Meet Peter Kapuscinski | Video Producer

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

Hi Peter, why did you pursue a creative career?
I fell in love with filmmaking when I was in high school. My friends and I would film each other skateboarding and I would edit together our best tricks. It was a lot of fun to edit and create these videos with friends so I decided to pursue a degree in film studies. While studying film at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, I grew passionate about social documentary film. My University Honors’ thesis was on filmmaking and storytelling techniques that are effective in raising awareness and bringing about change. I have an intrinsic motivation towards making the world a better place and I believe that video can play a huge role in improving the lives of people around the world. With this passion, I have spent my career creating videos around social causes, in hopes of leaving the world better than I found it.

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 love the process of creating and turning an idea into something visual. Sometimes there’s a plan and other times, I’m figuring it out as I go. There’s more than one way to create a video. It’s like a puzzle to me. Should I put this footage here or there? I love the process and figuring out things by trial and error. It’s really fun and rewarding when everything comes together.

I’m a big visualizer. I like to picture how things will look ahead of time. I visualize the script in my head or the video footage I need to capture to make the video. When I’m watching movies or television shows, I’ll try to figure out how they did a certain shot or watch behind the scenes footage to see what it took. Or if I see something fun or interesting on social media, I’ll think how did they do that? I’m constantly learning and willing to try new things to improve my videos.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that there isn’t always a straight path to your goals. Sometimes there are unexpected outcomes and you need to prepare yourself for when those opportunities arise. After graduating college, I didn’t have a job immediately so I worked overnight at Target stocking shelves, while applying for film related jobs. I also took on an unpaid internship at a video production company and a volunteer position at a film festival. Eventually I quit Target because I felt focusing on the film roles, while unpaid, would be more beneficial to my long term career and I needed the flexible schedule to apply for jobs. As a volunteer at the Cucalorus Film Festival, I learned how to use Filemaker Pro database software to input film entries. As luck turned out, the World Bank Group needed a video archivist with Filemaker Pro experience. I applied and got my first paid video role. If I hadn’t quit Target to focus on those unpaid opportunities, it’s unclear where I would be in my career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Washington, D.C. If I had a friend visit, I would take them to a Nationals or Wizards game, depending on the season.

If we went to a Nationals game, then I’d take them to the Bullpen in Navy Yard for pregame drinks. There are also a number of breweries and delicious food spots around the ballpark to enjoy after the game.

If we went to a Wizards game, then we would probably eat at one of Jose Andres’ restaurants before the game. We could grab drinks at one of the bars in Chinatown after the game.

Outside of the sports, I would suggest we go to some of the Smithsonian museums. I’m spoiled living in D.C. with so many amazing and free museums. With constantly changing exhibits, there are always new things to check out, even for someone who lives here. My favorites are the National Museum of African American History and Culture and National Portrait Gallery.

For food, I would take them to U Street for a half smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl. We could wander around U Street and 14th Street or see a show at the 9:30 Club. We could also walk around Adams’ Morgan or explore the Metropolitan Beer Trail in Northeast D.C.

Lastly, a trip to D.C. isn’t complete without a stop at the White House and Capitol.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have been blessed with many wonderful colleagues who have helped me grow professionally. I started out as a Video Archivist at the World Bank Group and my team really helped me grow as a filmmaker, by believing in me and providing me with opportunities to learn, make mistakes, and grow. I gained valuable experience and wouldn’t be where I’m at today without their guidance and leadership.

Website: https://peterkapuscinski.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-kapuscinski-25840371/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8va_wvVmXob7EfOb-cxP7A