Meet Mel Peters

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mel Peters.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My love for creating videos started at a very young age when I used to make short films with my cousins and siblings. We thought we were so clever, and we had a blast making these strange movies that we thought were so hilarious and world-changing. We would spend days coming up with ideas, laughing about how wonderful they were, and acting them out. My parents had a Sony Camcorder they let us use and we thought it was the greatest!

Fast forward to my college years, I majored in Creative Media and Film at Northern Arizona University, where my passion for film became even greater. I loved learning about film techniques! I studied about different camera angles and shots and why the cinematographer or director chose them. This completely changed how I saw movies, and it also made me better behind the camera.

After college, I became part of a residency program called “Central Leadership Institute” at Central Christian Church. In the beginning, I’d drive home shaking my head with wide eyes, asking myself how I was ever going to master video production. Well, that team taught me more than I ever thought I’d learn, and I am forever grateful for my time spent with them. I will never master video production, but it’s amazing where a little perseverance will get you.

I freelanced full-time for a while, but I really missed being on a team. I’m now a videographer and editor for Living Word Bible Church, and it’s been such a blessing! I’m heading up testimony videos, which is incredible because I love being able to tell someone’s story through the eyes of the camera. Continuing to freelance on the side has been very beneficial because I’ve been part of different types of projects that have made me more well-rounded in my craft!

Please tell us about your art.
I create videos for people that help them promote their events or companies! I also film weddings and engagement shoots, which I totally love. When it comes to capturing moments, I think live action footage makes for a more interesting and personal product. Photos are fantastic, but there is something more emotional about video, because you see reactions in action.

When you watch a closeup shot of person laughing in a video, do you find yourself smiling or laughing as you watch them? Live footage almost makes you feel like you’re there laughing with them!

I love capturing heartfelt moments while I’m filming an event. Whether it’s people laughing, crying, or talking together, while I edit and rewatch the footage, I feel those moments all over again.

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
Due to social media, it’s incredible how art created by a single person can be shared with millions of people all over the world! Videos posted about issues on social media inspire me to create videos about local issues that my community faces every day. I think that when we use social media correctly and positively, it can make amazing impacts that we never thought possible.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Please check out my website! http://www.melanieraeproductions.com – created by the very talented graphic and web designer, Ryan Estrada.

Please follow my Instagram page! https://www.instagram.com/melanieraeproductions/

Shoot me an email me if you ever need any video work!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.melanieraeproductions.com
• Phone: (480) 278-2232
• Email: melanieraeproductions@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanieraeproductions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanieraeproductions18/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Image Credit:
Ryan Estrada, Daniel Lies, Rachel Dotzler, Kaitlyn Spencer, Raven Hill

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