Meet Rachel DeWeber | Videographer, Editor, Photographer, and Motion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel DeWeber and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is an incredibly hard feat that most everyone has to face at some point in their life. Whether it’s a personal life choice or career related, risks are bound to come along, and I can speak personally on that matter. Pursuing the film industry by itself is an extremely large risk especially from my perspective living in a small Colorado town with little to no networking. Many know that the film industry is a competitive field, and it is. I made a risky choice to earn my film degree at a local university in Grand Junction, Colorado. I graduated with a BFA in Animation, Film Photography, and Motion design.

From there, it was a job searching frenzy and I had hardly any contacts in my desired career field. So, I was stuck and I had little to no luck finding a position. Honestly, it was so discouraging I wanted to quit. I felt as if my lack of success was a sign that I had made the wrong choices. However, I pushed through, I put myself out there, and I continued taking risks. Eventually, my list of industry contacts began to grow and it lead to more opportunities. The risk I took when I felt like giving up was what helped me grow into what I’ve become today.

I found a minimum wage job in marketing and I worked as a videographer, editor, photographer, and motion designer. While I was comfortable and my job in marketing was consistent, I wanted more out of my career. After working so hard to get the one job that would hire me, I took a risk, and I quit.

The following months were scary, but I was able to became a production assistant for a local film maker. From there, I gained a contact and they helped me get an offer to be a 1st assistant director on a local movie, and now I’m a main editor for that movie.

Risks are intimidating, yes. Are they necessary? Yes.

Without some form of risk taking, there isn’t any chance for growth, and no opportunity to learn. In the end, trust your gut. Step foot onto new territory, because in the end, it may lead to something amazing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a filmmaker and editor! I’ve been a creative all my life, and I am so proud of my decision to pursue what I do.

No creative journey is easy, and I’ve had to overcome many hardships to earn the experiences that I have. I owe much of my thanks to the people I’ve met in my field. Without their expertise, knowledge, and willingness to help, I wouldn’t have nearly as much success. With that, lean on the people you know, because it’s okay to ask for help.

Fluctuations in career caused some of the hardest times in my life, and sometimes, giving up seemed like my only option. However, my passion for filmmaking remained strong and steadfast, and that alone was enough to inspire me to push through any challenge that tested me.

My heart goes out for any young creative out there, because I’ve been a recent grad not knowing what to do with my life, or how I was going to achieve my goals. No matter how hard things may seem, I’ve learned that if you love what you do, there isn’t any reason for you to stray from your passions. Stick to what you know best, and it will pay off.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Grand Junction is small, but it packs a punch! We’re known for being an incredibly scenic area with great hiking and biking all around. Not to mention our local breweries! Going on a morning hike up on the Colorado National Monument is a great way to show off our valley, then taking a paddle board to the Colorado River just minutes away is a great way to cool off! Afterwards, Hot Tomato pizza and Copper Club Brewing Company is the best way to end a full day out in the sun!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Much of my appreciation goes out to Will Campbell (Will Campbell Films) and Hank and Arielle Braxtan (Photonic Media).

Website: racheldeweber.com

Instagram: October-Shadows

Linkedin: Rachel DeWeber

Youtube: Rachel DeWeber