Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Furey.
Hi Sean, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In my previous life, I was a tax accountant. After my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, we decided that accounting wasn’t how I wanted to spend my time. So I decided to pursue my passion for writing and filmmaking by enrolling in UNT’s Media Arts program. I was a decade older than everyone else in the room, but I didn’t care because I was right where I wanted to be.
I graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Media Arts and since then I have been writing, producing, and directing my own short films.
My wife is now in remission and doing great.
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?
The thought of leaving a secure job and a steady paycheck was a daunting one, but I’m so glad I made that jump. I’m much happier pursuing my creative efforts than I ever was in accounting. I still face challenges, although they’re mostly self-imposed. It’s the self doubt and negative self-talk that I think everybody deals with – creative or otherwise. Despite my happiness pursuing my dream, I still call myself an idiot for leaving a steady job. But hearing an audience react to your films, or even better, having someone come up to you after a screening and tell you how much your film means to them – there’s no better feeling. It makes all the doubt and negativity just melt away.
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’m a screenwriter and a filmmaker with several award-winning scripts and films under my belt. My latest short film, The Hard Way, explores my bouts with depression, anxiety, and PTSD through a horror/thriller lens. I’m very proud of that film and the cast and crew that helped to bring it to life. It’s festival journey is just beginning, so hopefully we can screen it for as many audiences as possible!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking is vital, and I’m terrible at it. At most social functions, my inclination is to blend in with the wallpaper and slowly make my way toward the exit. I eventually peel myself off the wall and mingle with people, and I’ve never once regretted it when it was all over. You’ll meet a ton of interesting people, I promise. If you’re lucky, you’ll even meet people that you trust enough to bring into your circle and create a support network, which is also vital.
The best networking advice I can give is this: make yourself available to others, and just be yourself. Go to events, shows, festivals – wherever likeminded people are meeting – and put yourself out there. It’s uncomfortable and awkward at times, but just remember most everyone is in the same boat as you when it comes to networking.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petrichormotionpics/
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/@petrichormotionpictures
