Today we’d like to introduce you to George Dockery.
Hi George, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I was captived by moving frames or stills, it has always been a part of my life. Whether my dad took me to the cinema to watch the latest blockbuster, or we sat at home watching Chinese Kung-Fu movies, or he was taking pictures, frames have always fascinated me. Although I didn’t realize it back then, the idea of becoming a filmmaker had been festering in my mind. Today, I am proud to say that I am a filmmaker who has shot films and commercials all over the world. There are four main reasons that drove me to pursue this career.
The first reason was when I helped a friend, Stephanie, with her media projects in high school. She occasionally needed an actor and someone to help with editing, and that was me. This experience helped me realize my potential as a filmmaker. The second reason was when I became the historian of the Texas Tech Hip-Hop team Dancers With Soul during college. I created and set up all the rules for the position and cultivated my skills, but filmmaking was still not my primary career plan at the time.
The third reason was when I met my friend Josh Evans, an architecture major, who encouraged me to create my YouTube channel and pour my ideas out of my head and into my lens. Without him, I don’t think I would have become the filmmaker I am today. The final reason that pushed me towards this career was when I made my first commercial for a local car dealership in Lubbock, Texas, and made $1,000 from the deal. I knew from that point on that I could do this for the rest of my life.
In 2016, I created my own brand, G.O.D Life Produxtions, under which I have shot numerous content videos and films for clients in and beyond the film industry. As a freelancer, I have honed my skills in various departments, primarily as a Cinematographer, Director, Grip, and Gaffer. I have shot compelling commercials for the automotive and entertainment industries, as well as properties all over the United States. Some of those ideas have been awarded Telly awards. These experiences have only fueled my passion for this craft.
I graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in film and a minor in Japanese. My passion for filmmaking is unwavering, and I am deeply committed to producing visually stunning and compelling content, both commercial and film. G.O.D Life Produxtions has challenged me to push my creative mind to make video games under Mint Creative LLC, and I am also working on a new anime project in Dallas. For me, filmmaking is like being a time traveler, capturing the moment or creating content within the frame.
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 hasn’t always been a smooth ride, as I grew up in a time when the traditional path to success was to get good grades in school, attend college, and have your life set. However, I quickly realized that this approach no longer applies in today’s ever-changing climate. When I decided to pursue my passion for filmmaking instead of becoming an engineer, it was met with resistance from my parents and others around me. This caused me to feel the need to constantly prove myself to others, which slowed down my progress.
However, after making my first $1,000 as a filmmaker, I finally decided to fully commit to my passion, and things began to fall into place. I faced other hurdles along the way, such as learning the business side of the industry and investing in better equipment, but I am always refining my approach to optimize my workflow.
Now, as a successful filmmaker, I am grateful for the obstacles that I faced, as they taught me valuable lessons and helped me grow both personally and professionally. I am proud to have followed my passion, and I encourage others to do the same, even if it means taking a different path from the norm.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I believe what truly sets me apart as a filmmaker is my ability to approach each project with a unique perspective and a focus on storytelling. Unlike some other filmmakers who might compartmentalize their work into different categories, I believe that every project, whether it’s a commercial or a science project, deserves the same level of attention and creativity. My goal is always to find the best shots that will help tell a compelling story and create a cinematic look.
When I’m on set, I take a hands-on approach and am quick to troubleshoot any issues that arise. I believe that good communication and problem-solving skills are crucial in any project, no matter the size or scale. I also take pride in making sure that everyone on set feels comfortable and valued, whether they’re talent, cast, crew, or even clients.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to adapt to different roles and excel at them. Whether it’s cinematography, directing, or even acting or voice acting, I’m always willing to take on new challenges and do my best to deliver high-quality work. Currently, I’m working on several video game projects, including Brainz Defender and Die 4 Us under Mint Creative LLC, as well as a new anime project that combines my love for storytelling and cinematic visuals. I’m also working on a few short film ideas that I hope I can turn into full-length features, as well as a series.
Overall, I believe that my passion for film-making and storytelling, combined with my adaptability and problem-solving skills, sets me apart as a filmmaker and allows me to explore a variety of creative roles beyond just commercial and film work.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was an adventurous kid who had a diverse group of friends but held a close circle dear to my heart. Like many other kids growing up in the 90s, I enjoyed anime, cartoons, car modifications, etc. I also experimented with drugs and loved spending time with my friends. Despite this, I prioritized getting good grades and attending college to establish important connections and friendships. However, my childhood was not always easy. Coming from a family of immigrants, my parents split when I was young, which presented its own set of challenges as I grew up. I eventually became more level-headed and composed, but I remained the loudest kid in the room. I was smart and a top-performing student, but I also enjoyed breaking the rules and pushing boundaries. Which lead to me not having an opportunity in sports throughout my middle school and high school years. Additionally, I have a passion for cooking, acting, computer maintenance, and seeking out excitement. My father emphasized the importance of exposing me to different cultures and perspectives, which led to our frequent travels. Meanwhile, my mother prioritized my education and ensured that I received the best schooling possible. Though we experienced financial struggles at times, both my parents ensured that I always had a roof over my head, even though they were separated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.georgedockery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dockery_george/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-dockery-61852775/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMJfpSKSC02aU7OJ8MoMU9w
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9990622/
Image Credits
Ambrose Shokunbi
Jennifer Kelly
Ronnie Kelly
Ricardo Santiago
Dennis Cameron McMurray
Ivan Rivera-Nesrala
