Today we’d like to introduce you to Tristan Scott Miller.
Hi Tristan, 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.
My journey started at The University of North Texas, where I got into music journalism. But things took an unexpected turn when I met my mentor and friend, Ryan Javier while covering the Untapped Festival in Dallas. Ryan introduced me to the world of visual storytelling, and I became fascinated by filmmaking and video production.
Through connections in music journalism, I got involved with local filmmakers and production companies, further fueling my passion to learn and grow in this field. Then, in 2018, my cousin asked me to film her wedding. It was a turning point that ignited a genuine love for capturing the beauty and emotions of weddings on film.
That pivotal moment led me to start my bespoke wedding video production company, Tristan Scott Films. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, and I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but I’m grateful for the support and lessons I’ve received along the way.
From a music journalist with a passion for storytelling to a wedding videographer capturing love and joy, this has been an incredible transformation. It’s a journey that celebrates the power of following one’s passions and embracing unexpected opportunities. I’m thrilled to share my story with you and invite you to join me in the art of preserving life’s most precious moments.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to where I am today has been far from smooth. I’ve encountered numerous struggles along the way, each of which has played a crucial role in shaping my journey as a filmmaker and wedding videographer.
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was learning how to deal with rejection. As a young and aspiring music journalist, I put my heart and soul into my work, only to face disappointment when my pieces didn’t always get the response I hoped for. Rejection stung, but it taught me resilience and the importance of not letting setbacks define my path.
In the beginning, I wasn’t entirely proud of my work. I questioned my abilities and felt uncertain about my skills as a storyteller through visuals. It took time and practice to build confidence in my craft and see the progress I was making. Embracing the learning process became essential in my journey.
I’ll be the first to admit that I made my fair share of bad decisions. Looking back, there are choices I wish I had made differently. But each misstep served as a valuable lesson, guiding me towards better judgment and wiser decision-making in the future.
Being young in an industry dominated by experienced professionals was no walk in the park. It was challenging to navigate an environment where many were more seasoned than I was. However, I’m immensely grateful for the people who recognized my ambition and potential and gave me opportunities despite my age and experience level. Their trust in me motivated me to push through self-doubt and embrace every chance to learn and grow.
Ultimately, the struggles I faced became stepping stones to success. Learning to cope with rejection, overcoming self-doubt, and gaining wisdom from my mistakes all contributed to my growth as a filmmaker and wedding videographer. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I owe it all to the people who believed in me and gave me a chance.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in wedding filmmaking, and what truly sets me apart is the way I view the world through the lens of my Enneagram Four personality. As someone who naturally gravitates towards a romantic perspective, wedding filmmaking feels like a perfect fit for me. I have a knack for seeing love stories and capturing the most beautiful details that others might overlook. It’s not that they lack talent, but my unique viewpoint allows me to create films that have a distinctive and heartfelt touch.
Most notably, I am known for infusing my wedding films with a sense of indie movie magic. Couples seek us out because they want a wedding film that echoes the aesthetics of the indie folk vibes they love. For those who connect with artists like Novo Amor, Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, Donovan Woods, and similar musicians, our films strike a special chord.
Though I admit I’ve faced challenges with some aspects of my idealistic worldview, I take pride in the impact I can make on couples’ lives by sharing their stories in this extraordinary way. I believe that my personality and creative perspective add a layer of depth and emotion to each film, making the memories we capture even more meaningful and touching.
It brings me immense joy to craft wedding films that resonate with couples on a personal level, evoking feelings of nostalgia and romance akin to the indie movies they grew up loving. Being able to contribute to such a significant day in their lives is a privilege I hold dear, and I am grateful for the opportunity to leave a lasting, heartwarming impression on the couples I work with.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
In both my personal and professional life, I find immense value in various resources that help me thrive. When it comes to books, I’ve found Donald Miller’s works to be incredibly insightful and inspiring. His books have guided me in shaping my approach to storytelling and creativity, which directly influences my wedding filmmaking.
Podcasts, too, play a significant role in my personal development and growth. The Peaceful Entrepreneur Podcast is a go-to for me. It provides valuable insights into finding balance and maintaining a sense of peace while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
In the realm of marketing, the Marketing Made Simple podcast has been a game-changer. Its practical tips and strategies have helped me refine my marketing techniques, allowing me to connect with couples who resonate with my unique filmmaking style.
Another valuable resource is the Make Your Break podcast hosted by Jai Long. This podcast has been instrumental in guiding me through the ups and downs of the creative industry, providing invaluable advice and motivation.
These resources have been instrumental in my journey, equipping me with knowledge, inspiration, and a fresh perspective. As I continue to grow in my profession and in life, I rely on these tools to help me navigate challenges and cultivate my skills to deliver the best possible experience to the couples I work with.
Contact Info:
- Website: tristanscottfilms.com https://www.tristanscottfilms.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristanscottfilms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tristanscottfilms
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/22316999/admin/feed/posts/ https://www.
linkedin.com/company/ tristanscottfilms/ - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClbbLHFoEx4RTH0J4Q5k8pA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tristanscottfilms
Image Credits
Annie Shannon Photography
