Today we’d like to introduce you to Rory Thompson.
Hi Rory, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
All of my life, or at least the much that I can remember, has been surrounded by the arts. My mom is a teacher and she fostered my exploration into the arts. She always wanted me to explore everything the world had to offer. I have been able to explore the worlds of music, poetry, and film.
I don’t remember exactly when I fell in love with film, but I have always loved watching movies as a kid. I used to have hundreds of VHS tapes and DVDs, ready to watch something new or rewatch a movie for the hundredth time. It wasn’t until I was around 8 that I wanted to explore the world of film creatively. I attended a local arts summer camp and began learning about and creating films. Ever since then, I have been learning more and creating more.
Over the last five years, I have created four short films, multiple music videos, various videos for various internships and jobs, and have been on the crews of various video and film projects. I recently graduated from college and now I am ready to create films and videos that I am really passionate about.
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?
I have definitely had some struggles all throughout my life. There are tons of instances of me struggling along this journey that I can’t even list them off. I have learned something every time that I have struggled and honestly, that allows for me not to get too down on myself because I know that I am still growing and still learning. Eventually, I will be in a place that I want to be and will be proud of the person I am.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a filmmaker/video creator who specializes in narrative filmmaking. I direct, write, edit, and produce short films and music videos. My films have screened at film festivals and have been showcased online.
I am very experienced in sports video editing and sports broadcasting as I have experience with several sports teams including the Jacksonville Giants, Jacksonville Sharks, and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
I have recently established my own production company, 7350 Media. The production company will allow for me to create more projects not only for myself but for clients as well. I want to get into more wedding videography and commercial projects and establishing a professional production company will allow for me to build my brand and my clientele. For more information about 7350 Media, please follow @7350media on Instagram.
I am most proud of my short films because making a short film is not easy in the slightest. Things do not always go as planned and you have to compromise your vision for the film in order to get the film actually made.
My experience with creating videos with different types of audiences and purposes has allowed me to have versatility in my filmmaking process. Versatility allows me for to be as creative as possible and to break the boundaries of film and video. I want to be able to bring Black stories to screen with creativity that has not been seen before. I want Black kids growing up to fall in love with film and see themselves on screen through my work. I want to showcase Black joy through my work. I want to showcase Afrofuturism through my work. I want to showcase the endless possibilities of Black creativity in my work.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If anyone ever wants to collaborate with me, I am always open! I would love to build my network full of filmmakers and other creatives.
I also am a DJ. I specialize in Hip-Hop, R&B, Afrobeats, and Top 40. Follow my DJ Instagram: @djrawry904. For contact, email me at djrawry@outlook.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: rorythompsonfilms.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rawrythompson
- Twitter: twitter.com/rawrythompson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq6HpRj2GyaRO_GRTKYf3YQ
Image Credits
Shauna Gentile – DJ Pic Hana Tucker – Headshot (Side profile) Zach Thomas – Headshot
