We’re excited to introduce you to Travis J. Smith, an 11x award winning film director and film/tv industry engineering professional. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Travis below.
Travis, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Growing up, I had the privilege of observing my parents’ unwavering work ethic. They were relentless in their dedication, tirelessly laboring for 30 long years, both in their jobs and for the sake of our family’s well-being. Even now, in May 2023, my parents celebrate 37 years of marriage, and their admirable commitment to handling their responsibilities remains unchanged. Their remarkable qualities have undoubtedly influenced my own path in life.
For the past eight years, I have been fortunate enough to work in the demanding yet rewarding film and television industry. I vividly recall the days when I had to exert myself, tirelessly striving to secure better opportunities for myself. It became clear to me that waiting passively for opportunities to come knocking on my door was not enough. I had to actively pursue them, realizing that a remarkable work ethic would always be the ultimate testament to my capabilities.
One valuable lesson I have learned along the way is that closed mouths seldom get fed. It is often up to us to transform mere possibilities into tangible accomplishments. I firmly believe that seizing the initiative and taking charge of our own destinies can yield remarkable outcomes. In those moments where opportunities seem scarce, it becomes crucial to create something out of nothing, to summon our inner drive and carve our own path towards success.
By channeling the unwavering dedication, I witnessed in my parents, I have discovered that hard work, determination, and the willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone are powerful catalysts for personal and professional growth. Through my experiences, I have come to appreciate that a proactive mindset and a hunger for progress can lead to doors opening where we least expect them.
In essence, the invaluable teachings instilled in me by my hardworking parents have propelled me forward, driving me to cultivate my own work ethic and pursue opportunities relentlessly. I encourage others to embrace the truth that success often lies within our own hands, and that with the right mindset and perseverance, we can transform mere dreams into tangible achievements.
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?
I am a professional in the film and TV industry, currently serving as a broadcast technical manager, senior video/broadcast engineer, and film director. With an extensive background, I have worked on hundreds of live major TV productions for various networks, including Apple TV, ESPN, NFL Network, Warner Bros, Court TV, NBC, MTV, Univision, MLB Network, UFC, Telemundo, Yahoo! Sports, ABC, FOX, and many more.
My passion for filmmaking began at a young age with a love for comic books, sci-fi, and fantasy stories. I wrote my own stories and screenplays, and my inspiration was further ignited when I saw The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Pursuing my dream, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in film production from Full Sail University in 2012. Starting off as an audiovisual technician, I worked my way up in the TV industry, with Amy Miller at ESPN helping me break in professionally as a utility (grip). From there, I worked my way up the ranks to engineering and technical management within live TV.
As a broadcast technical manager, I oversee various aspects of major live professional TV productions, including technical design, build, transmission, production, and the hiring of the technical crew. My work takes place in studios, on location, stadiums, and sound stages. When working as a video/broadcast engineer, my responsibilities include hooking up and troubleshooting all video, data, camera, audio, and transmission feeds. I am also responsible for controlling the look of the image, known as shading, which involves live color correction on TV.
Additionally, as a film director, I work with writers, actors, and cameras to bring my ideas and storytelling to the screen. My short film, The Shores on Paradise: Remastered, has won 11 awards in several countries between 2022 and 2023.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In my professional journey within the film and television industry, I have come to recognize the significance of three essential qualities: listening, attitude, and adaptation. These qualities have played a pivotal role in shaping my growth and success in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.
First and foremost, the art of listening has proven to be an invaluable skill. I have learned to appreciate the wisdom and experience of older industry veterans by actively listening to their insights and advice. By humbly absorbing their knowledge and learning from their past triumphs and challenges, I have been able to acquire a wealth of practical wisdom. This has not only expanded my understanding of the industry but has also provided me with a strong foundation on which to build my own expertise. I firmly believe that listening attentively to those who have walked the path before me is a key aspect of continuous learning and personal development.
Maintaining a positive attitude is another quality that has greatly contributed to my professional journey. The film and television industry can be demanding and unpredictable, often presenting difficult and high-pressure situations. However, approaching these challenges with a positive mindset has allowed me to embrace them as opportunities for growth. By maintaining an optimistic outlook and a genuine enthusiasm for the work I do, I have been able to overcome obstacles and find creative solutions to complex problems. A great attitude not only impacts my own experience but also influences the morale and productivity of the entire team. It fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Adaptability is the third quality that I hold in high regard. In an industry where technologies, people, and circumstances are constantly evolving, the ability to adapt is crucial. I have honed my skills in working with different individuals, acknowledging and appreciating their unique perspectives and contributions. Collaborating effectively with diverse personalities and adapting to their working styles has allowed me to forge strong professional relationships and leverage the collective strengths of the team. Additionally, staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends has enabled me to remain relevant and versatile in a fast-paced environment. Being open to change and embracing new methods and approaches has been instrumental in my growth and success.
The qualities of listening, attitude, and adaptation have been fundamental to my journey in the film and television industry. By actively listening and learning from experienced professionals, maintaining a positive attitude, and adapting to evolving circumstances, I have been able to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that come my way. These qualities continue to shape my professional growth and allow me to thrive in this exciting and ever-changing field.
For those who are trying to break into the industry to work on these qualities I say this:
1. Listening:
– Seek out mentors or professionals in the industry who are willing to share their experiences and knowledge. Attend industry events, workshops, or networking sessions to connect with seasoned individuals who can provide valuable insights.
– Practice active listening by giving your full attention to others when they are speaking. Avoid interrupting or formulating responses in your mind before they have finished speaking. Show genuine interest in what they have to say and ask thoughtful questions to deepen your understanding.
– Engage in research and consume industry-related content such as books, podcasts, and documentaries. By immersing yourself in the industry’s history, trends, and challenges, you can develop a broader perspective and gain a wealth of knowledge.
2. Attitude:
– Cultivate a growth mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Develop a positive outlook by focusing on the aspects of the industry that inspire and motivate you.
– Practice resilience by maintaining composure in the face of setbacks or rejections. Understand that setbacks are temporary and can be valuable learning experiences that contribute to long-term success.
– Surround yourself with positive and supportive individuals who share your passion for the industry. Collaborate with like-minded peers and learn from their experiences and approaches to maintaining a positive attitude.
3. Adaptation:
– Stay informed about emerging technologies, industry trends, and changing audience preferences. Engage with relevant industry publications, online forums, and social media communities to keep up with the latest developments.
– Seek opportunities to work in diverse environments and collaborate with people from different backgrounds and disciplines. This will help you develop adaptability and strengthen your interpersonal skills.
– Embrace new challenges and be open to stepping out of your comfort zone. Take on projects or roles that push you to learn and grow, even if they may be outside of your immediate area of expertise. This will enhance your adaptability and broaden your skill set.
In summary, developing the qualities of listening, attitude, and adaptation requires a proactive approach. Seek out opportunities to learn from industry veterans, cultivate a positive mindset, and embrace change. By continuously honing these qualities, you will be well-prepared to navigate the film and television industry and thrive in its dynamic landscape.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
They prayed for me, sent me to film school and never doubted me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: director_of_productions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisjsmith1/
- Other: https://filmfreeway.com/TheShoresOnParadiseRemastered
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22500522/
