Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Callen.
Hi Tony, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My story started at the skatepark in Hugo, MN. I meet my best friend, Wyatt, there. I always saw him filming his skateboard tricks with his GoPro camera. I didn’t even think much of it until he asked me to film one of his tricks. I had no clue how to use a camera, but I was ready to shoot after a short lesson on where the record button was. I filmed his trick, and we watched it back together. He commented, “You killed it, thanks, dude!” And ever since then, I have been hooked! I started filming some of my content, such as little skits, automotive videos, and tutorials. One day, Wyatt’s dad asked if we could shoot some videos for his realtor friend.
We had never done realtor videos before, but I figured why not! Once we had completed the video for her, she replied to us, “Wow, this is amazing! What do I owe you?” Wyatt and I looked at each other in shock. We had no clue what to charge. We had never charged for filmmaking. Before. So, she said, “I’ll tell you what, I will give you guys $350 for this video because that’s what I think it is worth.” Wyatt and I looked at each other with great excitement. And it was after this day that I knew I wanted to make a living off filmmaking. I went to Century College for my Filmmaking AAS and focused my efforts on the business side of filmmaking. To this day, CFilms is my full-time business, and I don’t know what I would be doing if I didn’t discover my love for making videos.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
With any self-employment and company start-up, there will always be rough patches, but those shape your company and teach you lessons to build your skills. Some of my struggles along the way are more related to the company’s business side. Dealing with contracts and unhappy customers will always be present in any business; figuring out a way around that to please both you and the customer will forever be the struggle that a business will face. The process has been comfortable, and I’m excited about the future.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I would say my company is known for its automotive content. That is what I fell in love with early on. And that is the majority of the content I have presented. I am slowly transitioning into Real estate content and Wedding films. These two areas will help grow my business financially, whereas automotive is much more of a passion project. Alongside filmmaking, I also have a line of T-Shirts under my business name. I am known for this across all my social media platforms. And that aspect of my company is slowly growing yearly. The connection I build with every client I work with sets me apart from others. Being personable and genuine with clients and people, in general, will go a long way in building lasting relationships.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
Most of my inspiration came from Wyatt’s dad, Benny, who also owns his own business. He taught me a ton about running sales and finances for a company and gave me the drive I have to run my company. The one podcast I do listen to is the HWMF Podcast by Seth Feroce. He is a bodybuilder who also runs a few companies. He is extremely in-irrational and solely built on a “You only live once, so do what you love” mindset.
Pricing:
- Content Package (Horizontal video, reel, and 20 photos)- $600
- Wedding film – $2500
- Photo Session – $350
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cfilms.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.films.channel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.callen.94/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIKiaFU3ON2k1q_IEpBdHew
Image Credits
Will Hank
