Meet Jesse Williams | Cinematographer & Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jesse Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jesse, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work/life balance is an interesting topic, and lately seems to be somewhat polarizing even! I came from a previous job where the work/life balance was essentially non-existent. They railed against the concept and wanted you to devote your entire life to the business. However, the ditch on the other side of the same road is lethargy, which can be equally damaging.

This was a big factor for me in making the decision to work for myself in 2020. Suffice to say, that balance has shifted a good deal for me over time, as I’m able to decide when I need to work hard and when I need to refuel. I believe the key ingredient here though is being just as intentional in your rest as you are in your work. The opposite of work isn’t simply taking time off to just do nothing. There need to be things in your rest/refuel time that breathe creative life back into you. For me, this is film or episodic shows, fiction novels, behind-the-scenes articles, discovering new albums and getting out into the wild. I sometimes think of the concept like an iPhone – when you’re using it, the battery is slowly being drained. But when you want to recharge it, you wouldn’t just set it on the couch for long periods of time unconnected to a power source!

I really believe that solid rest gives you the fuel you need to come back and do solid work. Conversely, being intentional about your work time is just as important. In America, when you’re greeted by a friend who you haven’t seen in a minute, they’ll often ask you: “So, you staying busy?”. I usually push back on this, because I think one can stay busy and get nothing done. I usually say something like “I’ve got all the work I want right now” or “My schedule is nicely full”. I never want to be busy just for the sake of it.

I think ultimately, I naturally find a balance between work and life, the real task is making sure they’re each productive and serving their purpose!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When it comes to my freelance business, Mazzaroth Media, what I get most excited about is helping local brands and businesses tell their story through creative video. I’m also excited to see what the rest of 2021 & 2022 have in store as we start to get back to a pseudo-“normal” as a society. I believe that where I’m at today is almost entirely based on the connections that I’ve built and earned over my career. I feel like I’m always saying – the result of doing good work and being a good hang is more work!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a big-time coffee geek so that’s where it has to start for me. Inside the city, my favorite shop is Chrome Yellow, and Revelator coffee is also killer. Counter Culture offers free coffee cuppings to the public every Friday too – Tastings at Ten! Outside of the city in Holly Springs, my friends have a roastery called Alma Coffee and they are doing super cool things in the coffee scene.

Some of the best spots to hang out/shop is definitely Marietta Square & Ponce City Market, and for daytime activities we’d either kayak the chattahoochee or etowah river and play disc golf at Perkerson Park.

For evening drinks, we’d hit Reformation Brewery.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Jon Selden! From being a solid friend for years to the best man at my wedding, we’ve worked together and learned a lot together over time. He’s also a super skilled cinematographer and drone operator. Check him out at www.instagram.com/jon.selden. There’s always something interesting to see on his account!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mazzarothmedia/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-williams-22733243/

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/itsthejesse

Image Credits
Images 4&5 (me holding a camera) courtesy of Clay Goswick Photography