Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremie Waldvogel
Hi Jeremie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I knew I wanted to do something creative with my life — which began as wanting to be a Pixar animator as a kid, then dabbling in graphic design and stop motion animation as a teen. But it wasn’t until my life had some bumps in the road – moving, losing a crush, losing a job at Walmart, and random other things in 2018 that I reconsidered my life’s direction.
My mother had often suggested I create films – but I wasn’t ready to move to Hollywood and risk it all. Those were unrealistic dreams; it would be more reliable to pursue more “necessary” jobs than entertainment, right?
But then I heard of Tomorrow’s Filmmakers – a large network and online course all directed toward Christian filmmaking. Sure, there was cinema, but there were also courses on real estate videos, wedding films, how to conduct interviews, lighting, sound design, color correction and grading, and the list goes on and on.
Back in 2018 the course was $300, and included less than what they have today. They had a smaller wedding course, but it gave me the courage to film my cousin’s wedding with an iPhone and an iPad, even though I didn’t have much experience or a budget, and I hardly knew the difference between a ceremony and reception.
Fast forward to 2020, I got to meet the love of my life, and eventually moved out to the wonderful land of Missouri to marry her in 2022. Through the years I’ve worked as a videographer for an insurance company, a film conversion specialist, and now a real estate creative. Whichever opportunity I’ve taken, I’ve always wanted to build a portfolio and the experience toward making better films.
Working on the weekends for wedding videos is always a treat, as I love to capture the love stories of many couples, and hear how the Lord brought them together. It’s always an honor to preserve their one-and-only special day, and improve constantly to serve them better.
What’s next for Filmetta, my company? We’re experimenting with new ways to film, but I always want to see how we can not only stand out, but better serve our clients.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting out is always difficult – knowing where to find clients, and knowing which clients and industries are best to pursue.
With films, there’s always a chance that equipment malfunctions, and you have to learn how to bounce back – to find ways to get affordable but reliable equipment, and to be transparent when you miss the father first look at a wedding (ouch! that was a while ago, but I was transparent with the bride, we reenacted the shot, and the final product somehow turned out better than the first time!)
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most proud of my wedding films; whenever do something creative and beautiful that I’ve never done before, that’s when I feel most fulfilled in my creations.
Sometimes it’s just fun to break the mold. One example is that sometimes I’ll take my small Osmo Pocket camera and put it on a monopod (a “camera on a stick”, if you will), and will fake drone shots where it’s too dangerous or loud to have a drone otherwise. That’s where wisdom comes in, is knowing when to use the right tools to get the best results.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Finding your life purpose can be difficult, but with time it becomes clearer and clearer. I’ve always wanted to maintain openness and remain reliable in the here and now where God has placed me while being watchful and ready for the next step. The greater the risk, the greater the glory – sounds easy, but the road can only be paved with a servant’s heart.
Pricing:
- Essence package – 4Hr Wedding (+drone) – $1000
- Beauty Package – 6Hr Wedding (+drone, social reel, and more) – $2200
- Majesty Package – 8Hr Wedding (+drone, titles, and much more) – $3000
- Glory Package – 10Hr Wedding (+ a whole suite of extras) – $6400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://filmetta.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmetta/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063975522037
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuOa_ImqoSFzFAlYrd0OuIw
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UPCAIAhfuTI67M4vYT4OI
