Carly Quellman
Q What do you do?
“I’m a Story + Movement Director, focused on visual forms of content (video, photo, and websites.) I’m a very curious person, so I draw on my background in journalism and performing arts to intuitively create a dialogue between subject and audience.”
As a Story Director: I record an interview with subjects on set (or Zoom!), working alongside a creative director to construct a story narrative that aligns with the visual narrative. Interviewing is imperative—this allows the subject to respond candidly instead of reading off a script—I love navigating the emotional qualities in tone! Then, I collaborate with a video and/or sound editor to put all the pieces together into video format. The final outcome is more cohesive across the board while staying authentic to the creative vision.
*I always share a sneak peek of the interview questions beforehand so the subject feels comfortable with the topic, but I try to keep it as candid as possible.
As a Movement Director: I work alongside a photographer or videographer on set to help talent navigate their body into shapes and poses that highlight certain shapes and clothing. I also step in as a “buffer” between talent and the set—whether that’s giving breath cues, taking an emotional pulse check, or simply being a homie on set. Unless talent has a set playlist, I also act as the DJ, so I’m responsible for keeping energy up and aligned!
I also recently completed my 200 hours RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) certification! I’m excited to weave what I learned about cueing, succinct language, and energetic body awareness into my work.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
A lot of trial and error. I’m someone who always seems to notice what they “don’t like” or “don’t want” and thought it was to my detriment. It’s not! Those moments helped me sift through the world to get closer to my truth.
But, those steps felt like… like walking through a maze in a daze… without realizing that each time you bump into something, you’re building skills, character, and inner strength.
To be succinct (something I’m working on, ha!) – Personal excavation, Self observation, and Asking for help. Seriously. Push the ego down and ask for help.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Weaving my unusual career path + a unique perspective into the creative and entertainment industries. Journalistic qualities are uncommon—minus editing—in advertising and marketing. Movement direction has only recently been integrated into projects, yet my focus is centered around human behavior. I believe we all stand out a bit more when we lean into our quirks, our humanness. Oh, and I’m over-communicative, which I think just generally takes you far in life.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m currently wrapping up a four-part video campaign series centered around mental health. Since my own mental health played a significant part in stepping away from corporate, this project has been fulfilling on many levels.
At the same time, I’m working with a couple yoga studios to implement movement direction into their visual marketing strategy. I’m also completing a Squarespace design course (through ilovecreatives!) that I took a hiatus from. I’m looking forward to adding website design to my list of services and bundling copy + design into a specific storytelling package.
On a personal note, I moved in July 2022 so I’m spending any extra time I have in my new space strategizing personal creative projects. Since I work from home (unless on set), I’m looking forward to cultivating a home representative of not only me, but the experiences that inspire the work I create.
Q What’s your style?
My perspective is that each individual experience transcends.
I’d love to work with Kelsey Lu one day! This music video embodies everything I am passionate about capturing: YouTube.com
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Directing opportunities with musicians. As a dancer, there’s an unspoken language that I’m able to have with musicians. I love the intimacy yet energetic chaos of being in a creative bubble with like-minded humans. It’s freeing to be seen without saying a word.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Accounting. Full stop. As a neurodivergent human, it’s extra frustrating and daunting to keep up with, but I keep reminding myself that it’s my life vest when good ol’ tax season rolls around.
Also, the more I focus on being a sole-prenuer, the more disconnected I am from community and like-minded creatives. I need to laugh. I need y’all!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
$15/hr for accounting + paperwork related things. $5/hr for refocusing and accountability so I stay focused on the goal at hand. (I love to think, dream, imagine BIG and BROAD. Go big or go home?... Sometimes, you need to go home. And do one thing at a time.)
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would tell nine-year-old Carly that it’s OK to stand out—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—even if the world is telling her otherwise. Even (and especially) if people are aware of her light. I would nudge her to express her loneliness through movement for both its healing and creative qualities… and to share it! Over and over again.
Why? Because being “different” and curious and observant and sensitive is exactly what she needs to pursue her passions down the line.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Oooof. I will forever consider myself a newcomer in the creative industry, so I could use insight on many things...
How to toe the line in business meetings, authentically network, and close deals.
As an introvert and ~ incredibly deep thinker ~ business or money-related conversations can feel hokey pokey. How much small talk is too much small talk? How far can I negotiate pricing? How can I be my authentic self with clients while still closing a deal? Am I just showcasing my neurosis? Probably.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Projects where I can be both collaborative and autonomous—on set, on location, or 1:1––is where my heart lies. Whether guiding language via story direction or emotional landscape via movement direction, the more intimate relationship I can have with the project and team involved, the better. A personal goal of mine is to work 1:1 with a musician for an upcoming press or performing tour.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I enjoy working with folks who want to push the boundary and truly believe in the work they produce. Mindset and attitude go so far in collaborative spaces. It’s so easy to absorb your energetic environment. I’m looking for in person opportunities where there’s play and experimentation with the entire team involved. I’d love a collaboration where the client is also the talent—what an intimate, all hands in approach that would be from development to execution!
Q What is your rate?
Every client has different needs, scope, budget, etc. Since I offer multiple services, the best way to chat through a project idea or proposal is reaching out to me directly at carly@im-carlyquellman.com. I’ll see ya over there!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Reach out at carly@im-carlyquellman.com. An ideal intro would include:
All lowercase letters and color hierarchy (just kidding), an upfront budget and pre-set scope, and a bit about why you want to specifically work with me—what about your vision and my skillset aligns?
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Micaela Taylor has been a muse of mine since 2020. Her embodiment of expression is speaks so precisely to my inner world. Watching her perform with her company, The TL Collective, inspired my transition out of the corporate world. She’s doing something different, and it shows.
instagram: @micaelagtaylor
I met Sasha Sheldon while searching for a headshot photographer. Sasha listens so intently to understand the vision––it’s refreshing. She’s superbly talented and an angelic beam of light!
instagram: @sashamsheldon
I recently worked with John Edmonds and he was incredibly kind and humble and just an all-around great collaborator, creative, and person.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
breathe. expel; i'm off in nature.
This member profile was originally published in August 2022.