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

Hi Stefon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I thought about creating my production company, SW Films, a while back before I initially launched in 2017. I knew I wanted to have a more professional and manageable approach when working with artists, businesses and brands alike. I just wanted to have a brand/business that people would remember. The slogan, the logo, the energy and vibe that was created on set. I wanted people to feel the “Cinematic Excellence” whenever they worked under an SW Films production.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Film Director, Screenwriter and Producer based in the Bay Area of California by way of Indiana. I run and own a small but ever-expanding, production company called SW Films, for about 5 years now. All by myself. That has been my biggest challenge and I am still working on overcoming it completely. I’ve directed, shot and edited tons of music videos for up and coming artists, local businesses, super low budget short films, etc. All of that has paid off 5-6 years later, working on major motion pictures, television shows and huge corporate commercials. I really had to hustle to get to this position and there’s so much more to accomplish. While most of my work has stayed in other positions, apart from directing, writing and producing on these bigger jobs, my time to jump in fully at my position with higher budget gigs is imminent.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First off, I absolutely am in love with Colorado. It is my solace and has been since I first visited in 2017. I am getting big on hiking and the outdoors and one of my favorite places to hike is the FlatIron Mountains in Boulder. Boulder overall is such a beautiful city that I would suggest anyone to explore. I need to do more of that myself. For food, I would always suggest the Denver Biscuit Company. Can’t beat that for breakfast or brunch! Other places I love are Denver, Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Breckenridge, etc. Best believe you can find me out hiking in Boulder or driving a Ford Raptor out near Breckenridge when I am there

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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 can’t thank anyone person more than I can thank my mother. She has played such a huge role in my success just based off the support and love she has given to me during the rise in my career. If no one would check out my new video, my mother would be the first one to watch, comment, like and subscribe, 100% of the time. She deserves the recognition for keeping me sane (and a little insane) on this crazy journey I’ve had so far.

Website: https://linktr.ee/arkel96?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4a219737-1e1c-4d82-ae2c-1b69d22d4e7d

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkel96/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swfilmsproduction

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSH8TZpjmESjMo0kVRlO5Q

Image Credits
Kelsey Martin, Guy Mars, Sparrow, Tyvell Williams

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.