We had the good fortune of connecting with Carly Stone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had a lot of creative passions growing up such as composing music, filmmaking and drawing and I knew that I wanted to take one of these passions and make a career out of it! I poured a lot of hours into these art forms as a kid and I’m grateful that being homeschooled granted me the time and space to do that. I’ve always known that I didn’t want to work a desk job 9-5 working for someone else and building someone else’s dream. That way of working is a fit for some people but I knew that that wouldn’t work for me. I wanted to be my own boss, have freedom and flexibility, be able to express myself creatively, collaborate with like-minded people and work for brands and individuals I believe in. So having my own business naturally came to be!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I specialize in filming artists, musicians, athletes and small business owners, telling their stories and sharing their journey. I absolutely love documenting people doing what they do best! Capturing the perfect moment is so fulfilling and brings me so much joy. I especially love being a fly on the wall filming people perform or compete and having the honor to encapsulate those important snapshots of history.

What sets me apart from others is that I am able to portray stories in a way that feels natural and focuses on all the essential elements. Also, having a background in music helps me to pick the perfect song for a project. I think music and visual storytelling is so moving and connects people in a deep and profound way; I love the musical aspect of filmmaking.

It definitely hasn’t been easy, you really have to stay motivated, hustle and promote yourself; you can’t let fear get in the way. I’ve learned that it doesn’t hurt to ask and people will help if you put yourself out there. I’ve reached out to a lot of filmmakers that inspire me and who I greatly admire. They have all helped me navigate the world of being a videographer. But I still have a lot to learn, you never stop learning. I’ve learned a lot through trial and error; I think that experience is the best teacher.

I’m a very hard worker, I’m reliable and I’m passionate about what I do. I want to help share stories that need to be told, in the most authentic way possible. I’m excited for the future! Because of the state the world is in right now I’m offering a special discount on my normal rates for small businesses that need help promoting themselves. I want to give back to my community, match my skills with the needs of others, keep growing and evolving as an artist and human being, and I want to keep collaborating with amazing people!

I’m proud of how far I’ve come, back at the end of 2017 it was my goal and dream to start my own business and work as a videographer—I was determined to make it happen. I think there is no limit as to what you can achieve if you believe you can do it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Where to begin? There is so much to do in Southern California! I love showing people around and showing off this beautiful place I get to call home.

Some of the best things to do in the area:
-Go to the beach (obviously haha!)
-Paddleboard/kayak or boat through Naples canals in Long Beach
-Hike in Laguna Beach
-Go dancing at the Bungalow
-Visit Catalina
-Take a trampoline class at Bounce Society Fitness
-Disneyland
-Griffith Observatory
-See an intimate concert and interview with a musician at the Grammy museum
-Go to the Broad museum
-Take the Aqualink to Downtown Long Beach and visit Shoreline Village
-Get Balboa bars on Balboa Island
-Walk down Del Mar in San Clemente
-Go surfing at San Onofre
-Shop at Fashion Island
-Visit Malibu
-Bike to Seal Beach and have a smoothie at the Garden District
-Hear Manuel the Band in concert
-See a movie at a drive in
-Get an acai bowl at Yago Juice
-Take a dance class at AfterHours in Costa Mesa
-Do an escape room
-Stroll n Savor on 2nd st in Long Beach
-Go to a farmers’ market
-Eat at Seabirds Kitchen
-Take a ride in the Orange Balloon in Orange
-See a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, Ford Ampitheater or Hotel Cafe
-Explore Crystal Cove

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m so fortunate to have had the best mentors, teachers and guides throughout the years and there are so many people to thank. My film mentor Christopher Salazar taught me so much and I would not be where I am today without his tutelage and guidance. I have to thank Justin Jung who I apprenticed with at Rip Curl, he really helped me get my foot in the door of the surf industry and I have many professional work relationships now because of him. I’d also like to thank some of my amazing friends and clients who have put their faith in me and helped me grow and learn along the way which are Chelsea Rush and Talia Boggan at Bounce Society Fitness, Manuel Grajeda from Manuel the Band, and Greg Cruse with USA Surfing. I’m thankful to Tamron for their support. I’m also incredibly grateful to have the best parents in the world who have supported me and cheered me on from the very start, when I was just a kid with a camcorder filming extreme home makeovers, dance competitions and news channel videos with my neighborhood friends haha!!

Website: www.seastoneproductions.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/seastoneproductions
Facebook: www.facebook.com/seastoneproductions
Other: www.vimeo.com/seastoneproductions

Image Credits
Justin Jung Kory Khojasteh Simon Stone Kari Stone

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