Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Wiedman.
Hi Charles, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When people ask me what I do, I simply say, “I’m a Creator”. I’ve worked at many different professions requiring many different skill sets. The only common denominator was that something needed to be created. The ability to create our experience, and the reality we live in, is a power we all possess.
I started off as an Illustrator for Steve Jackson Games in Austin, TX., and eventually became their art director. I created and designed my own collectible card game distributed by Atlas Games called “LUNCH MONEY” which was a great success, won several awards, and was distributed internationally in various languages. I then worked as a graphic designer in several ad agencies here in Austin, and then in Los Angeles, CA when I moved there to get into the movie business.
I started at the bottom of Creative Entertainment Group as a PA, and trained under the mentorship of movie Producer Timothy Patrick Cavanaugh. This is where I wrote, produced, and directed my first short film. I was also taking acting lessons while designing and building custom furniture for celebrity clients. I wrote, produced, and performed in plays. I eventually moved back to Austin in the fall of 2003 to form my company RuffHouse Studios.
All I had at that time was a table and a computer. But, I found some talented people and we began producing a string of short films, commercials, and music videos. I won several awards including the Aegis Award, and two Telly Awards.
As I was writing, producing, and directing films, I also worked on the other side of the camera as an Actor. I had a great role in the movie “USS INDIANAPOLIS: MEN OF COURAGE”, “THE LEFTOVERS” on HBO, and 2 seasons of QUEEN OF THE SOUTH” on USA.
I was fortunate enough to cast the truly amazing and talented actress Katherine Willis (look her up) in one of my films. We fell in love, and got married. We have one amazing kick-ass son who’s an absolute musical prodigy.
My business transformed into more of a one-man ad agency. Consistent clients bring more stability than the movie business. But, that bug is still there. In 2020 when everything was locked down, we still managed to create a really great film called “MAGNIFICENT BEAST”.
We only had 3 people. I wrote, produced, and directed. We had 1 actor – David Christopher. And 1 cameraman – Robert Calder. No other crew. No lights. No audio. Nothing. Just a camera, natural light, and the three of us creating in the middle of the lockdown. This film went on to win many international awards, and was a testament to what can be done when the mind is focused on creation rather than defeat. The power of creation always wins.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anyone ever has a smooth road. Everyone has challenges. None of my roads have been ‘smooth’. I’m grateful for that. What do they say, “Calm seas do not a skilled sailor make”? Challenges are good. Tests are good. Having to figure it out when the chips are down is both harrowing and thrilling. This is where strength comes from. This is also where the absolute thrill of victory is born.
On low budget films, there have been many times when I had to get the shot while the sun is going down. We’re losing light. Everyone’s tired. We have one last chance to get this take. This is when everyone digs deep, and becomes very focused – very present in the moment. And my experience has been, that’s when magic happens.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I think what sets me apart from others – or maybe not – is my resistance to ai.
I understand this is the trend and current direction. It’s very exciting, and it has its place. It’s a tool that can assist in creating many wonderful things – possibly. I’m speaking specifically about machine functions that can potentially benefit mankind.
I have a project called “THE CITY” which I conceived of and wrote back in 1996 which predicted a future we’re not too far away from now. The themes in this project pit the brilliance of ai and the convenience of security, against the freedom of humankind and human consciousness.
Even if ai becomes so advanced that it can perfectly render nature, movement, brush strokes, speech, human likeness – it will still lack the critical, undefinable component only the human soul can provide. Surface level art with no depth. Ai generated content will never be able to capture the subtle complexity of the human experience expressed by a human artist. It simply can’t. It can only ever mimic and approximate. Ultimately, ai creates content without a soul.
So, I prefer to create with my soul – with love. This takes more time, and might cost more. But in the end, I believe it’s worth it.
What matters most to you? Why?
Freedom matters most to me. I believe that’s true wealth. My time. My life. My schedule. I’ve worked very hard to create a reality in which I have the ability to engage with, and enjoy my life fully – to be with family, and take long rides on my Harley. I’m extremely grateful and fortunate to have found my way to where I am today. Thank you for this opportunity to briefly share my story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ruffhousin.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn4nsI8xK6r7kW22kKOJAXdA3M8KAN181
- Other: https://www.ruffhousin.com/entertainment
Image Credits
Charles E. Wiedman
Charles Van Wiedman
USA Network
Saban Films
RuffHouse Studios
