I recently had the opportunity to exclusively interview one of my connection Jason Schultz and ask him ten random facts about himself as well as what advice he would give those wanting to become an video creator . I also had the opportunity to find out what the biggest risk he's ever taken. Check out my interview with Jason below:
Loryn: What advice would you give those interested in making video content ?
Jason:First and foremost simply to start doing it. Don’t worry so much about the fancy equipment. Use your phone and start telling your stories. Here’s a wonderful article about feature films that have been created solely on the iPhone (https://www.theringer.com/movies/2019/2/7/18214924/steven-soderbergh-high-flying-bird-iphone-tangerine-unsane-netflix). Steven Soderbergh is an A-List Hollywood director who still makes the occasional feature on an iPhone.
The main point is, if the narrative is good and the content has value, people will overlook production value. Focus on your content, use basic equipment, and eventually you may be able to afford more expensive stuff. If you’re interested in learning the basics of video editing, here’s a link to free software that functions very much like traditional NLE (Non-Linear Editing) programs.
Loryn: What inspired you to start making video content?
Jason: I’ve been a fan of film since I was a child. Early on in my academic career, I was discouraged from pursuing film because I was told it was a long shot and I’d never make money. Thankfully I had the encouragement of my parents and didn’t listen to school counselors and my peers. I went to school for film at the University of Michigan and, at that time, most of the curriculum was theory or writing and not so much production. After graduation I learned all about production in my internships and also realized that if I wanted to helm my own creative projects, I needed to step outside of the traditional production environment (where there is very little vertical movement) and start creating my own opportunities. Luckily the “prosumer” market was just starting at this time and I had access to affordable equipment that placed our deliverables in a competitive position with larger companies in the market. We built a solid team and created some waves in the local metro Detroit music scene and haven’t looked back since.
Loryn: What is the best piece of advice you've received ?
Jason: God gave you two ears but only one mouth for a reason. Listen, learn, and never stop learning.
Loryn: What's the biggest risk you've ever taken?
Jason: Walking away from a business I co-founded and poured my heart/sweat equity into. I left with one client and the computer I had when I founded the business and left everything else with my former business partner. I left because I was unhappy, plain and simple. It was the best decision of my life.
Loryn: What is the MUST SEE YouTube video or podcast to listen to?
Jason:I love Casey Neistat and Dan Mace. If you’re into video production, Peter Mckinnon is a great resource.
Loryn: Are you a morning or night person?
Jason: Both. I spent the first 40 years of my life as a night person and I still lean that way, but it’s all about habits. I can bend my routine into becoming a morning person when I have to. I’ll say this…I feel much more productive when I’m on the "morning person" routine.
Loryn: What keeps you up at night?
Jason: Ideas. Ideas. Ideas. I often email myself from my phone from bed. I always put the word “IDEA” in the subject line so it’s easy to find when I search for it in my mail program later. That being said, rest is vital so I’m working on being mindful of turning that part of my brain off when it’s sleep time.
Loryn: What fad or trend do you hope comes back?
Jason: Skidz Pants. Simply because of how unbelievably ridiculous they were and I always enjoy a good laugh. On a serious side…I’d like to see a move toward music being released in some sort of physical format more often than it is now. I absolutely love the vinyl revival because of the album art. I miss album art. I miss reading the lyrics on sleeves. I miss holding a physical copy of music.
Loryn: What’s the coolest thing you are currently working on ?
Jason: There’s two: My family and my relationship with Jesus Christ.
Loryn: What's something not many people know about you?
Jason:In 3rd and 4th grade I was bullied pretty harshly and it had a profound effect on my confidence that lasted years. It’s one of the reasons I try to treat everyone with kindness, because I know how the opposite leaves a lasting mark.
What question piqued your interest most? Let me know in the comment section!
Be sure to stay updated with Jason Schultz by checking out his website: https://vimeo.com/collectivedetroit . Plus, you can connect with him on LinkedIn and