Today we’d like to introduce you to Conor Simpson.
Hi Conor, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
A native of the woods of Massachusetts, I was born into a family of mental health administrators, nurses, teachers, and entrepreneurs. Exploring the primal connection to each other and our environments through creative manifestation is in my blood. My approach is a bit autodidactical; I delve deep into many aspects of filmmaking – from screenwriting to acting to cinematography to editing – in the belief that it makes me a better overall collaborative storyteller.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Certainly not, and though I try to utilize failure as a learning tool, I’d be lying if I said I was exactly where I planned to be with my career at this point. I think one of the hardest things in choosing a life as a creative – especially if you’re prioritizing your own weird and sometimes nonsensical journey over making money – is maintaining that indefatigable sense of confidence in yourself and your work. You really need a radical self-belief to survive and persevere. On the flip side of that, the inflated egos and vanity inherent in the film business I find quite repugnant, so it’s threading the needle of having that confidence yet humility that I strive for but by no means am an expert at.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I see my work as a filmmaker to be contemplating life in the universe through a variety of disciplines – from anthropology to cinematography, the study of psychedelics to comedy, political activism, and dance. I often work as a variation of multi-hyphenates – a writer/director or director/dp or producer/editor – because I find it’s the best way I know how to see a specific vision all the way through.
I’m probably most proud of the get-out-the-vote work I’ve been doing since the 2020 presidential election in collaboration with my wife (badass producer Lisa Lee) and the innovative team at Gutsy Media. Utilizing my creative ideas to inspire people to participate in our democracy feels gratifying, especially when the comedic spots are just so fun to make.
I think something that may set me apart from others is my constant goal of finding the light in the darkness and the humor in the despair. I think humanity’s ability to laugh may be our greatest superpower, because when all seems lost – in our fractious society or our depleted environment – that’s when the people who can transform their cynical perspective can really thrive, and the power of a laugh is infectious.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes – finding the funny in the mundane is a lifeline through overwhelming negativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ofthenotion.com
- Instagram: conpulsiv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conpulsiv/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/conor-c-simpson-5a868022
Image Credits
Conor C. Simpson
