Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Webster.
Christian, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My love for the film came from a love of art in itself. I didn’t grow up making movies or writing scripts, but I did dive headfirst into other art forms like poetry, drawing and songwriting. I was a creative person and I knew that I wanted to work in a field that allowed me to utilize that creativity in a positive way. When I began my studies at Houston Baptist University, I initially wanted to be a journalist, but I became disheartened by the often heavily politicized atmosphere and the over-commercialization of the story that seemed overwhelmingly abundant and unavoidable in modern media. I took an introduction to cinema class my second semester and it completely changed the way I viewed the medium. My distaste flourished into an appreciation for color and theme. I discovered that good film was produced with integrity for a higher purpose and found that communication of ideas in this creative medium provided me with a way to showcase who I was and what I believed, while simultaneously benefiting and impacting others. It was then that I decided to change my major to film and took my first step behind the camera.
My film classes were incredible and transformative, to say the least. I was especially impacted by my silent film and other media studies courses where we spent countless hours in discussion contemplating why writers and directors executed certain choices, how the films we studied were influenced by society and later how they impacted the world. We analyzed characters and plot lines, discussed how the lighting of a subject or a scene impacted the tone, etc. and we wrote many essays on other more intricate details about what was going on behind the scenes. My film courses were further expanded by my Honors College curriculum which was rooted in great works of philosophy, theology and fiction. I had impeccable teachers and mentors in both departments who encouraged me to find my own voice amidst the great writers, lyricists and creators I was studying. I largely attribute my enthusiasm and success to those instructors, many of whom I now consider friends and family, because they selflessly poured into me and helped me shape my craft and talent.
I also want to mention that my personal faith journey has also shaped my art in a very big way. My motivations for capturing story on film are firmly rooted in my belief that cinema, just like other art forms, serves as a wonderful conduit for sharing core truths in light of the Christian faith. Ideas about goodness, truth and beauty, purpose and power, humility and success, justice and hope – these are the key ideas I want to discuss through my work: ideas which are integral to the way we perceive the world around us and which are especially profound when seen through the lens of faith. In sum, I like to think of it this way: art by nature is itself fluid. We exchange ideas, beliefs and moments of truth with the world and the world responds. I simply took what I had and discovered a medium by which to share it. In return, the world poured into me, and I found that it was in the refining process, in the challenging of my ideas, that new questions which were asked and the discovery of something previously plain which was then made remarkable. In short, art was created and in that art growth. This is what I aim to strive for going forward – continuous growth through creative contribution.
Has it been a smooth road?
My biggest obstacle, by far, is deciding which creative path I want to pursue. As of now, I’ve dabbled in several areas – documentary, international ministry, church media, short film and wedding videography. Each of these areas of work fulfills me in a different way and I’m nearing a crossroads where I need to decide which avenue I want to take with regards to my budding company and my resources. Since I’m at the beginning of my work, all of the decisions I make now with regards to networking, equipment purchases, advertising, etc. all serve as the foundation for my future endeavors.
And while it’s very exciting to be in the beginnings of something, it’s also overwhelming to be tackling something so new, with higher stakes, bigger rewards and a greater risk for failure. I admit, I launched my company in an effort to force myself to grow. I have a tendency to shy away from high-risk situations and instead do what’s comfortable and easy, so investing all of this time and money into something with an unseen result is a bit overwhelming. But, we don’t grow unless we’re pushed! So while I don’t have a particular path laid out at the moment, it feels really good to be working towards something big and doing creative work in a medium that I enjoy. The greatest challenge is just deciding where to go next!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Webster Media Houston was just launched this spring and is at the beginning of its formation. Since I’m also working full time during the week, I can’t currently devote large chunks of time to work on bigger projects, so at the moment, I’m currently specializing/prioritizing wedding videography services and other small promotional projects. I have a lot to learn when it comes to my camera work and my video editing, but I’ve been blessed with very patient clients who have chosen to take a chance on a budding videographer and in doing so have encouraged and inspired me to reach new heights in my work. I love filming weddings because I believe there is something so beautiful and unique about a couple’s love story and I’m always looking for the best way to convey the intricacies of each one individually.
I would say this is where I stand out from other wedding vendors and other videographers in general. I really make an effort to learn each person’s story and to communicate even the smallest of details of their personal journey in my work. I think some larger media companies may fall into the trap of what I like to call ‘video farming.’ The quality is high, visual content is great and the turnaround time is quick, but the storytelling element just isn’t there. I like to think that I offer value to my clients in that I take the time to craft something that truly represents them and what they’re trying to say. I think this is best accomplished by maintaining a clear line of communication with them throughout the entire process, start to finish.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston isn’t quite the movie-making capital of the world, but it has enough resources for artists to utilize to make their voices heard. Since I’m relatively new on the scene and most all of my work is done independently, I haven’t had too much interaction with studios or production teams in the area, but I know that they’re out there.
As far as improvement goes, I’d really love to start some more networking events in the Houston area geared specifically towards video – producers, directors, actors, etc.. Inspiring things can happen when you get a bunch of people in the same room who are passionate about the same thing. I’d really love to take advantage of that untapped creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: webstermediahouston.com
- Email: webstermediahouston@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Richard Villatoro at Valase Media
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