Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Houk.
Hi Shannon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
In 2012 a friend of mine was in a band called China Kills Girls and was needing people to be zombies for a music video. I am a horror freak and I said that I would love to. I also was interviewed by Beachbody about the success that I had drinking their meal replacement shake. I enjoyed being in front of the camera, but still didn’t think too much about going into the field of acting. In 2014 I heard about a horror movie that was looking for zombie-like creatures that would run full blast after their victims. Of course, I jumped on that opportunity. That was when I fell in love with being involved with movies. That film was called Daylight’s End. That is when I began my trip down the rabbit hole in acting. In 2016, I started asking the question of why films were shot the way they were, what are the different jobs. I began by working in various film positions in both acting and crew, working small shows and big. Some of the more notable ones I was in were Fear the Walking Dead, Queen of the South, Salem, and American Ninja Warrior. Today I have my own company, Twisted Chain Entertainment where I produce, direct, run camera and all aspects of post-production.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Transitioning from the corporate world to being in the film world full time has not been a smooth road. You run into all sorts of issues in this industry, and I’ve had some tough times. I have worked on good projects as well as bad. I am continually learning how to combine my work life with my family life while giving both 100%. This journey has been one of the hardest choices I have made in my life but also been one of the most rewarding.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own Twisted Chain Entertainment. It is a production company where I am able to provide many differing aspects within film work. I produce films, music videos, photos of live events (mainly bands in concert), interviews, film work reels, and whatever else comes up. I am known to work every part of a production, but I love to have a camera in my hand and then editing what I shoot. I am constantly adding to my camera gear and with every project, I learn more about editing and special effects. What sets me apart is that I listen to the director (when I am not the director), and do my best to give them the image they see in their head and bring it to life. I like to collaborate with others and find that is the best solution and process to make things happen. I just completed the coloring, visual effects, and sound design for a film called Dr. Kim Hunter and the Apparition. It was just sent to distribution and should be out soon. I have a feature film in the works called “Severed”. I am working with my crew on funding for that film that is a fun horror slasher throwback film with some crazy twists. I just finished shooting and editing a music video music video for a band named Skybaus, called “Grovestyle Groove” and I am preparing to shoot a music video for a group called Awaken to Remember, called “Release the Kraken”. A film that I was one of the camera operators on called “The Ballad of Jane” just won 2nd place in the Kung Fu Film Competition in Dallas.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Everything happens for a reason. I don’t really believe in Luck. I believe that you make your own luck. I have worked hard for everything I have. If I have one time that I may call Luck, was when I left my corporate job, not really knowing what I was going to do next. Then I received a call to be on Queen of the South. The filming lasted for 6 months and that’s when I began my lifework as a filmmaker
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.twistedchainentertainment.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twistedchainentertainment/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twistedchainentertainment
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwistedChainEnt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJHfUUYpCc9Wydc9IwX_q3w
- Other: https://www.imdb.me/shannonhouk
