Meet E. A. Dodson: Director / DP

We had the good fortune of connecting with E. A. Dodson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi E. A., what inspires you?
Truthfully, many ignored calls, texts, personal messages, emails, and letters of mine have led me to where I am today. Those same disregarded cries for advice and opportunity will be the reason I one day will have a story worthy to tell. Understand that there are a lot of people that declare they want to do what it is that you lose sleep over. They want to do something that you not only dream about, set unimaginable goals for, but frankly, you’re deathly afraid of losing. You stretch yourself daily not just wanting to do it, but, hell, to live it! Be inspired by those producer guys that never paid you that one time. Be inspired by the ones that quit believing in you and the path you’ve set for your life. Be inspired by the fact that those aren’t your people. Be inspired by “The Room.” Don’t just be good enough to get into it, but be great enough to stay in it!

What do you want people to know about you or your brand?
Testimonies are powerful things. If I were to tell you mine, honestly, the words “work” or “effort” and “toughness” would be mentioned a few times. No one would have to ask how or why that would happen because it would be clear why they belonged. Crazy thing is, you and I probably aren’t so different.

Our initial paths to greatness were more than likely prematurely deviated; your ‘story’ is stained like many others, yet, the heart remains the same. For me, it’s difficult to put into words the 1000% percent takes to achieve success. It’s not so much what I want people to know about me or my brand, but more so what they need to know to be physically and mentally able to succeed when the opportunity presents itself. Understand that nobody wants to see or hear about you working harder than them. Stop telling everyone your plans or your goals and use that effort to push forward. And those college professors…that expensive piece of paper…they can’t teach you about heart. That grit, man. If there’s something you truly want to do, then you’ll find a way to do it. And that’s tough.

Whether it’s during the weeks constantly pondering what’s next for yourself, repeatedly problem-solving the excuses in your mind with results, or finding the energy to practice one last lighting setup before calling it a night, you, yourself, are the challenge. Trust and believe that 80% of people are going to quit; they will give up on their dreams and settle for the paved road traveled by many. I’ve seen it. Some of your friends are living it. The odds may be against you; others will be against you; hell, they’ll like and love everything on social media except your work because of it. But who you are, what you dream about faithfully, and what your testimony personifies, will be what sets you apart. It will be why you make it! Remember that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Most, if not all, of my friends are creatives. Whether they’re filmmakers, photographers, painters, even dancers, my circle of people constantly keep me in an inspiring state of mind. A week long trip to the city would consist of us traveling and scouting for beautiful locations to film or making something to document whatever adventure we chose to go on. There would be no certain places to check off the list because when you’re exploring, the thrill of finding something new is what pushes you forward. It keeps you going. My friends and I share this same type of feeling and connection. I will say though, I love food, we would definitely find our way to Morton’s Steakhouse! One of our wedding clients had their rehearsal dinner there; I remember it being amazing!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My circle is small, but for the individuals that remain solid within it, they mean the most to me. Family is my backbone; I would love to shoutout my wife, Allyson Dodson. She remains constant in my ever-changing world as a creative. Whether it’s the late nights in my office editing, the long trips away from home filming, or my impatience towards a dream I never know when I’ll reach, Ally is steadfast. Lord willing, she will one day be the mother of our children; her love, encouragement, and servant’s heart makes her legendary.

Website: www.olliepandafilms.com

Instagram: @olliepandafilms

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OlliePandaFilms

Image Credits
All images are property of E. A. Dodson / Ollie & Panda Films