In this episode, we delve into the captivating journey of Zac Stracener, a filmmaker whose unique blend of creativity, community engagement, and dedication to storytelling has garnered attention both on and off the screen. From his beginnings crafting DIY films to his transition into feature-length productions, Zac shares insights into his creative process, the challenges he's faced, and the importance of fostering connections within the filmmaking community. Through his work, Zac not only entertains audiences but also sparks conversations about mental health and the power of storytelling to create meaningful impact. Join us as we explore the intersection of art, community, and personal growth with Zac Stracener.

 Key Takeaways

• The Power of Community in Filmmaking: Zac Stracener's journey underscores the importance of building connections within the filmmaking community. By collaborating with fellow creatives, sharing resources, and supporting one another, filmmakers can amplify their impact and bring their visions to life more effectively.
• Storytelling as a Tool for Social Change: Through his films, Zac Stracener addresses important social issues such as mental health, offering audiences a platform to engage with these topics in a meaningful way. His work demonstrates the power of storytelling to foster empathy, raise awareness, and spark conversations about pressing societal issues.
• Embracing Creativity and Innovation: From DIY filmmaking to larger-scale productions, Zac's journey highlights the value of embracing creativity and innovation in the pursuit of one's artistic vision. Whether it's finding inventive solutions to budget constraints or pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling techniques, Zac's approach encourages filmmakers to think outside the box and explore new possibilities.
• Personal Growth Through Art: Zac's dedication to his craft has not only propelled his career forward but also fostered personal growth and self-discovery. Through the ups and downs of his filmmaking journey, Zac has learned valuable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the transformative power of art. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers to embrace the challenges they face as opportunities for growth and self-expression.

About Zac Stracener

Zac Stracener is a Director/Producer/Writer based in North Carolina. His work has been nominated for the Young Director’s Award at Cannes Lions and published by VARIETY. He has also created meaningful stories for The Northface, Freschetta and Jeld-Wen. Zac is well known for capturing raw, visceral human emotions and translating them into heart wrenching scenes and inspiring visuals.

In This Episode

• [00:00] Welcome to the show!
• [06:10] Meet Zac Stracener
• [12:52] Community and Mental Health
• [21:45] Writing a Feature Film
• [23:55] Film Clothing
• [26:55] Film Community
• [30:21] Advice for being a Creative
• [34:30] Outro

Quotes

"Filmmaking is not just about telling stories; it's about creating connections with your audience and sparking meaningful conversations about important social issues."

“In the world of indie filmmaking, collaboration is key. Surround yourself with passionate and talented individuals who share your vision, and together, you can achieve great things."

"Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Don't let challenges discourage you; instead, use them as fuel to propel yourself forward on your creative journey."

"Art has the power to change hearts and minds. As filmmakers, we have a responsibility to use our platform to shed light on pressing social issues and advocate for positive change."

"Never underestimate the power of storytelling. Whether it's through film, music, or literature, storytelling has the ability to inspire, educate, and unite people from all walks of life."

Guest Links

Find Zac Stracener online

Follow Zac Stracener on Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube

Follow Film Clothing on Instagram

Links

Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER  

Find out more about the Onward Summit

Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group 

Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram

Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram

Check out the full show notes