Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Richman.
Hi Nicholas, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I’ve always had a love for the arts. Always obsessed over going to the theatre, watching movies, and analyzing the art of storytelling, even at a young age. I’ve always had a camera in my hands and have just wanted to always tell stories. I dropped out of my first semester of college and immediately pursued filmmaking full-time. I figured if I was going to chase my dream then I didn’t want to wait 4 years to get started, this isn’t law or medicine for god sakes. When I first got started in the industry, I would try and get any job I could on set. Any gig for me was an opportunity no matter how big or small, whether it be as a Cam-op or a Grip on set, or even an Extra, or a Production Assistant, I just wanted to be on set and I wanted to stand out. So that’s what I did, I worked non-stop, and always made sure I had a passion project to work on the side. I think having that kind of a start-up really helped pave the way for me. I was able to have so many different types of jobs in the industry and I never limited myself.
Today, I’m now the Head of Original Content and Development with Brandstar Studios and currently show running two separate reality shows: Military Makeover with Montel airing on the Lifetime Network and our brand-new series, Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch. I also have a short film, Sunflower, which is without a doubt my proudest passion project to date, and gearing up for a big 2023 festival push.
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?
A smooth road? HA! There’s always been bumps, roadblocks, and obstacles I’ve had to work around. But having a struggle or something standing in your way challenging you is what makes it an adventure. And adventures are fun. Not going to college was one of the biggest uphill battles I had to face. First off, it didn’t sit well with my family, so that was a challenge among itself. No question, I’m the black sheep of my family. I come from a home of doctors, lawyers, and businessmen. So, when I announced that I quit college for a career in the arts it was obvious that it was going to be a tough pill for some to swallow. Not only family but finding production gigs to trust me enough to actually hire me on anything but the usual PA, Grip, or Assistant Camera gig was extremely tough. I also had to work in multiple restaurants for years to help pay bills. That was a massive hurdle in my life to get to that place, breaking out of the serving industry was such a challenge because it was the only safety net, I was allowing myself to have, so I quit.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a working Producer, Director, and Writer in the TV and Film industry. I specialize in all things behind and even surprisingly enough in front of the camera. Though 99% of my current work is behind the scenes, I am also an 8-year Meisner and Improv trained actor. Although I’m extremely proud of the two shows I currently produce and how far both have come in such a short amount of time, my proudest piece of work is without a doubt my recent short film, Sunflower. It’s an extremely personal and sentimental film that follows a young, aspiring plus-sized model trying to break into the modeling industry. It’s the most ambitious project I’ve worked on to date and couldn’t be prouder of the way it turned out. It’s currently being shopped around at the festivals and couldn’t be more excited to see where it goes.
Other than that, I’m simply just proud of myself in general. I’ve never asked for a handout and nor have I ever wanted one. I’ve become the head of a production studio, spearheading all original content at the age of 28. It’s crazy to me to think that the same young dropout with a dream is now the young adult with a pretty decent industry gig, and I can honestly say I’ve worked my ass off to get here. And it’s still only the beginning!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice is for anyone first starting out in this industry: don’t be full of yourself, don’t expect a dime, and don’t ask for one either. Do yourself a favor by doing everyone else a favor. Literally. Be humble, do as much free work as you can. Network, network, network. The more hands you shake, the more friends you make. The more favors you’re willing to give, the more people will want to work with you, hire you, or help you in the future. Obviously, know your worth, but also know that it doesn’t make you weak or a failure if you aren’t getting paid the big bucks for the first few years you’re getting started, focus on yourself and your talent… not your wallet.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @nnickrichmann
- Other: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/736993404
