Meet Sam Kellman | Writer/Director/Editor/Visual Effects Artist/Immersive Experience Designer

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

Hi Sam, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
As someone who’s been storytelling since I was putting on puppet shows for my family at just a few years old, my end goal has always been to entertain. While I’m probably most interested in being able to do just that through my filmmaking work, I am also very involved in the experiential design space, and love to immerse audiences in new worlds and rich storylines through that track as well. But my end goal of end goals is to write and direct films professionally!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always been very interested in pushing the limits of what’s possible with my art– whether that be what’s typically possible within my budgets, crew size, industry norms, etc. I’m actively fascinated and inspired by others who push boundaries, specifically those who set out to tell stories in new ways. This is why immersive entertainment is so incredible to me– it’s an art form that I believe is really in a renaissance period right now as people seek more meaningful, intimate, tangible experiences, and I really do believe that there’s so much untapped potential there.

In terms of how I got to where I am today “professionally,” I’ve just graduated from college, so it’s a funny question to answer because I see myself in such an early stage of my career at this moment in time. But, thus far, I’ve already created dozens of film and immersive projects completely independently, each a vital experience that has given me a lot more confidence in my voice and technique as a creative at such an early age, and for that I am thankful! Was it easy? No. None of this ever really is. BUT– and maybe I’m a masochist for saying this– I personally thrive off of the stress of creating with risk, and problem-solving to make the unthinkable a reality. It truly motivates me in everything I do. And one BIG lesson I’ve learned along the way: surround yourself with people that love to do what you do, and more importantly, people who do what you do BETTER than you can. I am extremely grateful for my group of creative friends and the sense of community they foster.

If you take one thing away from my art and the stories that I tell, hopefully it’s that I love to create narratives with grounded, honest human emotion that take place against the backdrop of the fantastical and the unrealistic. It’s a juxtaposition that I’ve always adored, and it can be a really powerful storytelling tool. The ridiculous is my friend.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh god. Los Angeles is just sprawling, there’s so much to do. In my last semester of college, I was actually dorming out here with two friends who aren’t native to the area, and basically spent a few months as an LA tour guide. So, luckily, I’ve thought this through a bit already!

Food is a biggie here, and there are WAY too many iconic places to list, BUT, if I had to boil the city down to a few of my personal favorites that feel quintessentially LA to me, I’d have to recommend the legendary Langer’s Deli (first and foremost), ANY taco truck in Echo Park, and Badmaash. OR just visit The Grove’s Original Farmer’s Market or Grand Central Market, blindfold yourself, point your finger out, spin around, and then proceed to wherever your finger lands. (Take that metaphorically, if you follow these instructions to a tee you’ll probably end up poking a stranger in the eye. These places are tight.)

Then, be sure to go see a movie at Brain Dead Studios on Fairfax, punch some blocks at Super Nintendo World, hit up Venice Beach, and PLEASE catch a show at one of my favorite LA staples, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater– an absolutely charming treat every single time. Guaranteed.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate this Shoutout to my parents, who have been and continue to be the most ridiculously supportive people in my life. They never for one second insisted that I pursue anything that wasn’t of interest to me, and have always encouraged my unwavering urge to make some really ambitious (and sometimes quite weird) projects.

Website: https://goinsidethebox.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidetheboxprod/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkellman/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@insidetheboxproductions