Meet Megan Sweeney | Filmmaker & video editor

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

Hi Megan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think taking some risk in my life and career is important. Without taking risk, nothing will happen. It’s also fun! For me it starts with questioning things. Do I have to do it this way? Can I try to go here even though no one else is? Why not? Taking risk can even start with something small. Some examples of me taking risks in life include when I moved across the country alone to Los Angeles for college. Although a lot of people make moves like that, so to some that’s not a huge risk. I’ve started my own business, twice. Today, I create videos under Big Heart Film. After filming so many entrepreneurs whose lives are in a way defined by the risk they take to do something they love, how can I not be inspired by that. Sometimes the fear of failure is so strong that taking a risk doesn’t feel worth it. I wouldn’t describe myself as a huge risk taker but I’m trying and pushing myself more each year. As long as the risk-benefit ratio makes sense, like you’re not risking something you just can not lose, then why not try. Sometimes it’s just about convincing yourself enough that you are brave.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love creating videos! I think everyone has something to say and every filmmaker has a unique style. I try to be honest with myself and own my style. My goal with video-making is to create videos that make people happy. That simple. What sets me apart is my ability to wear multiple hats. I typically produce, direct, film, and edit all of my videos. There are so many lessons I’ve learned. I think it’s important to surround yourself with good people. It doesn’t matter if you have the most talented person but to find the right fit is key. For me, I want to work with people who are good at what they do of course but also people who are honest, kind, and can laugh. Nothing comes easily in life but it all seems to work itself out.

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.
If my best friend was visiting and we could do anything we would go on a mini road trip around Colorado. Being an east coaster who moved west, I fell in love with Colorado! We would start in Boulder county, get a latte at Moxie, visit and hike around NCAR, then head into the mountains with some good music playing. My favorite mountain towns are Frisco and Crested Butte. Frisco has the Marina where we would paddle board. It’s also close to Keystone and Breckenridge. Then we would drive to Crested Butte, my favorite place to ride bikes around on their many paths and explore. Maybe we would get pizza at the Secret Stash and take it to a river to enjoy. Another beautiful spot we would impulsively add to our adventure is driving over Independence Pass into Aspen. It’s not an easy drive so people should be aware to drive with extreme care. The nature and geography surrounding Aspen is magical! This road trip I think is good with or without kids 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s not just one person but the collective support and effort of many people in my life. From my parents support with encouraging me to pursue a creative career to my husband who helps me with anything and everything! I appreciate my friends, whom many have let me film them. There are so many people who I’ve loved working with and I’ll never take that for granted! Thank you to Pro (Mr. Profeta) my high school tv production teacher. He believed in me and let me do my own thing in class instead of being part of the news crew. Thank you to David Cohen who has given me many opportunities. Find the people who believe in you and in return I try to be open-minded, patient, and find people to believe in as well.

Website: www.bigheartfilm.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bigheartfilm

Twitter: https://twitter.com/himegansweeney

Image Credits
Elizabeth Mirzaei (photo of Megan and little girl)
Brian Sweeney