“Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from going out of your comfort zone, or trying something new. Own your mistakes and your successes…they’re both equal parts of your journey."
— Morgan Walker
The Interview Q&A
How long have you been working in the film industry? Where did you get your start?
“On set, I typically take on the role of director of photography. I operate the camera and manage audio for almost every shoot I'm a part of.”
Who is your biggest inspiration? What have they taught you?
“I’ve been working in the industry for six years. I got my start at a photography studio in Orlando. I taught myself how to shoot video on a Canon DSLR and edit in Premiere Pro. It took about nine months for me to learn the ins and out of the equipment and software before we were able to accept video clients.”
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
“My biggest inspirations are my fellow creative friends and peers who are carving their own path and have found success as an artist, doing what they love. They have taught me, and continue to teach me, that it is possible to be a successful creative professional. It takes a certain level of dedication to yourself, to your skills, and a lot of hard work. They teach me the importance of continuing to invest in myself.”
What are some of the biggest things you’ve accomplished in your career so far?
“I draw inspiration from so many different things. Nature is something that has always been inspiring to me on a fundamental level, just as a human being living on this earth and being able to witness its beauty. I love traveling and actually learned videography and editing by making travel videos about the places I’ve been to. I tend to incorporate nature in my wedding films as much as possible, like capturing the sunlight filtering through trees blowing in the wind or the natural sounds of birds or insects. As a cinematographer and storyteller, I am also deeply inspired by people and their individual stories. I love documentary filmmaking because there’s so much richness and beauty in people and the lives they’ve lived. I love just sitting down and talking to people.”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? (No dream is too big!)
“Personally, five years from now I see myself living in a house that I own, in a beautiful place, being fulfilled with the work that I am doing, and surrounded by a supportive and amazing group of family and friends. My main career goal at this point is to work on a documentary that is meaningful, either as a DP, editor, or any role really. I want to use my skills and passion as a form of activism in issues I believe in. Documentary filmmaking is such a powerful tool to inform people and change attitudes. I yearn to be a part of a team and a project, creating something that can change the world for the better.”
If you had one piece of advice for a woman who wants to get started in the film industry what it would be?
“It’s difficult to just think of just one piece of advice, haha. Looking back at my younger self who had no idea what she was doing, but was curious to learn everything she possibly could, I think the one thing I would say is… you are going to make mistakes. No matter what. And that’s ok.. in fact, it’s actually good! Mistakes mean you went and did the thing, and you learned something. You become an expert at what you do because you learn from your mistakes and you become really, really good at planning. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from going out of your comfort zone, or trying something new. Own your mistakes and your successes.. they’re both equal parts of your journey.”