Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Knueven.
Hi Caleb, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started when I was 12 years old and trying to learn how to skateboard. To tell you the truth, I was never going to be as good as my friends. So to keep up with them and still hang out, I asked my parents for a video camera. I tried to sell them on the idea of capturing my little brother’s soccer games, but really it was so I could make skate videos (I do promise I’m a good brother.)
Those skate videos eventually turned into linear storytelling and a fascination with filmmaking. I had always enjoyed being transported to other worlds with the moving image. For example, as a teenager I would storyboard and create my own short films. The first one was about 30 minutes long, and I have to admit that it wasn’t good!
Eventually, I went to the University of Kansas and graduated with a film and theatre degree. Along the way, I picked up a new fascination with visual effects which eventually landed me my first gig in the industry at Stargate Studios here in LA. Stargate was a great first studio to learn and hone my VFX craft and it also allowed me to get on-set experience, including being an On-Set VFX Supervisor.
Along the way, I also picked up a nasty film photography habit that furthered my fascination with celluloid. Whether it was stills or motion, I couldn’t get enough. Diving in deep with film photography helped in many other ways because learning cameras, lenses, and lighting are all part of the filmmaking process. This eventually led to me starting my own YouTube channel about all things film and filmmaking called “Bad Flashes”. The channel showcases reviews of cameras and various photography equipment as well as short films I have created over the years. Creating the channel has helped me express my creativity as it provides the freedom to make the types of films and entertainment I’m passionate about.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being in a creative industry such as photography or film means that there is always some sort of struggle. It might be learning how to navigate client relations or learning a new skill that might further your career, but one of my biggest struggles so far is knowing my own worth in the industry. Sometimes I find it hard to accept I have indeed worked hard and put in the time to get to where I’m at and that I do know what I’m talking about. Imposter syndrome can sometimes creep in and fighting that feeling can be hard sometimes. Over the years I have gotten better at fighting it, but it never fully goes away.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Well, I kind of have two different paths and passions in life… I’m both an on-set visual effects supervisor for film and TV and at the same time an avid film photographer in the Youtube space. It’s an interesting combination of working in the industry and also creating my own fun educational videos about the film medium. As a VFX supervisor, I’ve worked on many films, including Insidious The Red Door (2023), Shooting Stars (2023), and Countdown (2019) to name a few. I’m also currently working on two more in various stages of production.
As a film photographer and content creator, I’ve carved out a very loyal fan base through my YouTube channel. Over the 3 years I’ve been active in creating content, I’ve made over 100 videos all dedicated to my love for the analogue medium. One of the really cool things about being in this space is that I’ve been able to work with a lot of awesome companies to test new films and even cameras – and along the way, I’ve made some amazing friends too! I think one of the things I’m most proud of is being able to help create a community around the niche of film photography and bring others together.
I also think that being part of both the filmmaking world and the photography world helps to set me apart in my work. I’m able to bring my photographer’s eye to the VFX world and being around super-talented filmmakers helps inspire my work on YouTube as well. My experience in film & TV also helps elevate the production value and storytelling in my own work.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I’d say the biggest thing I learned from the pandemic is the importance of work-life balance. Hard work and drive is important but I also know I need to slow down and take more time for myself and my loved ones… and maybe intentionally carve out some time to appreciate the small things in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.calebknueven.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calebknueven/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-knueven/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/badflashes
- Other: https://calebknueven.smugmug.com
