Interviewee:
Steven Foley (He/Him)
In your words… Tell us about your organization, business, initiative.
I am a professional video producer and marketer based on the North Shore of Boston. I’ve had the pleasure of serving many clients in various industries, producing projects with a wide range of budgets. From small local organizations to large international brands, the common focal point is always strong storytelling. Let me tell yours!
I am very comfortable operating as a one-man production house, seeing projects through from pre-to-post entirely on my own. This helps keep costs lean as there is less crew to pay, though higher levels of production value can only be achieved with a team.
For applicable projects, I maintain a broad network of colleagues across the nation, including cinematographers, sound engineers, lighting specialists, make-up artists and more. I work with you to assemble the team that has the right skills, style, and price point to create your specific vision.
Though I work with many corporate clients, my focus from the beginning has always been using video to support communities by working with non-profits, small businesses, artists, political campaigns and social initiatives.
Some offered services:
Pre-Production
– Conceptualization, Screenwriting, Storyboarding, etc.
– Consulting for In-House Video Production/Streaming
– Consulting for Media Strategy
– Consulting for Social Media Strategy & In-House Production
Video Production
– On-Location & Remote Production
– Event Video
– Streaming
– Social Media Video, Content Retainer
– Commercial Production
– Photography
– Aerial Photo/Video
Video Editing
– Custom Motion Graphics
– Animation, Explainer Videos
-Color
-VFX, Compositing
-Sound Mixing
Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do? Share your passions for your business, initiative, organization.
My interest in creative production began when I was around 11. I caught an acting bug from doing school plays, did some auditions, and over the next few years began acting professionally in theatre productions across the North Shore at venues like North Shore Music Theatre, Gloucester Stage Company, Marblehead Little Theatre, and Stoneham Theatre.
Then I got braces, became super self-conscious, and decided I’d rather be behind the scenes, at least for the time being. During high school, I had the great fortune of attending RAW Arts afterschool film program, Real 2 Reel. I learned a great deal there, and made lifelong connections with friends and colleagues.
After graduating from Salem State with a major in media productions and a minor in graphic design and music, like many fresh graduates, I found it impossible to get a job in my field. It was clear these job applications were getting me nowhere fast, so I decided it was time to employ myself and dove headfirst into freelancing. Being a proud Lynner, my first instinct was to look to my community for ways I could use my skills to help. I did some cold calls, made some pitches, and began working with a few local non-profits, businesses, and political campaigns. One thing led to another, and here we are years later still going strong.
I do what I do because I love it. I love telling stories, and helping people find and form theirs. I love to be creative, and I need to do it, because to stagnate creatively is spiritual death for me. Also, I would be pretty sh*t at anything else (except maybe a chef…).
What role do you think your business plays in supporting a more creative community? OR your community in general. (Bonus! Why do you think a more creative community is important?)
My business helps support a more creative community because in an increasingly digital world, video is the most powerful and pervasive storytelling medium available for businesses and organizations. Everyone, including creatives, needs marketing, and you’re just not doing it right if you’re not using video.
That’s what any video professional would tell you, but I specifically help by focusing on working with clients that strengthen communities.
What was the last book you read OR What was the last video you watched that made an impact on you?
I just voraciously consumed The Creative Act by Rick Rubin…highly recommend it for any creative, especially the audio version which he reads.
What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you or your business?
My clients have said working with me to make videos is fun. It should be fun! It’s definitely work, but I try to make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible. I can’t tell your story without your help, and so my approach is very collaborative. Every human being has great creative potential, and you get to exercise that working with me.
What is Creative Collective?
Creative Collective is a group of economic development strategists, small business supporters, activation specialists, and believers in the importance of the creative workforce. We foster growth, sustainability, and scalability for small businesses, creative thinkers, organizations, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Learn more and join Creative Collective at www.creativecollectivema.com/join
Steven Foley Media Productions
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I am a freelance videographer based in the Greater Boston area who loves to tell meaningful stories through video. I’ve had the pleasure of serving many clients in various industries, projects with a range of budgets. I’ve worked with small local businesses and non-profits, as well as large international brand names, approaching each with the same enthusiasm I show every
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