Inspiring Conversations with Sam Keel of SK Films

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Keel.

Sam, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began filmmaking in 2016. I started out filming events for a restaurant called Sup Dogs in Greenville, NC. This soon led to Greek life hiring me for events and eventually wedding videography. My first year I picked up a camera I started with a single Canon T5i and a zoom kit lens. Was going to shoots with nothing but a monopod and camera.

Along the way, I had built relationships with clients and soon found myself doubling and tripling my weddings per year while still working with some original clients. In 2018, I was contacted by a commercial real estate firm, Northwood Ravin, to create showcase videos of high-rise apartment communities. These first two properties were in Tampa, Florida. After these two projects went successfully I found myself really enjoying the creative aspect of turning a space into a complex visual.

My 5th project was at a property in Charlotte, NC called “The Vue”. This showcase went on to win a runner-up marketing award for best visual and went viral on YouTube. Since then I have partnered with some of the largest real estate development firms in the world. Greystar, Bell, CBRE are a few examples of continuous partnerships. All the while ramping my weddings up to 20-25 per year and freelancing in between.

I used my social, charismatic personality to build relationships with people & in return found myself filming full time and traveling. What a ride it’s been, and it’s still going up! Believe in yourself and your product and it can go a long way.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road is never smooth, there are always splits, speed bumps, or potholes. All you can do is adapt and believe that what you’re doing is the best. Respect others in your field and acknowledge great work. Use it for inspiration.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
SK Films specializes in wedding videography, commercial and residential showcasing. Creative aerial films. I am known for epic aerials all over the world. I am most proud of building my brand through hard work and commitment to my craft.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
You create your own luck, take time to meet, and boast about your craft. Hand out cards. Always have a sample reel ready for each industry you are targeting.

Contact Info:

• Email: samkeelfilms@gmail.com
• Website: Skfilmsgroup.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/Sam_Keel