An Inspired Chat with Brandon Spring

Brandon Spring shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Who are you learning from right now?
Currently, I’ve been learning from former Nike CMO Greg Hoffman. I recently discovered his amazing book Emotion By Design, where he discusses the principles he used in leading his marketing teams at Nike for almost 30 years, and it’s been a game-changer for me as a creative. He offers some great practical examples of how to foster and leverage creativity when approaching artistic and business challenges. As a matter of fact, I felt very affirmed in my own creative practices that align with many of the practices he puts forth in the book. So Hoffman has been an inspiring figure that I’ve learned a lot from through his books and podcasts.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Brandon Spring and I’m a filmmaker based right outside of LA. Visual storytelling and creativity have always been at my core, whether I’m developing videos for a marketing campaign, writing a script, or directing actors on set. Having a vivid imagination and foresight that allows me to think broadly about ideas, characters, and outcomes is what I believe makes me unique in what I do.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I learned the most from the CEO and President at my first job out of college, two friends and co-founders of the company. I was hired as a contract videographer for their IT company and dove right into marketing. They taught me so much about leadership, being organized, building culture, and just “how” to work. I needed that early experience to channel my ambitions and give me a strong foundation for being a team player while also taking charge of my own projects and future. It was an environment where I felt we were all very invested in, and it was an extremely fun culture as well, so those guys really set a great tone for me as my first job. I worked very closely with one of the co-founders, Sebastian, who became a great role model and inspiration for me because he knew how to give great encouragement while also pushing me to be better.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
Actually, I changed my mind about my career early on. Originally, the plan was to become an architect; I appreciate the craft and the art form, but I felt a calling to be behind the camera. After my freshman year of college, I left school, picked up a camera, worked odd jobs, and after a couple of years of practice, I packed my things and moved here to LA to pursue the dream. Recently, I just wrapped my latest short film called “Safety Driver”, a story about a man who finds himself in danger when his AI companion takes over his car. This project wouldn’t have come to fruition had I not made that decision.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
“Safety Driver” is a project that I’ve been committed to now for almost 3 years. It began as a concept piece that I shot guerrilla style with some friends as part of a contest. Then I sat on the idea for a while, trying to nail down the story. I wrote draft after draft of the script for quite a while. The process was months of refining until it naturally evolved into what we recently filmed. There were delays due to location issues, logistics, and so on, but we built a team and a cast over the course of a year and finally pulled it off.

So I’ve been very committed to seeing it come to fruition, even if it takes longer than I would’ve expected. Our fast, instant-gratification culture would have you believe that everything ought to fall into place immediately. But this has taught me that you can’t always rush your art; sometimes you need a longer runway to give certain elements the attention they need. I’d rather have a quality piece of work that makes an impact than rush something just to throw it out there. Sometimes a good story needs time.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I would say yes, I believe so, especially in the realm of vocation and creativity. A lot of frustration in my earlier years came from the fact that I was doing maybe what others told me I ought to do or what I thought was practical. Yet, I’m a dreamer, so I’ve always felt a burden to create. That’s what pushed me to create this “Safety Driver” project. It was an idea that just captured attention and kept evolving until it came to life.

So I think it’s crucial that people uncover what moves them, what they’re good at, and how they can pursue that in a way that serves others, makes an impact, or fills a gap. Purpose is the key. Discovering that might just be what God has made you for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://behance.net/bspringfilms
• Instagram: bspringfilms
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-spring/
• Other: https://bspringfilms.com

Image Credits
Photos by Ana Fierro