Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrea (AD) Sproles.
Hi Adrea (AD), so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Firstly I’d like to say thank you all for the opportunity to telling my story. Super honored to be here and be highlighted. I’d say my story really started back in college, when Snapchat was the thing. I was always the one capturing moments — not because I wanted attention, but because I never wanted to forget the people, the experiences, or the feeling of that time. That naturally led me to major in broadcast journalism, with dreams of working on films and documentaries.
Fast-forward to 2020: I came to Austin to visit my mom, who had just moved here, and a week later the world shut down. Being isolated and away from my usual routine forced me to slow down and really think about what I wanted. Film was still close to my heart, but it didn’t feel possible in that moment.
By 2022, I started taking myself on solo dates around the city — learning Austin, exploring new spaces, and rediscovering my creativity. I’d film my day or the events I attended and post them on Instagram, just for fun and expression. One day, after going to a paint-and-sip hosted by EncoreATX, the co-owner, Tiffany, asked me if I created content for businesses. Honestly, I was surprised and said, “No… but I can try.” She invited me to film a rooftop event they were hosting — and that moment changed everything.
After one recap video and a simple Instagram tag, my DMs started blowing up. And I think it’s important to highlight this: I was filming everything on an iPhone. No camera. No lighting. No fancy setup. Just my eye for storytelling and a vision for capturing real moments. For anyone who thinks you need professional gear to start — you absolutely don’t. I’m living proof.
Four years later, I’ve filmed countless events across Austin and surrounding cities — from celebrity appearances to birthdays, nonprofits, museums, and more. I’m truly grateful for every experience, and for the trust people place in me to bring their visions to life. Each project has shaped me, inspired me, and reaffirmed that storytelling is exactly where I’m meant to be
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all — it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first started, I wasn’t being paid in the traditional sense. It was more of a barter system: free entry in exchange for filming. As I improved and began refining my style, I started charging $75–$100 for content creation. Around that same time, I was working in tech and went through one of the major layoffs, so having a creative side hustle became a lifeline for me.
But it wasn’t always consistent. There were seasons when I wasn’t booked at all, and I truly felt like a struggling creative trying to keep momentum. I had moments where clients would book me and not follow through with payment, which was really tough — not just financially, but mentally and emotionally. People often don’t see the hours spent filming, the late nights editing, or the passion that goes into creating content that ends up being viewed by thousands. They just see the final product.
Because I was trying to stay afloat during that layoff period, I accepted a lot of low rates. My mindset was simply that something was better than nothing. Looking back, I can see how that opened the door for people to undervalue my work. But I also see it as part of my growth. I really did build myself from the ground up — from charging $75 to confidently charging $5,000. That journey taught me my worth.
And I’ll be honest: as a woman, and especially a woman of color in this industry, I’ve had to push through being underestimated or brushed off. I’m asked for discounts far more often than I believe many men in this field are. It’s a challenge, and it’s something I’m still navigating, but it has also made me stronger, more assertive, and more committed to advocating for my value.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but every struggle shaped me — and I’m grateful for that. It taught me resilience, confidence, and the importance of standing firm in what I bring to the table.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in videography and capturing moments that last a lifetime. My work centers around visual storytelling — transforming everyday experiences and special events into films that people can feel. Anyone can record a video, but it takes a trained eye and a creative mind to craft a narrative, to build a storyboard in real time, and to tell a story without using words. That’s where my passion and purpose come in.
I’m known for creating recaps that don’t just document an event — they immerse you in it. My goal is always to make viewers feel the energy, the emotion, the movement, and the connections happening in the moment. Whether it’s a celebration, a community gathering, a creative experience, or a corporate event, I aim to capture the heart of it.
What I’m most proud of is the fact that I’m doing something I truly love — and that my work has organically become part of Austin’s creative culture. One recap at a time, I’ve had the opportunity to highlight people, places, businesses, and communities in ways that make them feel seen. That means everything to me.
What sets me apart is passion. For many, this work is just a job. For me, it’s a calling. I care deeply about every project, every frame, every story. That passion shows up in my process and on screen — in the way I capture details, edit with intention, and make each piece feel personal and alive. I’m not just filming moments; I’m preserving memories, emotions, and legacies.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me or collaborate by connecting with me directly on Instagram at @ad.filmedit. My DMs are always open for bookings, creative partnerships, brand collaborations, or simply supporting my work. Whether you’re looking to bring a vision to life or explore an idea together, I’m always excited to connect with people who value storytelling and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Ad.filmedit
