Today we’d like to introduce you to Ethan Sigmon.
Hi Ethan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began shooting weddings during my last year of film school. At the time, the company I initially worked for had an internship for editors. A few of my friends went on to work for them full time, and they told me that they were actively looking forward assistant videographers. I loved the idea of getting out every weekend and shooting. I knew the only way I could be a better filmmaker was if I shot more. I emailed the company and eventually got the job second shooting (where you assist and shoot alongside a primary videographer). I don’t remember the exact process for applying, but I remember asking the owner of the company why I was hired. He said I was so persistent with my follow-ups that it was almost annoying, and he knew that anyone that passionate about the job was probably perfect for it. I shot for them for about two to three years before I moved to Los Angeles to further my career as a commercial photographer and cinematographer. I found the wedding industry was a very stable industry. There were predictable seasons, and I could pay my bills and pursue my passions comfortably if I filmed them. Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, I started my own company, Monroe Films, because I wanted to separate myself from every other videography company. I hated the term “videographer” and wanted my craft to distinguish me from the industry norms that are prevalent today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been relatively smooth. There are always growing pains and things you have to learn. I came from a very small town in North Carolina with humble beginnings. When I moved to Los Angeles, I had a $500 Nikon DSLR and not a lot to my name. I rented all the gear I needed for weddings for a year. Although I’ve worked very hard, it’s never enough. I’ve been fortunate to meet quite a few people that stuck with me. We refer each other, help out, criticize and keep each other in check. Aside from the pandemic, the biggest struggle is growing your network. It’s not enough to advertise your company. You have to have strong network connections and referrals to really succeed, and that means being reliable and generally being a pleasant person to be around. It can be easy to let those traits get away from you when times are tough.
As you know, we’re big fans of Monroe Films. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Monroe Films is a boutique wedding film company specializing in destination weddings and building stories out of love and relationships. We love to make people cry. We love to be inspired by travel and unique locations, decorations, or ideas. We love watching families laugh and grow. We love to see decades of emotion come alive. I think what sets us apart is the loose cinematic rule book that we follow. The videography world is ripe with shortcuts, but we don’t believe in that. We want to film and edit weddings the same way we film movies because our goal is to make heirloom works of art that people cherish forever.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I had a mild interest in photography, but I’ve always been drawn to art. Honestly, I didn’t even like movies in high school. But I loved photography class. I took all the drawing and painting classes I was afforded and had a strong relationship with music, even to this day. Going to film school was an easy decision because I saw it as a blend of photography and writing. But it’s not always been easy. Part of being an artistic child means I’ve also always been an introvert, using art as escapism or an abstract way of expression and reflection. Which is why being a wedding filmmaker is so much easier for me than being a wedding photographer. We definitely have more “fly on the wall” careers by capturing moments from afar. Photographers are very much the emotional captain of the day, and clients feed off that.
Pricing:
- Our packages typically start at $3850, but vary based on location and wedding size.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.Monroe-films.com
- Instagram: @monroefilms
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/monroefilms
- Other: www.vimeo.com/monroefilms
Image Credits:
Portrait: Henry of HumanArtwork
