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

Hi Michael, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
In a Marvel’s SWORD comic I read this year, Magneto was asked why he didn’t do something the easy way. His response is perfect: “It’s good to travel the harder road sometimes. After all, if we never tested our limits… we might assume we had some.”

If I have a mission, its to convince people that they are capable of more than what they thought.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve moved into a primarily post production career. Editing, VFX, color grading, motion design; these things have overtaken my artistic process and I am perfectly happy with that. I’m immensely inspired by comic books, and movies that utilize technology to tell stories. Going even further, I’m taking the path of a VFX Art Director, where I help projects visualize the effects side of things.

My artistic journey started as kid, I picked up a camera when I was 13, and started editing the same year. My passion survived military service, becoming a father right before film school started, and then getting through that. None of it was easy. And even though there were plenty of times where I questioned if I was following the correct, smart path… I just can’t imagine myself doing anything else. The harder road, right?

The lessons run rampant in my head. Be confident, not cocky. Shut up and listen, you learn a lot more that way and it keeps you out of the nonsense. Don’t move in silence though! How else are people going to know what you’re about? Moving in silence is anti-marketing. Learn the difference between friends and associates. Whatever creative path you’re following, practice and study as much as you can! And always keep an extra memory card on you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta has a lot going on, and for me, its the film/photo spots and food for sure. We’re hitting up Ru San’s for sushi in Buckhead or going to West Midtown to Takorea for the buffalo chicken tacos. If they’re my friend then we’re probably also going to check the shelves at Oxford Comics, big shout out to them and their wonderful staff. You can also find me walking through one of the many nature spots like Vickery Creek. Where I’m from we don’t have dine-in theatres, so Studio Movie Grill or the AMC one will likely have to be on the itinerary.

Other than that, I got a couple secret photo spots that I’ll leave out for now, maybe next time!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Your perspective on life and your character is made up of your life experiences and the people who’ve added to that. The list is long for people who have contributed to who I am today and where I’m at with my career. But its my daughter, Gwen, who will always hold the top spot. Her existence alone is enough for me to go for my goals.

Website: www.atlfilmmaker.com

Instagram: @asgardian_mike

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-odom-6a9867a3

Image Credits
Caitlyn Smith

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