Meet Andrew Ackerman | Documentary Filmmaker

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

Hi Andrew, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I used to really struggle with work life balance and was constantly unhappy in my own management of it. Years ago I read a book called “Creativity Inc” all about the start of Pixar and how to foster a sustainable creative culture. In it the author talked about a similar issue and how when watching a football game he realized the running back bouncing off a defender was an example of balance. It wasn’t a yoga pose on a rock at sunset, but a dynamic shifting state that constantly changed.

This really helped me forgive myself for not being in that static balance state I had always wanted but could never reach. It also let me realize and accept that there are times in life to absolutely crush work. Working mornings, nights, weekends, and having huge weeks of massive productivity are sometimes just a part of being an entrepreneur. But there are also times to do the opposite and take a nap Wednesday afternoon just because. I think the key to dynamic balance is being able to differentiate and understand those phases. It also helps to realize that not everything is a crisis and has to be dealt with right away.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a documentary filmmaker and the thing that feels most important about my art form is it allows me to highlight other people’s stories. It’s so easy to have a lot of ego in art, and one of the things I like about documentaries is I get to give more of a platform to people who wouldn’t normally get one.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Snooze for breakfast, walking by the Platte River, dinner at Tavernetta.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Tom Murphy and Sweethearts and Heroes. Tom is a former coach, current mentor, and close friend, and has spoken to over 2 million students about hope and hopelessness and mental/emotional health. He is in schools everyday talking with students about suicide and anxiety/depression and continues to be a massive inspiration to me personally and professionally.

Website: www.offthemap.media

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OfftheMapMedia