Hey everyone, thought I'd introduce myself again. My name is Stephen Folker and I'm a self-taught filmmaker based out of Eastern Iowa.
Since 2004, I've been a professional photographer and have been pursuing filmmaking since 2010. In 2020, during the Pandemic, my hard work started to payoff, and I was hired by PBS to produce and direct a short film about the pandemic. To date, it's still one of my favorite pieces. For those interested, here's the link: https://vimeo.com/446296758/3a4bf9b7dc
Shortly after, I got an email from a producer in New York about a new crime series / and needing someone to film a few interviews for the show. Not knowing what it was, and thinking it was fake, I deleted the email. A few days later, curiosity killed the cat and I found the email / then called the number in it. Turns out some show was being filmed a couple hours from me, and my work had been noticed / and they needed a camera guy. With the Pandemic disrupting so many things, including flying a crew out, I pitched filming entire episode solo. The producers gave me a chance and next thing you know, I'm filming multiple episodes. I'd later find out, that this show (KILLER CASES), was for a big network and would air on A&E and Hulu.
Fast forward, nowadays I'm busy producing, directing / filming projects for lots of awesome writers I meet. My last feature, I shot solo (no crew) is already in discussion for distribution from several distributors. Here's the trailer if you're interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwQgeqoCA0w
To wrap this long intro post up, if a guy from Iowa can make things happen, with no viable film network locally and no film education (self-taught) YOU CAN TOO! My message to all aspiring filmmakers, writers, directors, actors...just go for it! Don't worry about what anyone thinks of you or your work. Avoid negative people. It's okay to burn some bridges, not all are worth crossing. Believe in yourself and others will believe in you. So many people are 'experts' but have done so little. Network, meet people...go for it!
Hope this inspires just one person. :)
Have an awesome day!
Stephen
FolkerFilms.com
Follow me on Facebook.com/folkerfilms
3 people like this
Nice work, Stephen. I'll watch for your film release :-) Cheers
2 people like this
Matthew Kelcourse - appreciate your kind words and wishing you a successful 2024!
2 people like this
Congratulations on being in discussion for distribution, Stephen Folker! Let's all chew bubble gum and kick butt this year!
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Stephen Folker well done, Stephen. I love that trailer and particularly the creepy dude. Awesome. Keep us all posted on how the distribution goes.
2 people like this
Best of luck with everything.
2 people like this
Always great to see you Stephen Folker . Thank you for this inspiring post, love it! Here's to 2024 being a Kicking-Butt year for us all! LET'S GO!
1 person likes this
Geoff Hall thanks for checking it out!
2 people like this
Elena Maro Positive vibes sent your way!
2 people like this
Thanks Stephen Folker . The trailer is fantastic, congratulations on making it all happen! Can't wait for the film!
3 people like this
Great film. Love seeing the world through the child's POV.
4 people like this
hey Stephen, that is a fantastic story! Very inspiring. It shows that you can be successful in this industry from any place in the world. I am in between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, by the way :). Congrats and good luck with all your future projects.
3 people like this
Thanks for sharing your journey from professional photography to filmmaking! I love the entertainment sphere and I like video editing (this is the thing I am studying right now).