Today we’d like to introduce you to Luca Dawson.
Hi Luca, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In my final year at Bishop Miege, I decided to enroll in a class called Miege Weekly. This was a video class where students would work together to create videos showcasing events happening at Bishop Miege that week. These videos could talk about blood drives, football games, fundraisers, and other events. We couldn’t just be boring about presenting these events; we were trying to get people captivated. So we created funny skits. This class provided the foundational skills I needed in camera work and editing. But most importantly, it ignited a passion for filmmaking, which led me to pursue film as a major in college.
I went to Avila University in my first year, which granted me the opportunity to be on a film set for the first time as an extra. It also gave me the path to meet local Kansas City actors, crew members, and directors with whom I still work. I then transferred to JCCC, where I ironed out my skills in camera work and editing. I created a few short films while also working on professional sets (as a PA or 2nd AC) with Strange Music, AGA Productions, Amazon Prime Sports, and several other organizations.
During this time, I realized that the skills I was learning on these film sets transferred to the live production industry. It led me to work for the Chiefs, where I would help set up the gigantic line of fiber that held up their sky cam, or I would help make sure that the wiring connected to cameras on the football field stayed untangled.
After my time at community college came to an end, I transferred to UMKC in January of this year. Since then, I’ve shot a ton of student projects while also working for the Chiefs or on a T-Mobile commercial.
As of today, I am in the middle of writing multiple comedy skits while continuing to find work in film or in live production.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One big struggle with the career I am pursuing is that it is hugely untraditional. What I mean is that a large number of careers today are earned through a college degree. 4-8 years in school, and then you can be employed in your field. With the film industry, that is not always the case. I’ve met successful people who have gotten film degrees and benefited from them, but I have also met successful people in the film industry who have only learned from working on sets with no degree at all. The question always is, do I keep pursuing a film degree? I’d argue that if someone is truly passionate about something, then by all means, they need to go after it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a filmmaker and photographer. I specifically like using cameras, editing, and writing. I geek out over the insane camera rigs I see on professional sets, and I see how they are built and try to apply that to my stuff. People see me as that filmmaker to likes to create music videos or funny skits!
A rule I live by is that something made is better than a perfect idea. What I mean is that someone can envision a grand scheme for a film, but if they never have the courage to make it, it doesn’t matter.
A rough project can lead to someone bettering their craft!
I believe anyone can pursue anything if they view obstacles as a way to learn and get better.
This firm belief has led me past impostor syndrome as I take on bigger projects.
Something that sets me apart from a lot of people is that I like to create anything. I’ve shot projects ranging from a documentary about a guy who restores animatronics to a short film about bananas. I just have this uncontrollable urge to create!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’ve had really good luck and very unfortunate luck. My first paid film gig was with Strange Music, all because I happened to know someone. Last minute, they needed a Production Assistant. I had a friend that knew I was interested in film and shortly after, I stepped onto their film set. This one day gave me connections I still use years later.
Unfortunately, whenever someone needs a role filled on a set, many people flock to it. It’s usually up to random chance if they see your comment on Facebook or Discord while having 30 other people also commenting they’re available. It’s a sign that there are a lot of other passionate people out there just like me!
The biggest role luck plays in my life are my parents. I am extremely lucky that my parents are super supportive that I am pursuing a difficult career. They could’ve easily pushed me to go into a more traditional career path, but they have always had my back!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sweetbarnaclesstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweet_barnacles_luca/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sweetbarnaclestudios1
