Life & Work with Zach Thomson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Thomson.

Hi Zach, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was introduced to film sets at a young age when Mike Stahlie would invite me to work with him. I started learning the business working as a production assistant and started making friends. After some years of working in a myriad of productions from SciFi channel TV productions to music videos to feature films, I was able to work at 20th Century Fox in domestic distribution. Brandon Miller was the VP and taught me so much. I will always be grateful for him and the amazing people on the team. Years later I was presented with the opportunity to work on a James Cameron project. My brothers and I grew up watching his awesome movies and then later at FOX witnessing the residual effects of Titanic. So you can imagine that it was a dream come true for me to be able to work with one of my favorite directors. I had no idea how successful Avatar would become. It wasn’t until I was able to see firsthand the rendered shots back from Weta Digital that I realized how the technology Jim developed and improved upon would be a game changer. And now with Avatar 2, 3, 4, and 5 coming down the pipeline over the next few years, we can see that his stories are part of the human zeitgeist.

Jim Cameron inspired me on so many levels. His love for the planet inspired me to make a documentary on water conservation called Finite Water. It was so humbling to think that some people were moved by the documentary. I am also grateful for the awards it has received but more grateful for the awareness it raised to the water issue we face as a planet.

Standing next to Jim and seeing his attention to detail and his passion for solid storytelling pushed me to start on a dream I had since I was a young boy. So I went down the path to create End of an Empire. Which I continue to work on.

Seeing the success of franchising stories, I was compelled to start The Supernatural University. Which is just now starting to get traction. But years in the making. I am excited to share more very soon.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Holy moly no. Anything worthwhile is going to be difficult. On top of that, I have found myself taking on more than I probably should have. I can’t help myself. I want to experience everything. I want to try my hand at as many things as possible. As I have ventured in many different vocations, I have opened myself up for more opportunities to succeed as well as failure. And I have faced many obstacles. As I have gone through the challenges, I have been forced to grow and stretch myself. And although many times it was extremely difficult I have learned more about myself and what I am capable of.

I never start a project expecting to fail but I have also realized to not be afraid of failing. I have seen many people never even start working on their dreams, because there was no guarantee they would succeed. Many people are so afraid of obstacles, challenges and failure that they won’t even try. I am growing comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone. Fortunately, I have had a few wins and successes that have helped me build confidence. That internal, sometimes sub-conscience confidence knowing that I have accomplished a few things makes it easier to face challenges. In fact, as soon as we find what we love doing the obstacles we will inevitably face will be easier, because it’s worth it to us personally. And because of that truth, I suggest to the reader to find out what inspires you, what gets you excited every morning and pursue that as a vocation or at least a hobby. As one of my favorite authors Ryan Holiday says, the obstacle is the way. Don’t be afraid of challenges, we learn the most about what we are capable of as we face obstacles.

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 would like to think that more people are curious and excited about the world, but I don’t meet enough people that are like me. I would have to say what sets me apart is that I have an insatiable appetite for learning and creating. So much so that I often encourage people to spend more time creating than they do consuming. And of course, I must practice what I preach. As an example when the pandemic started I decided to spend my time creating. While cooped up I wrote 3 Children’s books. Then I found an illustrator for the books. They just got finished and all 3 became best sellers on Amazon in November 2022. It’s quite satisfying to try something new. I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to perfect. Something is better than nothing. Otherwise, we will wait for perfection but perfection may never come in this short life.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
First and foremost. I wish I would have been more patience and kind to everyone. I wish I would have gone out of my way to smile at everyone. I know I can’t change the whole world but I can smile at everyone I meet.

Second, If you like genuinely like something there is a good chance that other people will like it too. Just try new things. Find out what you like and find out what you are good at.

“When you’re 20, you care what everyone thinks, when you’re 40 you stop caring what everyone thinks, when you’re 60, you realize no one was ever thinking about you in the first place.”

I’m not sure who said this, but I wished I would have learned this sooner.

I have realized that you can be kind to everyone and not worry about what they think. You can be both kind to everyone but pave your own path.

So thirdly. Be genuine to yourselves and spread kindness in the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zachthomson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachthomson_official/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/zachthomson

Image Credits
Tracy Wright Corvo