Meet Ariel Sax | Storyteller, Filmmaker, & Editor

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

Hi Ariel, why did you pursue a creative career?
Had you asked me at fifteen what I want to be when I grow up, my answer would have been something in the medical field. Pursuing an artistic career, let alone starting my own business, would have not even been on the table. In fact, that thought would’ve scared me to death. But all it took was one two-credit journalism class in college to change the course of my career and life as I knew it. My whole life up until college I predominantly operated from the left-side of my brain. Rarely, did I allow myself into my creative realm on the right. Here and there I dabbled in some art and video. A few times I toyed with the idea of pursuing something in the creative industry, but I never thought I could make a living out of it. In my mind, if I wanted a “successful career” then that could not be an option. Oddly enough, when I was 16 I developed a love for storytelling. I had no idea what to do with that new passion, so I just let it sit dormant in my mind for many years. It wasn’t until I came to that pivotal moment in college at the age of 19 that I made the big switch. In that seemingly inconsequential journalism class something was awakened inside my heart I couldn’t deny. I had to make a choice – I could either pursue a creative career of documentary storytelling (exercise that right side of my brain I had ignored for so long) or I could stay on the safe, comfortable path of pursuing the medical field. I knew I’d regret not choosing the first, so I took a risk. I jumped into the unknown world of film and storytelling. The best choice I ever made. Thus far this career has taken me all over the world, making new connections, and documenting amazing stories. I even had the honor of winning an Emmy Award for a short documentary I produced and directed back in 2019. I’m thankful I didn’t let that new passion for storytelling stay dormant in my mind. Now I have started my own business and am pursuing a filmmaking career in the wedding industry. This journey has made me come more alive than ever. I’ll never look back.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a wedding filmmaker and have started my own business called Ariel Films. Getting to where I am now hasn’t been easy. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to not be afraid of failure. When failure comes, you learn how to stand back up and grow stronger. I’ve had to learn how to overcome and conquer fears and insecurities of putting my work out there for others to see. It’s vulnerable. But where there is vulnerability there is potential for growth. I have learned – and am continuing to learn – how to confidently step into and own who I am. I am a storyteller. That’s what sets me apart. I care about establishing a cohesive storyline with everything I produce and deliver to my clients. I want someone to be able to watch any of my videos and know there was deep thought and intentionality behind the making of the film. With my background in storytelling, I approach all my wedding films with that mindset. In 2019, I was blessed to have won an Emmy Award for my storytelling. With that, I don’t just want to make a standard wedding film that everyone expects to see. Rather, I intentionally tailor the film to match the personality of the couple and customize the video to portray the emotions of the day. Ariel Films is a brand that delivers high quality storytelling to every client.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d take my friend to explore all the different scenes Denver has to offer! Like any good tour guide – I’d take them to get some good food. A few of my favorite places are Safta, Stowaway Kitchen, and El Five. Coffee shops are also a must. Steam Espresso, Unravel, Mango Tree and Jubilee Coffee are the regular coffee shops I go to. I love getting outdoors so I’d take them to Washington Park for a little stroll. Then we’d head out to the mountains to camp in Crested Butte or Buena Vista and then hike my favorite 14er – Greys and Torrey’s.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I could highlight so many people, but my family has played the most significant part. My parents are both successful entrepreneurs / business owners who have helped me every step along the way. They have answered many of my pressing questions with patience and have guided me through times of uncertainty with so much love, encouragement and support. My sister and brother-in-law have also had such an instrumental voice in a lot of the decisions I’ve had to make. I can’t thank them enough for the genuine love and support they’ve shown me through everything. I truly couldn’t have had the courage to go on this journey without any of my sweet family!

Website: https://arielfilms.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariel.films/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuASvA-oFU5jcMRbs5bTazQ/featured

Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/arielsax

Image Credits
Kenzie King took my headshot photo. Her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekenzieking/