Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Stafford
Hi Michael, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio for most of my life. I was always a person who had a strong passion for the creative arts such as drawing and crafting. After graduating John F. Kennedy High School in 2003, I attended Cuyahoga Community College where I achieved my Associate’s Degree in Business Management and later achieved my Bachelor of Arts in Film with a minor in Creative Writing. Several years later, I continued to build my skills in video production while at the same time providing assistance to other filmmakers, videographers, and content creators that were highly advanced and very hands-on with the video production supporting their ambitions. I eventually generated the interest to creating my film projects, building my own library of video content, and creating opportunities to people that are interested in being in front of the camera and/or behind the scenes. I continue to build unique skills to increase my knowledge and services onto other people, while discovering creative ways of being creative and learning the world of video and film, on the creative side and business side.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was a not a smooth road at all. In my early days growing up, I dealt with a lot of depression, anxiety, isolation, just name a few mental health issues that I had a hard time managing. I lacked a lot of self-assurance, self-discipline, and consistency based on my upbringing. I spent most of life prioritizing my education, my job and providing attention to my immediate family members based on their individual needs . By the time I transitioned into my 30s’, I decided to get therapy to help manage my mental health, which became the best decision that I have ever made because had the opportunity to be comfortable communicating my problems and authentic with no fear of judgement. It even lead me to build my faith and continue to build a relationship with God, which I do to this day. Because of the support of therapy and positive figures, I learned to take more responsibility for my mental/emotional behaviors and prioritize on tasks that would improve my quality of life later on. Now I live my life purposefully with the major desire of becoming the best version of myself that I could possibly be and inspiring others to do same for themselves.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wear many hats within the field. I enjoy multiple exploring different sides of the filmmaking process from pre-production to post production. However, my main focus is being a film director and videographer. As a film director, I have expanded towards making superhero films that focused on original characters that continues to battle their mental barriers and exploring their potential as heroes. As a videographer, I invest time providing behind-the-scenes content to filmmakers showcasing creative individuals on set while increase the value of their respected films, but also create video content to help promote special events and other businesses.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I can always be found helping other filmmakers with their projects as they take part in multiple filmmaking competitions in the Cleveland film community (48-Hour Film Project, Short Sweet Film Fest, 21 Days of Horror, etc.) Networking is an importing element me for in terms of growth and expansion. I have a pretty strong interest in attending multiple social gatherings and networking events both film-related and business-related. I am looking towards wanting to be a positive figure in the Cleveland Film community among other filmmakers and entrepreneurs. People are more than welcome to follow me and subscribe to the following social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) under the name “M-Staff Productions”.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mstaffproductions
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mstaffproductions
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mstaffproductions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/m-staffproductions
- Other: https://linktr.ee/mstaffproductions
