Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Neal.
Thomas, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
From a young age, I always knew I wanted to do production stuff. At my old church, my dad operated the sound and lights, but I started in photography. I was eager to get more work and I had set up a website with pictures I’d taken around the neighborhood and free photoshoots I did for people. One Sunday, I decided to bring my camera to my church and immediately, I was welcome in the youth service they pretty much told me to go wherever I needed to go to get a good shot, and I did. I think a Sunday or two later, I was approached by the youth coordinator at the time and at that moment, they needed someone to record the service. Of course, I said sure, and that pretty much started the video part of my career. From there, my youth pastor gave me many opportunities to develop content for the youth ministry. One year I even got to travel to Houston and interview the inventor of the super soaker. Keep in mind, up to this point, my experience in video and editing software was there but limited, producing videos for YouTube, but the first time I was told I had a cinematic eye, I knew this was the path I wanted to take. From there, they helped me hone in on my skills, allowing me to use equipment I could only dream about owning, allowing me to meet many people I never thought I’d meet and pushing me up to where I am today.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. After a while, I felt like I had plateaued, I wasn’t getting business and there were some points where I thought my career was over. That drove me into a deep depression, at that point I didn’t want to do anything, I’d lay in bed and mope all-day about this stuff and eventually I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Through the help of some wonderful professionals, I’ve been able to manage both of those things and as of recently, I’m feeling better than I ever have before.
Please tell us about your work.
I am a cinematographer and video editor, I specialize in promotional material and corporate videos and I’ve created football recap videos for my school that has reached all ends of Texas and then some. I’m proud to tell stories, the client’s stories, as creatively and as effectively as possible. I think what sets me apart from others is the burning passion but as corny as it sounds, I am in the mindset of wanting to be successful in this field as much as I want to breathe.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My youth pastor, Pastor Drew Castillo, has played a big role in my career. I left to kind of experiment around for myself, but I’ll be back soon! My best friends, Evan and Marcus keep me going, they push me to get stuff done and have been super supportive and motivating since the start of our friendship. And last but certainly not least my two production teachers, Mr.Hadd and Mrs.McCready. They’ve also played a role in helping me hone in on my skills and create a name for myself in the video production industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: thomasmneal.com
- Phone: 6822343522
- Email: shotxthomas@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/_shotxthomas
Image Credit:
Darcy McCready, Marlon Barrea
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
