My filmmaking odyssey commenced in the crisp autumn of 2020, when a spark of revelation struck me upon reviewing the lackluster videos of my recent vacation. Fueled by the desire to elevate my craft in travel videography, I embarked on a quest for knowledge and found myself navigating the vast digital ocean of YouTube.
My initial search for “How to shoot travel videos” plunged me into a sea of content that barely skimmed the surface of what I was yearning to learn. It wasn’t until I honed my search to “How to shoot CINEMATIC travel videos” that I struck gold. A masterpiece by AIDIN ROBBINS, “Sounds of the Pacific Northwest,” emerged from the depths, resonating with me on a profound level and igniting a flame of inspiration within.
The serendipitous workings of the YouTube algorithm became the compass that guided my journey, directing me to a constellation of filmmakers whose work would shape my path. The evocative narrative of Jamie TK’s “JAPAN-SEE WHAT I SEE” and the visual symphony of Ben TK’s travel films were more than just videos; they were virtual mentors whispering the secrets of their craft through every frame.
Though the winds of the COVID-19 pandemic sought to anchor me in place, my creativity refused to be quarantined. Malta, the familiar shores of my homeland, became my canvas, and my camera, the brush with which I painted my first short travel film, “ALONE,” featuring the candid innocence of adventures with my daughter.
Throughout this journey, I encountered a fellowship of digital artisans — Chris Hau’s dynamic storytelling, Sam Newton’s captivating compositions, Parker Walbeck’s meticulous techniques, and Peter McKinnon’s audacious creativity. Each creator, a thread in the tapestry of my learning, nudged me closer to finding my voice in the chorus of filmmakers.
This voyage transcended the accumulation of technical prowess; it was a pilgrimage towards the heart of storytelling. I began to see my own narratives taking shape, ready to be shared with the world. That inaugural video, “ALONE,” was merely the prologue to a saga of continued exploration and growth, spurred on by the very masters who had once filled my screen.
In essence, my narrative as a filmmaker is a tapestry woven from the threads of technical acumen, inspiration, and human connection. The YouTube algorithm was the loom that brought these strands together, introducing me to a world of creators whose influence was pivotal in crafting my own cinematic voice. My tale underscores the value of seeking diverse perspectives and the profound influence of digital platforms in the discovery and nurturing of creative talent.
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