Today we’d like to introduce you to Malcolm Lott.
Hi Malcolm, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The story of my journey begins at the age of 16. I was at a pivotal moment trying to determine what I would do with my life. My mother enlightened me about a technical career center for high school students called VOTECH, where one could learn a specific trade that could become a possible career path. When we took a tour of the facility, they had a Television and Communication class, and while it was interesting, the stubbornness within me didn’t want to attend. My mother suggested I apply, and I was accepted about a month later. Nine years later, it was the best decision in my life because it laid the foundation for where I am today. From there, I attended Hampton University, majored in Journalism, and then obtained my Masters in Film-Television at Regent University. During my collegiate career, I interned with companies such as NBCUniversal NBCSports Group, but I knew my passion was in filmmaking and storytelling. COVID-19 catalyzed me to obtain my master’s because the world was practically shut down, and jobs were limited. During my master’s program, I had the unique opportunity to grow as a cinematographer, director, and editor by partaking in Endowed Films sponsored by the university. At the end of my program, I was prepared to leave Virginia and continue my journey as a growing filmmaker and storyteller. I was blessed to have seized an opportunity to be a Video Creative at 1708 Media here in Austin, TX. Outside of my work, I’m working on smaller film projects and growing into the realm of FPV drone cinematography as I have obtained my Part 107 drone license.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If the road were smooth for anyone, the destination wouldn’t be worthwhile. The biggest struggle for me came when COVID-19 occurred, but that was a struggle for many. I was approaching graduation from undergrad when I was soon sent home to not return to my Alma Mater for nearly two years. In addition, I struggled to cope with the circumstances that confined me to the four walls of my house for months. I also struggled with not securing employment after graduation because the industry went on lockdown, many people lost jobs, and companies needed to hire. I decided to apply for an essential job at Home Depot, where I could at least leave the house and make some money. My next struggles occurred near the end of my master’s program. Applying for jobs is a tedious and tiresome task. Often, hearing nothing back from companies six months later or nothing at all is discouraging because people are still determining what they could improve on.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
As a filmmaker, I focus primarily on increasing my skills in cinematography. My projects revolve around narrative short films, a non-union feature, and video content creation for small clothing brands. I’m most proud of my most recent film, Petting Zoo, a short film about hair discrimination in the workplace. This piece was important because it focuses on the importance that one’s hair does not define professionalism. Certain ethnic groups should not be hindered from employment or suffer from microaggressions based on the texture of their hair. In addition, with my job, I created a short sports story about a young football player in Southern Texas, Leighton Adams, who had a life-threatening accident and his return to the field this upcoming season. This piece was featured on Spectrum News, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to share this young man’s story of faith and resiliency. Lastly, another project I’m excited about is serving as the director of photography for an animated short called “Motion.” I’m excited to craft the world through lighting, camera composition, and creating a cinematic style without using an actual camera. It’ll be a real test of creativity and exploration into new depths of filmmaking. What sets me apart from others is my creative eye and my ability to relate and connect with the people I’m working with on projects. This creates an atmosphere of trust and makes the projects more enjoyable and rewarding.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Dedication is the best quality about myself that is important to my success. My dedication to the craft and art form has allowed me to stand out and showcase who I am, not only as a filmmaker but as a person and man of God. My faith has also carried me through this journey of the highs and lows of my career. Another quality I would list is my passion. I’m super passionate about storytelling through film. I have realized the importance of telling genuine and authentic stories because it is how you develop a better perspective of yourself and the world around you. Overall, these qualities have carried me through the trials and tribulations of my career, but they will never change about me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vimeo.com/user45029041
- Instagram: 4k.malcolm
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malcolmlott
- Twitter: 4K_Malcolm
Image Credits
Reed Morgan, Angelique Whitfield
