The fields of media and content creation are now more diversified than they have ever been before. In a world in which every single person in the country has a device in their pocket capable of filming, editing, and uploading footage to the internet in a matter of moments, the creation of media is truly in the hands of the people. In some ways, that could make things less special, leading to oversaturation in fields that used to be fairly exclusive. In other ways, the volume of content leads to greater competition, which leads to greater work. Connor McCollam, a media producer with extensive experience in photography, filmmaking, directing, and editing, is a prime example of what a successful media producer looks like in 2024. With numerous high-profile works to his name and a diverse set of credits from across the spectrum of the medium’s capabilities, Connor McCollam’s success story is a distinctly modern one.
McCollam says that he first began producing media for recreation and joy at a very young age. “I always loved creating photos and videos.” He went to college for marketing but ultimately found himself paying his University bills with the paychecks from professional media projects he was taking on in his spare time. By the time he graduated, he had accumulated a substantial client base. With his newly acquired degree in marketing and this vast array of contacts in the media field, McCollam forged his future, creating his own media company. As McCollam says, “My love and passion for media inspired me to seek it as a career. Being able to tell stories and showcase brands through my art has always been a beautiful thing for me.”
But it wasn’t all that easy. In facing the kind of diversified, oversaturated entertainment landscape of the present-day, McCollam realized it would take immense drive and commitment. “Breaking out in this industry is extremely difficult given the entry barriers. Through persistence, research, planning, and execution, I’ve been able to connect with major brands and showcase them as well as bring them to new heights through my work.”
Image Credit: Connor McCollam
In the years since investing wholeheartedly in himself, McCollam has found enormous success with several media projects. He entered into a series of projects with Silver Star Mercedes, crafting unique videos and marketing. He put the new Mercedes lineup in very ordinary, everyday scenarios to “help audiences relate and see themselves in the cars.” For Guy Lafleur Wine and Spirits, he aided the brand from its inception in introducing its new products to the Quebec market through audio-visual marketing. McCollam worked as an editor for both the Rolling Loud and Dreamville festivals, chronicling and advertising their highlights in experiential ways.
Most notably, McCollam also worked with rapper Offset throughout the rollout of the “Set It Off” album cycle, producing numerous video projects as an editor, from single-release marketing assets to full music videos. For his part, McCollam attributes his success to the unique adaptability he brings to the table. “I have a great ability to adapt to my clients’ visions and needs and bring concepts to reality quickly.”
Connor McCollam is a uniquely qualified and successful media producer who has adapted to the times and environments around him to thrive within several unique niches of the entertainment world. His advice? “Never give up on the projects you really want. You never truly know when the one email you send to a particular person gets noticed and connected. Persistence is key.”
Presented by APG
