Check Out Tyler Graim’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Graim.

Hi Tyler, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I attended CU Boulder’s film school and majored in film production. Immediately after I graduated, I drove to LA and worked in the industry there for 10 years. I got my start as a production assistant at Rock Paper Scissors, a very prestigious post production house. I had the chance to meet some amazing filmmakers there including Errol Morris and David Fincher.

From there, I started working in branded content at a Youtube startup called Machinima. This is where I really cut my teeth as a camera person. I had to light and shoot daily talk shows, sketch shows, and short films. Eventually it evolved into branded content and I shot higher end productions with brands like Scion and Microsoft.

When that ended, I became a freelance cinematographer and started shooting commercials, branded content and short films. I worked with brands such as Xfinity, Blizzard Entertainment, Coors, Vogue and Adidas.

I slowly started moving into the documentary space as a freelancer. I really enjoy making documentaries because you meet so many amazing people with their own unique story. It allows one to really experience the world through the films.

In 2019 I became the producer and cinematographer for a feature documentary called BAD PRESS. It’s the story of a reporter on the Muscogee Nation reservation in Oklahoma, fighting to win Free Press back for her tribe. We premiered at the SUNDANCE Film Festival in 2023 and won a Special Jury Award.

I am currently a freelance cinematographer and producer in Denver. I work on commercials, documentaries and branded content.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No it has definitely not always been a smooth road!

Video production is a very competitive industry and it is highly volatile. As a freelancer you make your own way, so you always need to create new connections and maintain current ones. It also has become more challenging to be a freelancer as I have gotten older. I have a 2 year old daughter now and I want to be around her as much as possible, so that informs my decisions around what kind of jobs I take.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My passion is making beautiful images and telling amazing stories. I have felt comfortable behind a camera since my Dad gave me his 35mm Olympus in middle school.

As a cinematographer I work with the director to realize their vision. Sometimes this is about crafting the coolest shot possible and sometimes it’s about just covering a scene and making sure it makes sense. Every project is different and demands its own approach.

I’m known for being an adaptable person on set. Filmmaking is about solving problems and I am always up for the challenge no matter what the day throws at us.

I’m very proud of sticking with my career in video production. It has not been easy but it has been worth it.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice is to work as a production assistant for a while and figure out what part of video production you like the most. And then when you find that, go all in on it. Say yes to as many projects as possible and get your reps in. There’s nothing like experience in this business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tylergraim.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dp_graim/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-graim/