In an effort to bring more cinematic stories to life, Dadley Productions is proud to highlight filmmakers across the country producing cinematic stories in their local communities. Today we are featuring Central Pennyslvanian filmmaker, Jeff Stoltzfus of Cinerial.
Check out our exclusive interview with Jeff here:
Tell us how you like to tell cinematic stories.
Cinerial is focused on using aerial cameras for a unique perspective on the subject. Drones are a niche that provides time effective ways of setting up tracking shots and capturing sweeping scenic views. Just one more tool in our storytelling tool-belt, but they come at a cost of needing to be very aware of safety and complex regulations. Personally, I have much more experience than just using a drone but this particular focus in my career at this point is just a way to give myself some added value to the community.
How did you get started as a filmmaker?
When I was in college I enjoyed working with technology to create art through film. Capturing and forming moving pictures into a piece that could make people think. Instead of moving to Hollywood to pursue the filmmaking dream, I ended up working for a local media company producing promotional videos for non-profits and television programs.
What inspired you to pursue filmmaking in your local community?
Necessity. Family has been my priority for many years and my focus on that has kept me in the area.
What do you love most about your local film community?
People are generally friendly and willing to connect. I appreciate the friends I've made in Lancaster and hope to connect with even more as we work on projects together. There are a lot of colorful and creative people in the city and I can't wait to see what the future holds.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to tell their own story?
Dig deep and be authentic. This is something I'm working toward in my personal life. Film and television can be a powerful way for people to come to new understandings about their life and how to live it as better human beings. Use your filmmaking superpowers for good.
What is one *practical* way people outside of the filmmaking community can get involved in cinematic storytelling in their hometown?
oh, i have no idea... lol I'm still trying to break in myself.
Tell us about a recent film or TV series that inspired you in some way.
"Russian Doll" and Ricky Gervais "After Life", and "the OA" are television series on Netflix that I've really enjoyed recently. These shows really take you on a journey of discovery. Although very different shows, these series push deep into the inner lives of broken people which I think we can all relate to. Every day social media often covers up the fact that many of us feel we are stumbling through life a bit and I loved these stories because they incorporate those deeper human emotions.
How can people best keep in touch with you?
The website for my aerial work is cinerial.net and I post regularly to Instagram @cinerial1 and my personal account @jeffstoltzfus