We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dustin Ferguson. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Dustin, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m paving a new one. I’ve provided work for hundreds of crew members and over a thousand Actors across my 170 films to date. I’m showing those who doubt themselves that anyone who applies themselves can find happiness in what they want to do. I’ve surpassed the World Record and I’ll likely die with a record that would be difficult to beat. That’s what I will be known for.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Fulltime Filmmaker. I’ve been Directing and Editing films since 2006 and am known for my prolific output of over 170 low budget Horror/SciFi sequels and remakes. I am Owner of SoCal Cinema Studios and Vitality Vision. Additionally, I also have several music projects like Static Veil, Kindertrauma, Lazerdisk and MC Dirty D.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship with my Manager Joe Williamson. When I moved to California to make films fulltime, he took me under his wing and introduced me to the industry. I was able to experience my first Red Carpet, TV Interview, Paparazzi Photo and so much more. He taught me to value myself and believe in myself and I could do anything. My self esteem has grown a lot over the last 8 years since I got here. And thanks to his push I haven’t given up yet.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I think suffering has taught me the true VALUE of success and how important it is for survival as a whole. Making films is what I do. I have to stay in the public eye and continue to grow as an artist if I expect to continue to earn a living from this. When I first moved here, I was broke, stressed and sleeping on a mattress on the floor. That suffering made me apply myself and work harder than I ever have so that I could find success, and hopefully never lose it.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. I was on social media before anyone knew who I was. I grew and matured and learned many lessons in the public eye. My successes and failures have been on broadcast the entire time for everyone. So when I walk that red carpet or sign that film deal…it’s the REAL deal.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
Because of the sheer number of films I’ve done, I’ve obviously covered a wide variety of sub genres and types of movies. The budgets are all over the place. Some of my most popular films are so because they are “hate watched” or considered “so bad it’s good”. People talk about those the most and see that as who I am as a Filmmaker and person. But those films are made for hire and not representative of my talent and style. I’m delivering a product that will make for a great trailer and artwork for a particular distributor, so I can earn the money to pay my rent. Then, I can go and make my “art” films that I really want to make for my own company that most people don’t see. So, they fail to understand who I really am as an Artist. They find these movies like “Cocaine Cougar” and “Big Bad CGI Monsters” all over Tubi and form a certain opinion of me, without seeing the films I am making from the heart like “The Old Dark House of Mystery” or “Spider Baby”. I think with time, those later films will be discovered and embraced, atleast I hope. I’m proud of everything I do, but not everything is who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bit.ly/SoCalCinemaStore
- Instagram: @TheOnlyDustinFerguson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dustin.ferguson.238483/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoCalCinema
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD7xI7jnSg7dN6gOBdjNF3Q
Image Credits
Jonathan Ruggiero, Dustin Ferguson
