In recent years we’ve seen local filmmakers produce substantial works. From documentaries, to short films, and full-length feature films, their works have not only remained in our city, but gone on to be screened outside of Lakeland, contend in numerous film festivals throughout the nation, and gained recognition by notable sources, such as Mashable.

As these local filmmakers continue to inspire us, we’re ever so curious as to what fuels them. So we’ve asked a handful of local directors, cinematographers + filmmakers where they find their inspiration.

🎥 Indie Atlantic Films: Indie Atlantic Films is a full service film and video production company that thrives on quality production + effective storytelling. Some notable clients include Publix, Visit Central Florida + Florida Polytechnic University.

Who they follow on IG?

Salomon Ligthelm: A self-taught filmmaker whose international background figures strongly in his distinctive visual style.

Aly Migliori: A New York based director and cinematographer interested in creating female-centric stories that push and transcend cultural boundaries.

Ryan Booth: A multimedia storyteller and filmmaker who has shot extensively for the BBC, A&E Networks, MTV + VH1.

🎥 Loud Life Productions, LLC: Loud Life Productions helps people who have a message or story to tell through video. Some of their featured works include One More Child, Catapult Lakeland + KellerWilliams Realty.

Who they follow on IG?

Ava DuVernay: Academy Award nominee, Emmy, BAFTA and Peabody Award winner, Ava is a writer, director, producer + film distributor. Her works include the Oscar-winning Selma.

Voda Films: Video production company specializing in lifestyle + story-driven content.

Donald Miller: CEO of StoryBrand, a company that helps businesses clarify their messages.

🎥 thecollectionlkld: Visual storytellers, who feature individuals with an array of talent ranging from graphic design, photography + illustration.

Who they follow on IG?

Rory Kramer: Videographer known for his work creating music videos for artists like Justin Bieber + Tori Kelly.

Film Base: Behind the scenes look at film life + all things storytelling.

Script to Screen: A different perspective of how scripts are converted into acts.

🎥 Rob Crosby: Photographer + filmmaker, his works have been featured in Wall Street Journal, Spin, Glamour + USA Today.

Who they follow on IG?

Alfonso Cuaron: Mexican film writer + director, director of Gravity and upcoming Netflix original Roma.

Roger Deakins: A collection of the masterful works of the cinematographer of familiar films such as The Shawshank Redemption, Sicario + Fargo.

Wally Pfister: Cinematographer and director best known for his works with Christopher Nolan.

🎥 Luis De Peña: As a director + filmmaker (also musician), Luis has done work with Grace City Church on their films and documentaries. His roles vary from editor to director of photography, lighting + the camera crew.

Who they follow on IG?

Karena Evans: Storyteller, actress + director of several Drake’s music videos, including God’s Plan.

Jared Hogan: Director + editor, known for Small Little Things, Earth in the Air and Elevation Worship: Wake Up the Wonder.

Myles Shank: Filmmaker + director, graduate of Southeastern University whose worked with ESPN, Charity Water + Shark Tank.

🎥 Yellow Whistle: A digital advertising agency composed of filmmakers, designers, photographers, programmers + marketers that specialize in Facebook Ads, sales funnels and more. They have produced a variety of materials with companies such as Viacom Media Network.

Who they follow on IG?

Pete Gill: Cinematographer, editor + colorist who has filmed for ESPN and Florida State University, the Orlando Magic, Born and Bread Bakehouse + more.

NFocus: Artists, storytellers + strategists who produce content for agencies, direct-to-client brands and filmmakers. Some of their clients include Publix, Google, Lakeland Electric, FedEx, and Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

As a writer + a lover of all things cinema, here are a few of my own favorite filmmakers to follow:

Martin Scorsese

Elizabeth Olsen

Lake Bell

No descriptions needed. (I don’t think.)

- Kristin