We had the good fortune of connecting with Tad Sallee and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tad, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting TS Cinema, my wedding, film, and photography business was an easy transition. After graduating with a Film and Television degree, I struggled to find out exactly where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do. Being that there are so many options in the industry, I dabbled with the idea of moving to Los Angeles and starting a career. Most likely working as a production assistant and then slowly moving up the ladder.
I’ve always had the entrepreneurial spirit, after working for years filming and photographing weddings. It was an obvious next step to start taking this seriously and create my own business. It’s also been the most fulfilling, rewarding, and most importantly, how to think one step ahead. There is never a dull moment working doing from what was originally a hobby, then a career, and now a passion. I hope everybody can find a career and happiness like this.
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.
With my wedding films, I offer something unique called my Video Engagement Sessions. These sessions really allow us to get a closer look at my couple’s relationships. This footage captured is to be utilized within my wedding films. By doing this, it not only showcases the love for my couples on the wedding day but adds an element that really shows how they interact with one another outside of the wedding day. The Engagement Video Session is a free inclusion with my packages. It’s a fresh approach to how I want to go the extra mile for my clients and offer something I have not seen many other professionals do in this industry. I want those who contact me about me and my brand to understand that I’m willing to go that extra mile.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Recently, I’ve transitioned to the Scottsdale, Arizona area the last year. It’s a gorgeous and fantastic community with more green than I’ve seen in the entire state of Arizona. It is a fantastic area to get married, visit or spend some time with your loved ones. There is always something new going on, a place to visit and explore outdoors. It is also one of the most active exercising and working out communities I’ve lived. Parks, lakes, and rivers flow through the city, it’s quite a gorgeous place to be. Amidst COVID-19, things have taken a step back from getting the true experience. But there is always something to do outdoors, whether it be to go hiking up Camelback Mountain, taking a bike ride on the Greenbelt, to having a picnic on the grass. There is so much appreciation for the beauty and upkeep of the city.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d particularly like to mention those who have taught me a lot within my career. I went to Film School and as unfortunate as it sounds, I’ve learned more from real-world experiences, others and heck, even YouTube. Online groups on Facebook have really become quite helpful to meet others in the Wedding industry. Engaging with professionals in the field, complement each other on projects, and ask the hard questions we all experience. It’s become my go-to information and question source to keep up with everything within the wedding industry. Including meeting some of the best people, team members, and even some of my best friends. Right now, we are amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Saying that it has been uneasy would be an understatement. A majority of my 2020 weddings have been postponed, canceled, or rescheduled. This year has not been an easy one. However, not being alone in this situation has helped immensely. Everybody within the industry has been affected. Vendors, couples, and professionals in the field all are struggling. The future looks uncertain, but I’m confident this industry will recover and come back stronger than ever before.
Website: www.tscinema.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tsweddingcinema
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tsweddingcinema
Other: www.vimeo.com/tsweddingcinema
Image Credits
My personal photo was taken by Chris Scott | Focus Scout https://www.instagram.com/focus_scout/