Winthrop junior Darren Frasier has started his own videography business.
Frasier had to take time off from running track for Winthrop because of a medical issue last year. It was during this time that he started frasierfilmz.
“I was unable to train and run and compete as I normally would do because of medical reasons. I needed something to keep myself busy and thought about stuff that I was never able to do because I’ve always been so preoccupied with running. I came up with videography and went all in on my first camera,” Frazier said.
What started off as just doing videography for Winthrop’s track team became a full-fledged business endeavor for Frasier.
“When I originally got my camera the first thing I did was make a video for my team and created frasierfilmz so immediately I was doing things for that. I then was also using my camera for projects so that I could craft my skills,” he said.
It was through work and constantly pushing out videos that Frasier found his niche as a videographer. He has been working on developing a unique identity.
“My journey started out with a lot of trial and error and honestly just creating a lot of content,” Frazier said. “I found out pretty quickly what my style is and I just went on to implement that into all of my videos. It’s really important to be unique and sometimes get the shots and angles others don’t usually get. Those are the most interesting to look at.”
Things have been tough for Frasier as he returned to the track team from injury for this season. Between being a student an athlete and a videographer he often finds himself with a busy schedule.
“Honestly it’s been very difficult (managing his schedule) and something I am balancing. It’s definitely a work in progress. Having all these things to do keeps me busy at all times with at least something I could be doing. Sometimes I have to make time for myself where I can relax,” he said.
Despite the constant work, in the end, working with different athletes and seeing the fruits of his labor are satisfying for Frasier.
“The coolest person I have worked with is probably Randolph Ross. He’s an Olympian I shot and collaborated on a post with. But my favorite video I’ve ever made has to be my year recap. The pure amount of events and moments that I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of just creates a good vibe for me every time I watch it,” he said.
Frasier’s long term goal is to take these things he enjoys to the next level. After finishing his degree in mass communication at Winthrop, he plans to pursue a career running social media for a large scale college or professional team.
“My future plans for frasierfilmz are to continue to grow (frasierfilmz’ Instagram page) and branch out really. But I would like to take my degree and the skills I have in photography and videography and get a job as a social media and content creator for a big sports program or a professional sports team,” Frazier said. The content that sports fans receive can have such an effect on an organization and bring in new fans and really make a team stand out and I want to be a part of that.”
The pinnacle of this profession for Frasier would be having the opportunity to do photography in the NBA Finals.
“My dream event to shoot would definitely be the NBA Finals. I love to shoot sports when the pressure is on and it can be an emotional game. That’s when you’ll get the best shots and iconic moments captured,” he said.
“For that reason I’d also love to shoot a championship of any kind. No matter the sport.”
Winthrop students can follow Frasier @frasierfilmz on instagram to keep up with his content.
