Meet Ky Hanchett | Film/Video Producer

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

Hi Ky, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being self employed, it’s that work ethic is more valuable than natural talent. Video Production is something I started when I was about 10 years old, and I can’t honestly say it came naturally to me. I’ve seen other people pick up the craft and do very impressive work almost right from the get-go. I’ve also seen many of them give up on the craft when the going got though.

Looking back at my own career, I’m thankful for how the challenges have shaped me. Pushing through roadblocks makes all the difference, and makes you significantly more valuable to your clients.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In a nutshell, my job is to assess the needs clients pertaining to video production, develop a plan to execute it, and then create the video with them. That sounds pretty simple, but it’s a very involved process.

Video production is typically a group effort. You have a team of individuals that handle different parts of production such as a writer, creative director, editor, animator, etc., so trying to wear all those hats by yourself requires a lot of practice, and a lot of acquired education.

Nobody is excellent at all of the different parts of film/video production starting out. Most people start in one specific area that interests them, and then widen their skill set as they go.

I started out focused on the camera and making the images look as nice as I could, but later found that I was neglecting the story aspect of many of my projects. I eventually came to realize that my video graphics needed work, and that my audio mixing could use a boost.

I don’t think you ever stop growing in a field like this. It keeps it interesting, but you have to be moldable and willing to learn or you become stagnant. In my opinion, there’s nothing worse than plateauing in this industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado Springs is a great place to be a business owner, or just live. I’m not sure I’ve even been to a city with so much geographic variety. If you were only visiting for a week, I’d recommend checking out Red Rocks open space. Early or late in the day is my favorite time to go when the sun is low. You’ll see some incredible color contrast between the bright red rocks and the blue Colorado skies.

I’d also point visitors to Rock Ledge Ranch at the foot of.Garden of the Gods, the paint mines about 40 minutes east, and Manitou Springs for a kind of weird, but also charming day out.

I can’t speak much to the food here, but Colorado loves it’s coffee and beer. There are tons of brewery’s with original beers, so you’ll never be without something new to try here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m not sure I would’ve had the courage to pursue my passion work had it not been for an incredibly supportive wife and a few genuine friends. It can be risky perusing non-conventional career paths, and your spouse is a part of that decision. I was lucky enough to have a spouse who not only didn’t object to my efforts but encouraged them.

Friends also played a huge part in my career path. I’ve found that the right friends grow each other mutually. The film industry isn’t exactly full of genuine, kind attitudes, and having friends who share your passion, who you can teach and learn from is a rare treat.

Website: Hanchettmedia.com

Instagram: @ky_hanchett