Why do we make videos? I've asked myself this again and again over the years. It’s a question that’s driven me to create The Creator's Cut, where I’ve had the privilege of interviewing filmmakers dedicated to their craft. Only now, 10 years on, do I think I’ve hit upon an answer:
We create because we believe we have something unique to share with the world.
Maybe that’s a specific memory that shaped you as a person, or your Great Aunt’s apple pie recipe, or the feeling of growing older. It could be simpler than that - you could have a skill, an area of expertise, or just a vivid personality that demands to be seen and heard.
I’m fascinated by stories like these - the ones that drive us to pick up the camera. So, in this Monthly Cut I want to celebrate five creators that have had the courage to share those unique pieces of themselves through video.
From inspiring monologues on living to behind-the-scenes from the day job, these creators each have a vivid way of seeing the world. Give them a watch and maybe you’ll be inspired to go out and capture your own stories too.
Gyasi Immanuel: Sharing your unique journey
Being a creator isn’t easy - especially balanced alongside the demands of everyday life. Immanuel recognizes this and gives a voice to what lots of creators might be feeling: the tension between pursuing a ‘stable’ career, and the drive to create.
The video → Immanuel conveys the internal struggle of pursuing content creation in his short film, neatly splitting it into three acts: Safe, Risk and Harmony.
Why I love it → It’s insanely difficult to capture complex emotions on film. But Immanuel’s authentic approach to his subject, and his skillful composition, make it easy watching.
Get inspired → Think about a defining moment in your life. Are there any learnings you could share with your audience?
Vidsbybb: Elevating the ordinary through film
It’s easy to think you need a wild and exciting subject to pick up the camera. Vidsbybb proves this isn’t the case. Each of his videos celebrate the beauty of the mundane, turning simple moments like meeting friends in a park into cinematic cuts.
The video → Dark night skies and bright fast food lights. Vidsbybb captures the contrast of a simple evening in this video.
Why I love it → Vidsbybb isn’t afraid to experiment with light, framing and composition. The result is ordinary subjects begin to take on a magical nostalgia.
Get inspired → Take a piece of your day, like the commute to work or the walk home, and try to capture how it feels to exist in that moment with just a few shots.
Julie:szn: Giving stories space to breathe
For some creators, narration can often feel like an afterthought. But in Julie’s case, it’s the driving force behind all her videos. Her carefully considered scripts take on big themes like life, love and fulfilment. The result is a channel that feels like watching a coming-of-age film, or reading a letter from a cherished friend.
The video → A meditation on stepping back from social media, and reconnecting with life.
Why I love it → Julie knows the importance of letting her shots breathe. Rather than hurry through her narration, she gives each scene the time it needs.
Get inspired → Music adds depth to simple shots. Place a track beneath ambient sound in your videos to create a rich and moving soundscape. Or try matching beat drops with scene changes like Julie does in her video.
Nicole Shapiro: Notes from a pro filmmaker
If you’re ready to turn your passion into a commercial career (or just curious what a day looks like for a professional film maker), you need to check out Nicole Shapiro’s channel. She goes behind the scenes of studio sets, sharing essential tips on camera set ups, production and lighting.
The video → The BTS of shooting YouTube legend @LifeOfRiza’s Spotify advert.
Why I love it → Shapiro’s film is a fascinating look into each moment that leads up to the creation of a production-level film. The soft and candid way it’s shot makes you feel as if you’re standing behind the camera yourself.
Get inspired → The creative process can be just as interesting as the finished product. Don’t be afraid of showing your audience authentic, behind-the-scenes moments.
Allan Su: The power of perspective
Allan Su is the perfect example of a creator that lets you into his shoes. From twisting landscapes to small cultural details, his travel vlogs capture and preserve the beauty of new places. Watching is the next best thing to hopping on a plane yourself.
The video → This travel vlog showcasing 4 days in Busan, South Korea.
Why I love it → Su’s use of wide shots, paired with close-up POV footage, makes for a truly immersive watching experience.
Get inspired → Close-up shots can make places feel more vivid and real. Keep an eye out for texture, colour and contrast in your surroundings. These can be interesting things to zoom in on.
Get inspired to make great content.
The best content inspires, excites and moves its audience. I’ve shared five creators that I believe hit this brief. Through their videos they’ve captured their own unique way of seeing the world and the result is something really special - but now it’s your turn to go out there and create.
Need some more inspiration? Check out Uppbeat’s ultimate list of YouTube video ideas (61 of them!). Or, head over to my Instagram @the.creators.cut where I share more videos I love, why they’re great and how you can learn from them.
