Today we’d like to introduce you to Marion Wilson.
Hi Marion, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Videography wasn’t really a focus of mine to begin with. My main focus was music. In 2012 I started recording my own music but didn’t have the connects to get graphic art or music videos. So, I started to do my own artwork by learning with YouTube. As I progressed in the graphics side of things, I still wanted visuals. So, in 2013 I found a camera by snooping around my mother’s bedroom & decided I would use it to film my own visuals. The camera wasn’t much, it was just a small Canon PowerShot SX30 IS, didn’t even film 1080p but I made it work. I went back to YouTube & started watching tutorials from channels like “Film Riot,” “Creative Ryan” & “YC Imaging.” I was also heavily inspired by AZae Productions, BPace Productions, & DashTV. After watching videos, I would try to mimic the shots & angles. It wasn’t until late 2014 when I shot my very first music video with rapper So Icey Fam that made me realize I could really take everything to the next level. For almost 2 years I would work with only him because nobody else really believed in me besides he & myself of course. In 2016 I went to Nashville to try to expand my clientele & name, but it didn’t work out as planned so after 2 months I went back home. By 2017 I was getting bookings from multiple artists locally, but it was only $50-$100 per video. While still growing I would go to other local directors’ shoots & watch them behind the scenes. A director by the name of Kel Lowe showed me how to use my camera in manual mode & fully control it. That’s when my work started to improve much more & get noticed by more people locally. From 2017 to 2018 I would continue to film music videos while at the same time working a full-time job. In 2018 I gained the courage to quit my job and try to go full-time with my craft, which eventually failed so I ended up working again 6 months later. I would work that same job until mid-2020 when my bookings started to get in the way of me working which would force me to make a choice. I had to choose job, or dreams & I chose to chase my dreams. It was no question what I was gonna choose. I chose to quit working again & go full-time into videography taking in account everything that I learned the first time I failed. I moved to Atlanta, GA at the end of 2020 & instantly hit the ground rolling within 2 weeks. In January 2021 I met Atlanta artist Lil Freaky who basically just saw my talent & asked me to team up. We would go on a run like no other, filming day & night for a year straight. He introduced me to artists like K Camp, Future, Yung Mal & Atl Jacob. Since then, I have been constantly working, networking & improving my craft. I’ve had the pleasure of working with the likes of Future, FN Da Dealer, ATL Jacob, the late Lil Keed, & more.
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?
The path has definitely been challenging. From trying to get noticed in a state where artists only respect the name & not so much the creativity, it was hard because I wasn’t the one who would talk to many people. In September 2016 I slept in my car for 2 months while staying in Nashville, TN. Then losing everything after quitting my job in 2018 which forced me to move in with someone else for 7 months until I was able to get my own place again. Alabama itself was a challenge because the demand isn’t really high, so I was getting badly underpaid. My biggest challenge since moving to Atlanta has been consistent clientele to be able to keep up with the demands of the economy & costs of living. I was also arrest in October 2022 spending just over 2 months in the Fulton County Jail & released in mid-December.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Creative Director & Graphic Designer. I Specialize in Videography, mostly known for my versatility of shooting & editing styles. I’m most proud of me for stepping out by myself & never giving up on myself no matter the odds. I think what sets me apart is my ability to persevere through the toughest of times & the fact that I don’t get comfortable; I’m always looking to improve & expand my craft.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Building a solid foundation. It’s one thing to do what you love, but it’s another to be successful & be able to use what you love to build a foundation that’s able to not only help yourself but have the ability to help others along the way such as family, friends, & upcoming creatives. I want to leave a lasting impact on all those who hear my name & see my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.prodiigcreations.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dhareelprodiig
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/dhareelprodiig
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/DhaRealProdiiG
Image Credits
NoreTheShooter
Jamaree Woods
