Get to know Ed Pryor from Winchester, Tennessee. Learn more about his amazing career path in our most recent interview below.
Where are you from and how was life growing up?
I’m from Winchester, Tennessee. Also, Cowan, I grew up between the two. But life there was dope. It is very country… so it’s slow unlike neighboring cities such as Nashville. It is so small that nearly everyone knows each other. There isn’t a ton to do, but some of my best memories are from my childhood and being surrounded by friends and family. We really made the best of it. That area definitely shaped who I am today.
What got you into filming and how has your relationship with the industry evolved?
I’ve always had a curiosity and just kinda messed around here and there. You know… kid interests. But when I started producing music seriously I began to look at the possibilities of film (and music videos specifically) differently.
I think any hobby or passion that grows into a career will alter your relationship with it. You have to tread carefully because the business can complicate why you pursue it. Being cognizant of that and trusting myself has been key for me navigating the industry so far.
What was your first Camera/Lens?
There are several answers for this! But, as a kid I had a black and white camcorder. It was maybe V-Tech or Fisher Price branded. I’d record family events and make stop-action movies with my toys. However, the “camera” that started my modern career is the iPhone 4.
When did you get to go full time as a Director? How has your journey been?
Roughly 2014 – and as with any journey it’s had its share of wins and losses. I also don’t mean losses negatively. If anything, I learned more from those experiences than the success.
But it’s been exhausting and beautiful. I’m certain I’m still early in what the full journey will be.
What was your first “big gig” and how did you land it?
The definition of “big gig” has changed … that’s a very fluid concept. But the first time I quoted a client $1000 for a project is really significant. That was in 2012. Up until that moment I had been doing everything out of love for the process. But that opened my eyes to it as a viable business.
I landed it from networking. That sounds simple, but I was interning at a studio at the time. I always had a camera on me. So, right time, right place, an artist recording there needed content. At that moment, I ceased the opportunity and pitched myself. An opportunity that I felt I wasn’t quite ready for yet, but his management said yes!
Coming up, what struggles did you face as a beginner?
Access and knowledge. My start? This is early Youtube, this is pre-DSLR revolution. You couldn’t grab a camera from Walmart, turn on Youtube and watch 1000s of tutorials just yet.
The first few music videos I was putting out in 08-09 were some of the earliest of the “indie-music video director” wave.
So, access to knowledge, or gear and resources… Those were the tough things.
Where I’m from I wasn’t exposed to that. So I had to put myself in positions to learn and grow.
How has technology added to your filming/directing experience?
I am purely a product of technology. If Steve Jobs didn’t put an HD camera in the iPhone 4 my life would be different. I couldn’t afford a film camera, but I could afford an iPhone. Fast forward, and cinema as a whole transitions to digital.
Filmmaking was once a very small elite club, it was extremely expensive… but that technological leap provided access to tools only a few had before. Youtube and Facebook allowed me to share my content directly with an audience… providing me visibility to showcase my work. As technology advanced, it literally evened the playing field for me and allowed me to increase the quality of my work.
What awards has your work been nominated for?
2021:
Single: “Just the Way” by Parmalee + Blanco Brown
Nominations: CMT Music Duo/ Group Video of the Year
Single: “Gone” by Dierks Bentley
Nominations: CMA Music Video of the Year, CMT Music Video of the Year, ACM Music Video of the Year
As a multi-nominated Director what strides would you like to see Country Music make in becoming more diverse?
Country music, much like Hollywood or any spaces and career fields that don’t have much minority representation all have areas that can improve. I think tackling that requires acknowledging it and aggressively seeking ways to correct it. That’s on-camera talent as well and behind the scenes.
How do you contribute to diversity within the projects that you’re involved in?
I wasn’t a product of any status-quo, or nepotism. I didn’t have a cousin walk me into the industry.Moreso. I tell stories that are genuine to my experience. My sets reflect my world and my values. I have a different rolodex of talent, make-up artists, and crew personnel. I’ve been exposed to a different path. It is deeply important to provide opportunities to women and POC who often may be overlooked in this profession. Not to be a hero, or be woke, or whatever negative spin can be applied to that consideration. But to help change the narrative of who is capable, and I feel that has little to do with race or gender.
What parallels do you believe exist within Hip Hop and Country music?
There isn’t a parallel… actually more of a contrast. Country videos are often about nostalgia – or longing for the old days… their old hometowns and friends.
Rap videos are often about escaping that or improving that for a better life… and what you’ll do or buy once you can. That’s a gross generalization of both genres. Obviously there is more depth in each, so I want to say that clearly… but on the surface I feel that’s a safe overview.
That alone is interesting social commentary on America. Also there is more overlap in fanbases than we’re willing to admit. I think it’s possible to relate to both.
Walk me through your creative process. How do you craft such meaningful visuals?
Well. I appreciate you feeling that they are meaningful. I allow the idea to take me on a journey. If I’m keyed in on a specific concept, message, or lyric… I try to see it from every angle. I empathize with the artist, where they are in their career, their audience…
Then I try to project ahead and provide something unique that hopefully elevates all of those considerations.
What’s your current favorite video you’ve shot/edited and why?
Impossible! That’s the “pick your favorite child” concept. I think I’m hovering around 120ish+ music videos I’ve directed and each has their own moments I’ve enjoyed. But if I had to answer more directly it’s my last video. And after I finish my next one.. it’ll still be my last video. I’m always attempting to one-up myself and improve. So the most recent project that allowed me to use all my skills up until that moment – is my favorite.
What is your most viewed video to date? What did this project teach you?
I genuinely don’t look to view counts as a measure of my process. That has more to do with the artist, the song, timing, marketing, luck and a whole set of variables I can’t control. I know I have a lot over 10+ million. To be honest, some of my favorite projects may only have 3K views. I think each time I step on a set I learn something. I refine a technique, or test a new approach… and for that they are all equally valuable.
Who’s some of your favorite industry artists you’ve worked with so far and describe the experience –
Kevin Gates, Jermaine Dupri, C-Murder, Dierks Bentley, Cassadee Pope, Brittany Spencer, Breland, Parmalee. I respect established artists willing to be collaborators. I’m grateful for the opportunities to briefly see inside their brains and add new perspectives to my own process.
What do you do when you feel a creative-block?
Step away. If time allows for completely unplugging and allowing a recharge… I’ll try to do that. I’m still getting better about following my own advice here, but a fresh perspective is always beneficial when struggling with a block.
Biggest goals for 2022?
Continued progress.
Improve my work/life balance.
Be mentally healthy.
And most importantly take over the world.
Advice for upcoming Videographers or creatives looking to become Directors?
Pick up whatever means you have right now. Your phone – whatever tools and gear you have and start making stuff! Today… Right now! Because tomorrow you’ll be better than you were today. That approach will lead you to answers for questions you can’t currently figure out.
Also, work on personal accountability and transparency in your process. Clients come to people they can trust. Trust with a budget, trust with their art and image. So, instill confidence in those who want to work with you.
