It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you the winner of the Pajama School Promo Video contest! I am so grateful for the time and work that went into each of the submissions, and pray that the experience was a blessing to all involved. But, without further ado, the winner of a free family pass to the 2010 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival is…

Jeremiah Warren, producer of Video #2!

You all have seen his excellent work; now you get a chance to “meet” him! Jeremiah joins me today on the Pajama School Blog for a brief interview:

When did you first become interested in video production? What contributed to that interest?
I was around 13 years old when I saw a short film, created by a family that I know, and they submitted it to the 2004 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. I had no idea that there was so much available to “normal” people in the area of equipment and software to create media of such high quality. That’s what led me into creating short films with a friend of mine. We started with fun little skits – nothing very professional, and most were rather silly. I eventually segued into what I am doing now.

Do you have a homeschooling background? How did that contribute to what you are doing now?
I’ve been homeschooled since day one. I’ve never been in an environment with people who said I wasn’t good enough, or could not do this or that, unlike what is often experienced in a public or private school environment. Due to that fact, I do not have a lack of self worth or feel like I can’t accomplish a task.

If it wasn’t for being homeschooled and raised the way I was by my parents, I would not be where I am today. I’m so grateful to my parents for the sacrifices they made and the hardships they went through in raising me to be the way I am today.

What are some steps you’ve taken to develop the art of video production?
I would check out 4 or 5 books at a time at our local library on filmmaking, or on the software and tools I owned. I’ve also watched and read many tutorials online, which have really helped me learn one of the main programs I am currently using. I also spoke with many people who knew more than me, always asking them questions about what I wanted to know.

What other video projects have you worked on?
I filmed all the behind the scenes video on The Widow’s Might, produced by HeuMoore Productions. I also had a small role in the movie as the guy who mumbles and stumbles over his lines while auditioning for the role of the cowboy.  I have been privileged to work with two business owners and one ministry in putting together promotional commercials.  There are some other feature films that I hope to work on, but nothing official right now.

What are some of your other interests besides filmmaking?
I’ve always loved reading, mostly historical books. I have an interest in computers, and even considered going into IT work, but gave that up after I was in an IT department during one summer. I’m very interested in social networking and marketing, along with promotion and advertising.

Are you open to producing book trailers for other authors? How should they contact you for more information?
In short, yes, but it depends on my schedule, what other projects I am working on, and what the book is about. They can contact me through my website at www.JeremiahJW.com. More of my work they can be viewed on my YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/JeremiahJW. I update it regularly with new videos.

Any words of advice for aspiring filmmakers?
You don’t need a $5,000 camcorder to make something good. Start where you are now, and learn by using what you have. It’s not about using the highest quality or most expensive gear, but how well you can use it.