Meet Timothy Richardson | Filmmaker & Cinematographer

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

Hi Timothy, how do you think about risk?
Taking risk has been the foundation to my journey I would say. That feeling of fearing what could come from a big decision eventually transformed into confirmation that I was headed the right way. Starting Untraditional Films during a pandemic I would say is one of the biggest risk I’ve taken to date and also the most liberating one. Everyday I try to challenge myself to take risk creatively to keep discovering the layers I possess as an artist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well I guess I’ll start by saying every artist is different. Every artistic medium brings something of value to the craft. I just like to consider myself fortunate and highly favored God open my eyes to film. I’m currently earning my Masters of Arts in Film at Georgia State University but that isn’t where my journey started. Before Georgia State I hadn’t picked up a camera before, I only had knowledge from in front of it. I was and still am currently a professional actor or storyteller rather. I was in love with how a film could make us feel as we’re watching it. I knew I had to be apart of that process. When I first picked up a camera I didn’t know how to turn it on, let alone capture some beautiful images. So yes, it was WORK. A lot of work. Body numbing work. No sleep. Long hours. Little progress. Then one day, you figure something out you’ve been working at for days and you feel yourself get a little bit stronger. You become a little bit more confident. I’m a strong believer we only fear what we don’t understand. Doing the research helped me become a better filmmaker. One thing to know about my life or my process is that it’s never been ‘traditional”. This is the meaning behind Untraditional Films. In numerous life stories that would be too long for this interview my successes were never a straight path. Which I guess is the circumstances for a lot of us as artist. This is why Untraditional Films was created. To have a conglomerate space where artist can create authentic content. I’ve learned so much since starting Untraditional Films, on the business side and artistic. I will say one theme that stays consistent and even increases is hard work. There’s no substitute for it.

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.
Well I would for sure take them to Slutty Vegan. I’m a fan of their burgers. Or Slim and Husky’s pizza. Both of these restaurants are Black owned. I’m a pretty simply guy that just enjoys a good flick so maybe a drive in movie at Starlight.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m a strong believer that it takes a village to succeed, and there have definitely been great mentors, friends, and family that have helped me along the way. Lisa Santiago is my mother. My rock. Thank you for your guidance and honesty while loving me unconditionally. To my sister Jessica Peoples. I am you and you are me. I love you so much and words can’t express how much your support means to your little big brother. Jesse White. To my amazing Grandmother, thank you for showing us what strength looks like. Thomas Santiago. Thank you for being a great Dad. I know Lorenzo is smiling. Candice Anderson and Janice Anderson. Thank you for the warm hugs and nurturing spirit you both possess. Tarell Alvin McCraney forever changed my life with the film “Moonlight”. James Laxton is the reason I want to be a cinematographer. Thank you to everyone who supports my work and see’s value in the message. Lastly, I simply just thank God.

Website: https://untraditionalfilms.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untraditionalfilms/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UntraditionalF
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UntraditionalFilms
Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user76732652

Image Credits
Actress: Marlena Robinson Still Black and White photography: Candice Anderson Movie Stills By: Timothy Richardson (Cinematographer)