Samuel Roberts
Cinematographer / Video Editor / Founder of Inblume Digital
Los Angeles, CA
inblumedigital.com
instagram @inblumedigital
Q What do you do?
“All things VIDEO! I am the founder of Inblume Digital, a video production studio with a focus on delivering cinematic branded content. ”
I do video content that lives across all platforms. My style blends a contemporary feel with a documentary structure. I am very passionate about storytelling and love creating art and punchy imagery that retains engagement for my clients. I can do larger video productions and a smaller-scale productions. I work with a wonderful team of creatives that are experts in social media, producing, specialty cameras, and photography and we offer all of that to our wonderful clients for their video needs.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
It's been a wild journey of video creation for me. I am originally from Seattle, Washington, and moved down to LA 7 years ago. I began working as a Director, DP, and editor for beauty companies like Smashbox Cosmetics and shooting with fashion magazines like Flaunt and Paper. In the early stages of my career, my work revolved around fashion and beauty. I've shot celebrities like SZA, Dk Metcalf, and then I moved on to working as a Director at a Los Angeles agency. Some of the clients I focused on were Savage x Fenty, Fabletics, Ipsy, Noom, and many more. After bouncing around between makeup and fashion I decided to spread my wings and fly on my own and start my own video production studio. I wanted a change of scenery and wanted to focus on telling stories out in the world rather than in a studio. So for the past couple of years, I have been providing my video services to a full range of clients like K2, Web3 companies like Polygon, and other outdoor brands. The client roster has been growing and the team of creatives I work with to produce video content has also been growing and I'm looking forward to connecting with more individuals and companies in the future.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I have this fine balance of incorporating a contemporary modern almost artistic style with documentary storytelling. I think my experience with fashion and beauty allows me to really create beautiful imagery with things that may not necessarily be seen as "eye-catching" topics. It's the power of storytelling! I also have experience shooting and managing big campaign shoots but I can also pivot at the drop of the hat and can grab a camera and go do a more run-and-gun type of shooting. Because of this, when problems arise, I can easily problem-solve and get the job done!
Q What are you working on right now?
Currently working on a documentary which allowed me to travel to 6 different countries with a Web3 company that shows a really exciting development in the future of technology. I also just finished a snow shoe campaign that was shot in breathtaking Colorado. Some days I can be editing away in a dark room about the latest tech, and be shuffling through snow and shooting the next day. I love a good range.
Q What’s your style?
It can range from fun lighthearted music video style to a more dramatic documentary style.
You can see more of my work here!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Script writing. My passion is telling stories, that is why I love to create with my clients. I love to show the lives of inspiring, relatable and regular folks. I want to continue that through a different medium, and that would be script writing. I've been working on a couple of scripts on my downtime and would love to have more time to focus on those passion projects.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
My overflow of backend editing. It's a tedious process and it's fun to get from A to Z. When I am shooting multiple campaigns back to back the editing starts to build up and can be overwhelming at times.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
It would either be an assistant to help out with scheduling meetings, reminding me of due dates, and answering all the client emails. When I am directing and editing that's all I can focus on, I am in the zone. So having someone assist with all those other things while I'm completing the job would be amazing. I would also love an assistant editor too! Cause of the influx of editing after shooting multiple campaigns can be a lot. It would be nice to split that up with an assistant editor.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I feel like in the past I hesitated to take risks in my career. I stopped myself from taking steps in my career because I would tell myself "it wasn't the right time" or money was an issue. I hesitated to move to LA because I would make excuses, and maybe it was a little bit of fear of taking that leap to a new city. But once I did, it worked out. Sometimes we get too jumbled up in our heads and take the safest route in our careers but sometimes you gotta take a bold step, have faith in yourself that it will work out and it will be for the better!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would love to chat with an experienced producer in this industry that can give tips on how to build a solid team. How to build a strong working family that will go far together in creating cinematic video work.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Looking to do more outdoor/travel-branded content. I just love being in the outdoors and being physical while I capture beautiful images. It would be phenomenal to work with outdoor clothing brands, or companies like NatGeo.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
A travel agency that sends me and my team to multiple locations on a monthly basis. My favorite jobs are the ones where I get to travel and see the world. Last year I was able to create video content in South Korea, Paris, Colombia, New York, and Germany and I just find joy in exploring different parts of the world while creating art and telling stories with my clients.
Q What is your rate?
My rates vary because all of my clients are very different. But I like to also work within clients budgets. I work with big companies and small businesses. So if you are interested in working together, please shoot me an email and we can chat budget and what your needs are and find a solid ground that works for everyone.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email me! Would love to hop on a call and talk about your video needs!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Michael Jennings
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Meditation, music, movies, museums, and traveling.
This member profile was originally published in May 2023