Wes Hall: Graduate Spotlight – Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
Meet Wes Hall, a graduate of F.I.R.S.T. Institute in the Digital Filmmaking & Video Production program. It all started when Wes was younger and liked to make and act out stories with his friends. When Wes entered high school, he realized he could make this passion into a career: film. He began to write scripts and shoot films with his friends and progress his talents. He decided to take the next step in his life and come to F.I.R.S.T. Institute.
Hands-On Experience at F.I.R.S.T. Institute
Wes liked the fact that you can use all of the industry-relevant tools during your time at F.I.R.S.T. Institute. You get all the necessary things to push yourself and make the films that you want to make. Wes appreciated that a lot of the work was self-driven, but F.I.R.S.T. provided all the equipment to succeed.
Learning the Ins-And-Outs
Wes felt that the Digital Filmmaking & Video Production program at F.I.R.S.T. really set him up for success post-graduation. Wes explains that the courses teach you script writing, lighting, camera work, post-production, and more. The variability of the program gives you the chance to hone in on what suits your talents and interests best. Wes enjoyed the well-rounded experience that F.I.R.S.T. Institute provided.
Wes details that his favorite project during his time at F.I.R.S.T. Institute was the music video project. He enjoyed being able to work on the whole process from start to finish. Wes was able to build a music video set on the soundstage at F.I.R.S.T. and then layer the video to complete the final product. He felt that this project really pushed him creatively and was rewarding to make it all the way through.
Graduation, Then What?
After Wes graduated from F.I.R.S.T. Institute, he worked on a feature film with other F.I.R.S.T. students. From there, he started building his network and met someone who connected him to an audio-visual company, PSAV, where he worked for three years.
Now, Wes enjoys working freelance in both audio-visual work as well as film. His future goals include continuing to direct, write, and shoot to increase the production value of his work. Wes aims to increase the artistic value of his work and become a well-rounded filmmaker long-term.
Advice from a F.I.R.S.T. Institute Film & Video Graduate
Wes wants to lend the advice of never sacrificing your vision. You’re never going to make a movie like Steven Spielberg or Christopher Nolan, but you’re going to make a movie that is YOU. You’re the only person who can make a movie with your vision, so never sacrifice it. Just go forward with it full force.
