Meet Nate Richardson | Videographer and Business Owner

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

Hi Nate, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I started my videography company, ShutterFilms, in January of 2022. A huge reason I decided to start my own videography business was because prior to that, I worked in the Atlanta film industry. Anyone who works in the film industry knows that the work life balance is terrible, borderline criminal. I was the director’s assistant for a Netflix film and would work between thirteen and fifteen hours a day. In November, I worked every single day of the month until we went on break for Thanksgiving. Point being, the work life balance was overwhelmingly in favor of work and it was terrible for nearly every aspect of my health. Starting my own business has allowed me to set my own schedule, and take back control of how I balance my life. That doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t long days when you work for yourself. I’ve had many days where I’m up late into the night working on a project. Both the film industry and starting your own business are hard work, the difference is that I get to decide what time I spend building my brand and what time I spend with my wife and family. Since starting ShutterFilms, I’ve been leaps and bounds happier, and healthier as I’m now in the driver’s seat of where my time is spent and how I balance my life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
ShutterFilms is a video production company servicing the Atlanta and middle Georgia area. Our three areas of focus are wedding and event videography, real estate videography, and social media advertising. I like to look at my business not so much as a video service, but as a video solution. Film and video are not just fun projects that can make your brand look more professional. They’re tools that can be used to solve a problem. With any client, I always take the approach of “what is the problem” and “how can I solve that problem for you through video”. When a business works with us, they’re not buying a video. They’re investing in a product that will solve their problem whether that be sales, image, or brand awareness.

Something that held me back when starting my business was imposter syndrome. Being a videographer in Atlanta can be intimidating because there’s so many other people in this city that are so good at their craft that it can be hard to feel like you’ll be successful. Something I’ve learned over my brief time in business is that sometimes it’s not about being the best at your craft or even having the best prices. It’s about building relationships that are valuable to your clients. So valuable, that they recommend you to other people because you’re reliable. Almost all the work I do comes through my connections and referrals from previous clients because they’re satisfied with my work and know that I give them 100% no matter what.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a huge Hawks fan. If the game is at home (and the ticket prices aren’t to crazy) you can find me at State Farm Arena cheering on Trae Young and yelling at the refs. If the game is away, I love hitting up Hudson’s Grille on Peachtree. They’ve got good food and a great environment for watching a game. If I’m going out with my wife or with friends, a personal favorite spot is Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall in Little Five Points. It’s an outdoors/camping themed restaurant with an amazing brisket sandwich and an awesome outdoors space for hanging out. I’m also a big fan of Colony Square. I love the open air setting and the food court along with the IPIC Theater. Last but not least, the Georgia Aquarium is a classic. It’s just such a fascinating place that anyone can enjoy whether you’re six or sixty.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
ShutterFilms wouldn’t be here today without my grandfather, Orvis Haney. I was very close with my grandfather growing up and something unique about him was that he always collected movies. We would often go to thrift stores and he would skim through the movie section to find new titles to add to his collection. I decided to major in cinema in college because his love for movies had passed down to me. Everything I know about film and video production I attribute to him as he ushered me into a love of all things cinema. He introduced me to my first R rated film which as a kid is a terribly exciting experience. The film happened to be Shutter Island by Martin Scorsese, a personal favorite of his, as well as mine now. It was a memory that I hold dear, even after his passing of COVID-19 in February of 2021. While trying to decide on a name for my business, I decided to go with ShutterFilms in honor of him and that special memory which in a way, propelled me into my career today.

Website: www.shutterfilmsllc.com

Instagram: @shutterfilms_llc

Facebook: @shutterfilmsllc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzAvBbTMOR6AJSbCD2c-V6w