2024. Which I camera operate for as well. So you’ll get to see our lives in detail since its a docuseries / reality show. Tune In Early 2024 on MTV.
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?
Looking back I think the most important things I’ve learned isn’t just technical with equipment but eternal as well.
Being prepared and organized is extremely important. Time management is another. When your constantly busy you to learn how to prioritize tasks and get projects out. Create a calendar for yourself to help keep you on track.
Mindfulness and Patience is another huge one for myself and it’s a continued effort. You have to be happy with yourself and do things for yourself because if your just constantly pouring into projects, friendships and relationships what’s left for you, So definitely Setting boundaries is big forcme.
Anyone coming up or wants to pursue a career not just in production but anything is to devote yourself to it. You can’t half ass anything in life. I know social media glamorises everything but no one shares the struggles. It’s going to be hard. You’re going to have great/bad days. Make a lot of money / not make money. You will be stressed / but also have moments of pure proudness and happiness and can’t believe you landed that gig. Got that shot, learned something new!
Remember it’s balance and stay strong, keep your head up prepare for the years that are coming and not the year you’re in. Great things are coming for you,
put god first and everything will be as he sees fit.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Honestly everyone I have worked with on set with and clients I worked with have all taught me something. I have made amazing friends throughout this journey and learned many lessons.
Eric and Lisa from Legit Looks constantly bringing me on set to help with their productions, working with them i’ve witnessed some next level films. Lighting, Cam Op and Color is unmatched.
Damien Sandoval an amazing Director I got to work with on set. Since he shot numerous videos for chanel and brought me out to do BTS for him on the Sada Baby / Big Sean Set for lil while. He’s input and advice i learned from.
more recently my boy, Jake Bernicle in helping me out with whatever I need production wise, second shooter, gear, tech knowledge. Definitely someone I can call on in a pinch, Thanks boss!
Contact Info:
- Website: Website is being built
- Instagram: @shotbyghost__
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3fPOC-_Ta6vt1Ubp1qfJ2w
Image Credits
Photos By: Tracy Moore, Jake Bernicle,
