Meet Rickela Reynolds | Filmmaker & Film Editor

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

Hi Rickela, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking a risk often means breaking out of your comfort zone, stepping into the unknown, and confronting the fear of failure. For me, the biggest risk I’ve ever taken was leaving the stability of a 9-5 job to pursue my passion for filmmaking full-time. This decision wasn’t easy, but the burning desire to carve out my path as an entrepreneur outweighed my fears.

The pivotal moment came in March 2020, right as the world was grappling with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many might have seen this as the worst possible time to start a new venture, but for me, it was a timely opportunity. The shift towards virtual interactions and online business created an environment ripe for my skills and ambitions.

Despite the uncertainty and the very real fear that I might not get any leads, I took the plunge. The move proved to be a perfect fit, aligning my aspirations with the new virtual era. This leap into entrepreneurship has not only allowed me to pursue my passion but also to grow and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up, I explored various artistic avenues—I could draw, paint, create music, and do some crafting. However, I didn’t initially realize my fascination with the camera. While I knew I wanted to work in film and media, I hadn’t pinpointed my exact path. I loved great stories and telling stories through art. Initially, I aspired to become an actress, but over time, my interests evolved. I pursued a BFA in Media Arts and Animation, yet I didn’t have the opportunity to fully embrace that skill.

It wasn’t until I received encouragement to pick up a camera and start filming in my local town that my true passion began to emerge. I’m grateful I took that advice, as it led me to fall in love with filmmaking. This newfound passion helped me identify my role as a filmmaker. Excitement marked the beginning of my journey, but it wasn’t without challenges.

The first hurdle was gaining recognition as a filmmaker, which required extensive networking and marketing. This phase involved a lot of research and efforts to advance my craft. There were days of disappointment and days when I felt unstoppable. However, my primary goal was to persevere, no matter the obstacles. The support of those around me was crucial in helping me move forward.

As an entrepreneur, I have learned many lessons, the most significant being the importance of asking for help. Initially, I wanted to build my business on my own and be proud of my independent achievements. However, I soon realized the necessity of humility and collaboration. There was much more to running a business than just creating.

Today, I am the proud owner and film director of Rickela Does Film. My small film company is still growing, and I’ve had to slow down some activities to take care of my mom—a story I’ll share another day. This journey has been a blend of creativity, perseverance, and learning, and I look forward to continuing to grow as a filmmaker.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Thomasville, GA, is a small, unique town brimming with activities tailored to various interests. If I were to show a friend around, our first stop would be downtown. Downtown Thomasville boasts a rich history, evident in its charming small shops and family-owned restaurants. One of my favorite dining spots is Jonah’s Fish and Grits. If my friend shares my love for seafood, they would undoubtedly relish the flavors at Jonah’s.

While Thomasville’s nightlife may not be extensive, there are still great spots for an evening out. My top recommendation for drinks and a lively atmosphere is The Tavern on Broad. The bartender there crafts delightful beverages, and the food has a fantastic reputation.

A unique monthly event in Thomasville is First Friday. On the first Friday of each month, downtown comes alive with “Sip ‘n Stroll.” Visitors can walk down Broad Street, favorite drink in hand, exploring the shops. The evening usually features a guest performer at our renowned amphitheater, adding to the vibrant ambiance.

To truly give my friend a taste of Thomasville’s history and culinary delights, I would schedule a Taste of Thomasville Food Tour. This tour offers a fantastic blend of food, drinks, and historical insights, providing a comprehensive experience of what the town has to offer.

Thomasville has even more to offer beyond these activities. Events like Victorian Christmas, The Covey Film Festival, and Due South showcase the town’s unique character and community spirit. In summary, Thomasville is a charming and diverse destination, and the experiences I’ve highlighted are just a glimpse into what makes this town special.

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 journey in the film industry has been marked by numerous challenges and triumphs, and I owe much of my success to the unwavering support of those around me. Without them, I likely wouldn’t have made it this far in my filmmaking career.

First and foremost, I must give a heartfelt shoutout to my mother, Dr. Katrena Reynolds. Her determination has always been a beacon of inspiration for me. She pursued her doctorate in education while balancing teaching and caring for our family. When I expressed my desire to become a filmmaker, she supported me wholeheartedly, helping me acquire the basic equipment I needed to get started. I am truly blessed to have such a dedicated and loving mother.

Next, I want to acknowledge my personal trainer and friend, Rick Sherrell. Rick’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to marketing have been invaluable to me. He not only encouraged me to start my own business but also stood by my side throughout my entrepreneurial journey. Rick saw potential in me that I couldn’t see at the time, helping me make crucial connections and mentoring me to become the best version of myself. I will be forever grateful for his guidance and friendship.

Speaking of mentors, I must also thank Andre and Walter Marria. Their belief in my potential and their mentorship have been instrumental in my growth as a filmmaker. They pushed me to strive for excellence and supported me every step of the way. Thank you both for your unwavering support.

Lastly, I want to express my deep gratitude to Eric Dodson, a distinguished film director and cinematographer of Blueprint Stories. Eric was truly a Godsend, providing me with the opportunity to collaborate with other filmmakers and advance my skills. His belief in my potential and his willingness to include me in his film crew have been pivotal in my career development.

A big thank you also goes out to the organizations that have helped shape my business: Toastmasters and BNI of Thomasville, and most importantly, Spark Thomasville. Each of these organizations has provided essential resources and support, allowing my business to flourish.

In conclusion, my filmmaking journey has been a collective effort, made possible by the incredible support and mentorship of these remarkable individuals and organizations. I am deeply thankful for each of them, and I carry their lessons and encouragement with me every day.

Instagram: RickelaDoesFilm

Facebook: rickeladoesfilm

Youtube: Rickela Does Film

Image Credits
L.S. Smith Photography
Daniel Shippey
Maura Marchant Photo