Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sam Felman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sam, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by immersing myself in the world. Everywhere I go, everything I do, and everyone I meet fuels my inspiration, and makes me a more thoughtful, open-minded, and creative artist. Filmmaking is about capturing the essence of the human experience, and by immersing myself in the world, and truly living, I can keep my stories authentic and resonant with real people.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Sam Felman and I’m a filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve developed award-winning films, designed international ad campaigns, edited cosmetic industry commercials, and written for CEOs. My journey began studying Meisner Technique with Joe Palese at the Actor Space, and continued to a Bachelor of Arts in screenwriting from California State University, Northridge. I recently began pursuing a marketing/advertising degree to expand the services I provide for my clients.
Among my notable accomplishments, I production designed the Backstreet Boys’ music video “Christmas in New York”, which was featured in Billboard Magazine, as well as several TV pilots, and ad campaigns for Avid Life Media and Dot Inc, the web domain extension. As a writer and director, my short film “Choice” garnered over 30 film festival awards including Best Writing, Best Direction, Best Lead Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Short Film, and others. My music video for David Hudson, Katy Perry’s brother, was featured in SPIN Magazine and on PopCrush’s website, and accumulated tens of thousands of views in just 6 days. In 2012, I received a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly for my documentary short, “Echoes of Truth: The Holocaust Memorial Project.”
Beyond filmmaking, I’m an avid reader and writer of short stories. My wife and I live in Los Angeles with our two dogs, Arrow and Ladybug, and I freelance write, direct, produce, and camera operate mostly internal content for corporate clients.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
There are three things that have had a tremendous impact on my journey.
First is the power of storytelling. It’s not just a skill; it’s the foundation of my career, and the tool I use most to understand the world. Not only that, being vulnerable in my stories has connected me in ways I never thought possible. My advice is to always be telling stories and never shy away from a story that makes you vulnerable. It might sound counterintuitive, but it’s these very aspects that draw people closer. If fear of judgment holds you back, remember, it could be the barrier keeping you from realizing your true creative potential.
Second, thinking critically has changed my life in both professional and personal situations. When faced with a challenge, for instance a tight budget or a difficult location, I have learned not to dwell on the limitations. Rather, I try to find a hundred different ways to fix a problem and have often surprised myself and others with the results, especially under difficult circumstances. I once crafted a listening device prop out of a plastic bowl and gaffe tape, proving that creative solutions can emerge from the most unexpected places.
Third, being a lifelong learner has always been my guiding principle. I’ve taught myself numerous skills, both personally and professionally, which have contributed significantly to my growth. There is always something new to learn and grow from. My advice is simple: embrace the fact that you don’t have all the answers. Seek mentorship, be open to feedback, and never underestimate the power of continuous learning. I met one of my current mentors in a Starbucks, and that chance encounter has blossomed into one of my most valuable friendships.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
“Simply Said: Communicating Better at Work and Beyond” by Jay Sullivan has had a tremendous impact on my life. The book is a ‘how to’ on communication tips for everyday and professional situations. One section I found especially helpful emphasizes the importance of listening to communicate. Sullivan explains that in client meetings, “Your main objective should always be to learn.” I used to think my objective was to share, but when you listen instead, it prepares you to discover your prospect’s needs, address them, and ultimately win the sale. Not only that, when you think of storytelling as a dialogue and not just a monologue, it opens your perspective to a flood of new ideas and insights. I highly recommend this book.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.samfelman.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/samfelman
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/samfelman
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/samfelman/
- Other: Rent my crash test dummy Fred on ShareGrid: https://sg8.me/xnf2KK
Image Credits
Jude Chacon, Tylor Coll, Lauren Angel-Field, Arielle Jennifer Tinero-Felman
