We recently had the chance to connect with Stefon Whitaker and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Stefon, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day looks like for me sitting on my yellow couch in my living room, playing something on YouTube while doing some work on my laptop, like editing, writing my script, sending & checking emails and constant scrolling through every app on my phone.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a filmmaker and entrepreneur, currently residing in Long Beach, CA. I own a growing production company, SW Films and work in the freelance market of the film industry in Los Angeles.
I primarily am shifting my focus to what has always been my passion in this space, Directing & Writing, with a little bit of Producer in there too. In the freelance side I have mainly been a production assistant, which has helped me make great connections, learning new tricks for my own productions with SW Films, grow in the industry to eventually breaking out as a PA and of course to pay the bills and make investments.
While making this shift I have experience a lot of amazing experiences in the industry and I can’t be more grateful of it all.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
While I know a bit about what my purpose is in life, I don’t think I fully see the big picture. I only know a small chapter of what I am supposed to be doing.
Last year I found VCR tapes of when I was younger. The a few years back I found one of my very first camera’s I ever got from my Mom & Dad and recovered the footage on the 2gb SD card.
In the VCR tapes, were the very moment I was born. Like right when my Mom, Dad and older brother were holding me and admiring me, fresh out the womb. My family put a camera in my face from that moment. Something was very clear to happen for me.
In the old camcorder, I was 8 years old telling my mother I was going to be a filmmaker. And over 20 years later, I am well within a 10 year career of being a filmmaker.
What must be released is me in the real and true position of being a director. Taking it more seriously than ever and making consistent strides of accomplishing that I set out to be in that position.
Seeing those old videos really showed me that God set this film thing to be a part of my purpose. So I can’t and I won’t stop now.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Man, so many defining wounds. A breakup in the midst of the craziness of 2020, losing family members, career scares, huge financial blows and uncertainty in manhood and then some.
I can’t say I have healed from all. Most of them fade away as I grown and learn. Healing feels like there will always be. I create from these feelings and that helps me find peace with everything. Even if what I created never sees the light of day.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Anything with SW Films. I created my company on a whim but also it was in the works for ages and I never really realized it. My 10 year anniversary for the company’s inception will be in 2027 and I plan on making audiences aware of this beautiful journey I’ve been on and how it will carry on stronger for the future.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Authentic Character. I really pride myself on how I carry myself. In private but mostly the public.
In private, I work to talk with God about how I can be a better person. How my priorities weigh on my brain, how my work-life balance can really balance itself out.
In public, I don’t like to compromise myself, my beliefs, my inspirations and my opportunities. I don’t like to move how I’ve seen many people move in my life. I don’t want to isolate either but instead be honest. And a lot of my honesty has been me sitting back and observing to myself and going back in private to discuss it with God.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swfilmsproduction.com
- Instagram: @arkel96 (personal) @swfilmsproduction (business)
- Twitter: @SsStefon
- Facebook: Stefon Whitaker or SW Films
- Youtube: SW Films
