Part I: Unveiling the Lens to Success with Demarcus Leflore

It has been said that a camera is an extension of our eyes. It provides the opportunity for us to capture the beauty, emotions, and stories that unfold around us on this extraordinary journey called life. Undoubtedly, many things will test our strength and challenge our dreams, such as life's unfavorable circumstances, fears, and other factors that blur our vision to success. However, we have the power to overcome these things and prove that our potential knows no bounds.

Therefore, we must learn how to adjust our perspectives and see obstacles as opportunities for growth. Consequently, each difficulty allows us to acquire new skills, expand our knowledge, and develop resilience. We must also develop the courage to beat some odds and take chances.  It is in those moments of stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing uncertainty that we discover the true extent of our capabilities. Moreover, we must learn to allow ourselves to make and learn from mistakes. Thus, by permitting ourselves to make errors, we are freed from anticipating a future filled with unsolved fears and overwhelming regrets. Nevertheless, when we open ourselves to limitless possibilities for improvement, we will create our own unique narrative of success. 

Demarcus Leflore, also known as Filmanati, is a father, digital creator, videographer, and award-winning cinematographer. Demarcus has been making videos mainly for birthday parties and weddings but is now taking a switch to make sports-related videos for Jackson State University. Demarcus is also part of a production crew wherein they document monumental football events and share the inside look at how these players surmount the highs and lows in sports to unite as one toughened community.

In this special episode with Demarcus Leflore, we will learn about the journey of an empowered man in the film industry. Today's episode will encourage us to take courage in stepping into a new environment and realize that sometimes we have to try a different way of showcasing our talents to see areas wherein we can improve and prosper. Be captivated by the life of Demarcus as he presents us the life and struggles of a cinematographer and how he carries the weight of the camera on his shoulder as he carries it on his heart and motivation. 

"I wasn't afraid to make mistakes because I understand that sometimes I may have to bump my head at least once or twice to realize what I'm doing." – Demarcus Leflore

Topics Covered:

(00:00:00) Introduction + Episode Snippet

(00:00:49) Introducing our special guest, Demarcus Leflore.

(00:02:14) How Demarcus got to work with Coach Prime

(00:04:13) Demarcus' first remarkable video creation

(00:06:34) When things exceed your expectations

(00:08:41) Taking a switch to fit in.

(00:11:08) Stepping into the film industry 

(00:12:57) The Trip to Colorado

(00:15:50) Production Crew: A good opportunity for freelancers 

(00:17:16) Quick Reminder: Are you enjoying this episode? Please share it, leave a five-star review, and give feedback. Go to TimeOut with the SportsDr website. https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/reviews/

(00:18:07) Be the Real Deal.

(00:19:02) Make use of the Learnings and show your best ability.

(00:19:55) How does Demarcus cope with his new work environment?

(00:21:46) Learn to Adjust

(00:22:06) Allow yourself to make mistakes.

(00:22:44) The Imposter Syndrome

(00:24:29) How can a profession that requires travel be challenging?

(00:27:27) The challenge of filming a documentary

(00:29:09) Cameras will keep rolling regardless of the rain.

(00:30:26) The camera and its operator need some rest.

(00:30:50) The essence of having teams in a production crew

(00:32:00) Outro

Key Takeaways:  

"I had to understand that there are different creative points of view." – Demarcus Leflore

"I went from doing small videos and just jumping straight into working for the XFL, which is a part of my appreciation story with Coach Prime." – Demarcus Leflore

"When somebody points you out in front of everybody because you did a great job, that was a moment you would wish to be recorded and reminisce later on." – Demarcus Leflore

"I'm the real deal even though I come from a place that doesn't produce the real deal as often as other places do." – Demarcus Leflore

"I've been doing my due diligence of studying, researching, and networking with many different people in the film industry way before I met the production crew of Coach Prime." – Demarcus Leflore

"There was a lot of stuff that was new to me in the film industry. We had production meetings, crew calls, and they had a vocabulary I had never heard before being on a film set, but I have to act like I've been there." – Demarcus Leflore

"The new ways of filming, new lenses, cameras, and memory cards are relatively new to me." – Demarcus Leflore

"The thing that kept me in the game and not being one of those people that get fired from a production crew so fast was being able to adjust." – Demarcus Leflore

"Having a traveling job is much more demanding than waking up and going to a 9 to 5 because you have to manage flights, sleep schedule, and you are trying to go to sleep, and it's like everything is crazy." – Demarcus Leflore

"You must understand that getting in the documentary crew is on set all day." – Demarcus Leflore

"The cameras are going to roll regardless. When it rains, we only put rain covers on our cameras and a garbage bag across the smaller cameras." – Demarcus Leflore

"When you say cameras don't stop rolling, we also had to remind ourselves that sometimes they do stop because the heat is bouncing off them so hard, and whether it be the camera or us, that may overheat." – Demarcus Leflore

"So, regardless of who's coming off break or going on break, a camera can bounce from what they're doing to come over and continue to get the shot. – Demarcus Leflore

Connect with Demarcus Leflore:

Email: Filmanatiproductions@gmail.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Filmanati/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Filmanati

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demarcus-leflore-16957314a/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@filmanatiproductions1783/

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHGDu1zT4K_X6PnYELu8weg

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.