Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Felman
Hi Sam, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Sure! I’m an award-winning filmmaker based in Sherman Oaks, helping business owners and video producers make and market films for their clients. I’m also a lead fine arts specialist at Eliot Arts Magnet teaching middle schoolers how to make short films and commercials. I love what I do, and feel incredibly lucky to be where I am today.
My journey began as an assistant to a casting director for commercials, then transitioned to helping with picture vehicles on and off set. To better understand performance, I took acting classes, worked as a photo double in a big movie, and did a lot of background work. Eventually, I became a production assistant in reality TV.
Wanting to advance beyond assistant work, I went back to school and earned a BA in screenwriting. Shortly after, I began writing and directing actor reels while accumulating hundreds of props and costumes to make my work look believable. This led to my first production design job, where I found success as a designer and set dresser for independent movies, TV pilots, and commercials. I also freelanced for a recycling company that primarily worked with commercial production companies, where I became passionate about sustainability and recycling. Today, many of my props and costumes are recycled from well-known TV shows and commercials.
An injury made me shift gears, and led me to my first corporate job as an in-house filmmaker for a major franchise. I quickly advanced in responsibility and vision, but the work slowed so I was put on contract. I decided to go back to school and earned a certificate in marketing with the additional achievement of making the dean’s list.
While taking marketing classes, I applied what I learned to my freelance filmmaking business and started seeing success right away. Today, I run my own business helping business owners and video producers by producing, writing, directing, production designing, editing, and marketing video projects… and I love every minute of it!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? No way! In 2023, the film industry was going through some changes and my role as an in-house filmmaker for a major franchise corporation shifted to a contract position. I had no idea what to do. I decided to enroll in online marketing classes, with the intention of potentially switching careers and doing film work on the side.
As I mentioned earlier, I started applying my marketing lessons to filmmaking and started finding work. Having a greater understanding of marketing not only filled in the gaps in my own business, but helped me provide more offerings to my clients. There will always be bumps in the road, but your success depends on your willingness to expand your skillset, having flexibility, and maintaining a good work ethic when challenges arise.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m Sam Felman, an independent filmmaker with over 15 years of experience, specializing in writing and directing, production design, and video marketing. My work spans award-winning films, international ad campaigns, and corporate video production, with a focus on helping business owners and creative professionals communicate their vision through impactful content. What sets me apart is my human-centered approach, my commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to connect deeply with clients and deliver content that meets or exceeds their expectations.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see drastic changes to the way content is produced and consumed. I believe independent films and shows will dominate long-form content, and studio and streamer content will be much shorter and interactive, perhaps using some form of AI-driven choose-your-own-adventure stories. At the end of the day, industries and technologies will change with or without a person, and those professionals who embrace the change by getting in front of it and expanding their skillset will grow with it, perhaps even help shape it. Nobody knows exactly what the future holds, but I plan to enjoy the journey.
“Nothing is constant except change.”
– Heraclitus
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.samfelman.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/samfelman
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/samfelman
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3762653/
Image Credits
My wonderful, beautiful wife Arielle Tinero-Felman ❤️
(Thank you for taking pictures on set, I love you!)
