Vendor LOVE: Press Play Studios
Press Play Studios: Sean Mitchell
We worked with Sean for the first time in May 2014 while planning Rachel & Drew’s wedding. We just love how easy going and professional he is; not to mention discreet. If you’re looking for a videographer who will capture all the right footage yet not be in the middle of the dance floor on a ladder (yes, we’ve actually seen this), then Sean’s your guy! Learn more about how Sean got started and see some of his work below.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the woods in a small New Hampshire town called Danville.
How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
In 2007, I launched Press Play Studios and I started shooting weddings professionally. At first, I thought I would only be shooting weddings for 1 or 2 summers, however, I quickly fell in love with the fast paced competitive industry. In high school, I bused tables at the local country club along with teaching snowboarding. I saved up as much as I could and bought my first professional camera and started getting my hands on as much video work as possible. After graduating high school I had a strong entrepreneurial spirit & decided not to attend film school or college after graduation but to start my own business. At 19 years old I had no business experience or any direction really, just a camera and a passion.
Kind of funny now but I got my foot in the door in the wedding industry through craigslist, posting my services in the video section. I got a lot of responses from brides! I had no idea what I was getting myself into but wow I learned a lot in that first summer.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The favorite part of my job is the creativity in the art. There is no better feeling as an artist than creating something that is satisfying. I also love seeing my client’s reaction when I share the video for the first time – it always makes me feel good.
How would you describe your style?
My style is laid back but very attentive & detail oriented. I’m a perfectionist at heart. I strive to be invisible the day of the wedding, I’ve been called the “stealth video guy” which I love. I once shot a video and sent it to the bride and groom they then showed their family, the family was confused because they didn’t know they hired a videographer. I love that! It means I’m doing my job right.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Haha guilty pleasure! Oh man.. Kind of embarrassing, over that past few years my wife Kristen has turned me on to the TV show Ghost Adventures…
What’s your favorite quote?
“Fear is the thief of dreams” – Anonymous. This has really stuck with me over the years. I have a coin with this written on it from a same-sex wedding that was really inspiring to me. I refer to this quite often throughout my life.
What makes you unique in your field?
What makes me unique in my field is two things you can’t learn in school or have anyone teach you. My creative eye, the way I see the world through a lens, and my determination. Every day, every time I turn my camera on I’m determined to do the best that I can.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to a couple?
That’s a tough one because every bride and groom have different styles and expectations. I recently got married and had a unique perspective as an industry professional but also as a groom. My advice would be take 5 – 10 minutes just to look around and take it all in. It’s cliché to say but it’s true – everything becomes a blur if you don’t take a few moments to stop and enjoy the moment. The wedding day is a roller coaster, hold on tight and when you have a chance, enjoy the view at the top.
See more of Sean’s work here.
Cheers,
The Swank Team
