Daily Inspiration: Meet Calvin T. Shepherd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Calvin T. Shepherd. 

Hi Calvin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started making cheap, iPhone movies in high school for my English classes and I was doing journalism at the time. I went to college the first couple years knowing that movies was my goal, but I was focused on my backup plans and after some stuff happened that really rocked me to my core, I decided I was done with that. Done with backup plans. I found a Colorado school with a film club, which ended up being UNC, and started making movies. I’ve made 3 feature films in the Northern Colorado area and one, Safe House 1618, has received festival awards around the world. I am currently working on getting another project going and chasing my Master’s at Western Colorado University in Screenwriting starting this summer. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. Making films is already a very tough job without the obstacles of doing it this very early level we are at. The biggest problem I’ve honestly ran into is people. I am very skilled at the creative side of things and getting a project going, the other side, the business side… still learning. And some people have taken advantage of that. That’s the thing, there are snakes out there that seem like your friend and they want to help, but in reality, they have their own motivations and want to take credit and the benefits for something they didn’t really do much to help with. I have been very lucky with other people I work with who have my back in situations like that. This has been a very hard road and we have worked very hard. I made my last film while working extensive hours at a sand and gravel pit just to pay for the film. Filmmaking is also a very expensive art form and I’ve spent every dime I have towards the goal. One day it will pay off though. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make films. I am a screenwriter and a director with 3 feature films, Forgery, Country Mustard, and Safe House 1618, all filmed in the Northern Colorado area. I’m very proud of all the work we’ve done. They are inexpensive films made on a budget, but there is a very solid vision there and very talented people working on all three of them. I’m very proud of that work. What sets me apart is my drive and ability to work for it. I don’t wait around for the money to make films; I make the money. I figure out what it’s going to take and I make it happen, no matter how hard I have to work for it. 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Just share your work. People will come. Be honest and listen to people when they want to help you. 

Contact Info:

• Email: calvinshepherdfilms@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvintshepherdfilms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calvintshepherdfilms
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz2l-ORuBk5-JSOeDei1Qw

Image Credits
Garrett Brady
Maddie Steele
Andy Riggs