Today we’d like to introduce you to Allen Herald
Allen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My creative journey really started when I was about 9 years old. I launched my first YouTube Channel and began publishing short films that I would make with my siblings and childhood friends. As a young boy my obsession with telling stories that made people laugh, think, or even just chuckle really took hold.
Fast forward a few years, and many projects later, I began making music, as well as taking on my first real short film project. A 15 minute long absurdist comedy sci-fi epic so full to the brim with unlicensed music and low quality VFX, YouTube never let me publish it. Around that time, I also created my first few solo albums, and started my first band, the Ultra Mountain Bois, as well as filming my first feature documentary about my own life, released many years later under the name “Summer 2016”. Over the next few years, I would go on to release 7 solo albums under the name Thomas Allen, with more on the way.
Fast forward to my early 20’s, I start taking filmmaking more seriously. I created a series of crime/drama shorts that I’m still very proud of to this day. Starting with Monroe County Killers in January of 2021, then The Pushers which spanned nearly all of 2021. Then, Crossroads in early 2022, and the Client in late 2022.
In 2023 I was began the process of writing, producing and directing my first feature film in association with Northeast Texas Community College. Titled “Where E’re the Sun” the film covers roughly 40 years of early Texas history, it’s first American settlers, and their imprints in contemporary Texas society. Premiered in February 2024 to a crowd of over 200 at the Northeast Texas Community College Whatley Center for the Performing Arts, it was the first time I was able to see, hear and feel the impact my work had on the town I grew up in. Shortly after that, I released my most recent documentary, “Heirloom”, about my own father and his most recent restoration project, a bright red 1968 Chevy Camaro. Published on my current YouTube channel under my full name (Allen Thomas Herald), branded by my own production company “Cowboy Film Production”.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being from Northeast Texas, anyone behind the Piney Curtain would tell you there’s little in the way of resources for young artists, musicians or filmmakers. I’ve carved my own path, with help from some incredible people, the names of which could fill entire articles of their own. I’m fortunate to a have loving and supportive family, without them I (literally) wouldn’t be here!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I tell stories, through movies, albums, and photographs.
I would like to imagine that I specialize in capturing human emotions, and displaying them in a way that most people would miss.
I’m known for being an eccentric young man, with bright eyes and lots to say about the world, and the human condition. Just recently I met an older gentleman who is also a filmmaker, now residing in my hometown. For the first time in my life, my reputation proceeded me. He knew about my films, having never met me. That was a trip.
I’m most proud of the memories made with so many of the beautiful souls I’ve had the blessing to create with. My favorite part of my films, albums or photographs is how they capture those rare moments in time, when everything slips away, and all that is left is incredible people, experiencing this magnificent thing we call life, together.
I’m a conscientious objector to contemporary modes of mass media. My Nokia flip phone is the only device I carry with me, other than my trusty Casio wrist watch. I’ve tossed my wireless router and limit my internet exposure to only my computer, a few times a day. I actively avoid social media, unless I’m publishing my photos or promoting my work. I take as much time as possible to connect with people in my little world, as often as I can. My films are slow, and thoughtful. My music is emotional, and a little more country than folk. And my photos are (I’m sure you can see this one coming) shot on film, and developed in my bathtub.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFmQ4_GjnIbSUJN9eG1clkA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allenthomasherald/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@heraldco.motionpictures
- Other: https://thomas-allen.bandcamp.com/
Image Credits
Hannah Goldblum, Dora Herald
