Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhodes Farrell.
Hi Rhodes, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
In high school, I was able to take an audio recording class and wanted to be an audio engineer. But as I went to college, I realized I had worked with cameras a lot as well. In my final semester of college, being too late, I figured out I should have gone for Film Production. So, I taught myself on YouTube and included videos in whatever job I had after that for the next several years. When I moved to Spartanburg in 2018, I went full time into video production. But this job often involves a lot of solo work, and I wanted some friends. So, I started up Film Bar Greenville in 2021 as a networking group for those in the filmmaking industry. I have lots of friends now. I found that I have a knack for producing through managing that group and doing film challenges and classes. I’ve been pursuing that and loving it for the past year and a half.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Pretty smooth, yeah! If I had gone to school for this, I might have jumped in sooner, but the business classes I took instead have been quite useful. For a long time, though, I had only considered myself a videographer, doing small business videos for locals. When I started Film Bar, I seriously stepped into narrative work. I’m happy I did, though. It has given me more opportunities to work on projects with community members.
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your business.
I am a videographer. I often make videos for businesses for their website or marketing, but I do several other things. If anyone is curious, there is a list of alternative ways videos can be utilized on my website. More recently, however, I have been producing or pulling things together for larger productions and ensuring things go smoothly. I would love more opportunities to bring people together on a larger production to create something amazing and way better than anything I could manage solo (most video work is just talking heads). I recently got to do this with Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg in partnership with Film Bar Greenville. I was the Producer/Director and got to work with some amazing people to make a narrative commercial. That can be seen on my website as well.
What sets me apart is my personality. I love making connections and constantly keep an upbeat mentality. Filmmaking is fun, and I love bringing people into that world to show them. If you are working with me, you can be sure you’ll have fun doing it and end up with a professional video. As a voice for the community, I want to say to businesses out there that you are behind if you are not using video for your business and that you should also consider ways that you can join the film industry. I always say, ‘Anything you can do in the world, you can do in the film.’ Even if you only list your location on the Film Commission website to be used for films being made in your area.
We have a love for people and hearing their stories. We also love the idea of superpowers and doing the impossible, and with movie magic, that can happen. Video brings both of these loves together.
FILM BAR GREENVILLE
I want to discuss Film Bar more because this sparked so much for the community and me. It has become my passion project. It is a networking group that has grown to so much more. The people that come, get to connect with so many others. I have seen total beginners become working professionals, and new business partnerships sprout, all from simply having a few drinks and talking to each other about stuff we love; filmmaking. We also participate in local film festivals, tour studios and other agencies, offer free classes, and most importantly, do film challenges. These challenges provide opportunities for the community members to work together, learn from each other, and have something to show for it all (which we do at our viewing parties).
What matters most to you?
Community. Although there is a lot of solo work, primarily due to budgets, it is a team effort. This is also why I started Film Bar, why I help with film festivals and make short films, YouTube videos, and podcasts. It’s all for the community. On the same coin, I love learning about other businesses and how they got to where they are, the community that helped them get there, or the community they serve are all integral pieces. For me, I never want to feel left out. So, I make sure no one else feels that way.
Pricing:
- Fortunately and unfortunately, videos come in all prices. But in general, I plan to budget between $1000-$5000 for professional video work.
- $5,000 – $10,000 for higher-end video with talent, crew, and locations
- $10,000+ for any national commercial work
- Coming to Film Bar is free, though!
Contact Info:
- Website: ScenicRhodes.com
- Instagram: @rhodes_makes_videos @indiefilmhub
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/filmbargreenville
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhodes-farrell/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IndieFilmHub
- Other: https://linktr.ee/scenic_rhodes
Image Credits
The Cargo Agency, Pronk Studios, Reedy Reels Film Festival, Film Bar Greenville
