Today we’d like to introduce you to Henry Severe.
Hi Henry, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started editing videos and making animations in 4th Grade. In middle school, I took this TV Production class that really sparked my love for creating films. Ever since then, I’ve just been getting better at the craft. When I got to UCF, I got involved in filming videos on campus. Whether it was for my friends, the University itself, or organizations like the NPHC at UCF.
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?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Sometimes I haven’t had the equipment I needed or school and life get in the way of me creating. What I learned is to roll with the punches and do the best with what I got. Usually, I’ll find some way to get what I want and accomplish what I need, or want, to do.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in Filmmaking. Recently, people have known me for my work with the University of Central Florida or the stylized vlogs I post on Instagram and TikTok.
There are a few projects that I’m most proud of. One is a Dance Video I filmed to the song “Bounce Back” by Big Sean. It was filmed in 2020 with family during the pandemic. There were so many location changes and creative decisions made on the fly, and the final project still came out so so so good. I still watch it every once in a while, cause the dancing, editing, and videography were just so good.
Another project that I’m proud of is the upcoming short film I’m releasing this fall, DormBnB. If you don’t count LEGO stop-motion videos I made in middle school, It’s my first short film. And for a short film written, directed, filmed, and edited by myself, I’m so happy it didn’t come out like a complete mess. A very short summary of it is that a University Student finds that his roommate has disappeared and decides to turn it into a lucrative business opportunity. Everyone from the actors and the boom operators to the 2nd AC and the friends that delivered us pizza did such an amazing job. I’m so proud of all their work in supporting my vision. As it’s sort of a love letter to the end of my freshmen year, I feel like I’ll go back to watch it with a smile in the future.
I’d say trying to find the fun, funny, and beautiful within the mundane sets me apart from others. I know I’m still young and still have a lot to learn about filmmaking and life as a whole, but I’m not gonna quit.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Take every opportunity in front of you, but don’t burn yourself out. I’ve gotten a lot of the opportunities by just saying “Why not” and applying. Whether it’s a scholarship or a leadership position just do it! A lot of other people won’t even think to apply, which means your chance of getting whatever it is greater. BUT, rationalize if you can do it mentally, physically, and spiritually. Don’t have a bunch of accomplishments under your belt and be burnt out by the end of the day. It’s a bit of a balancing act (one that I’m still trying to figure out as I go into my sophomore year) but you’ll figure it out.
Contact Info:
- Website: henrysevere.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/henrysevere/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/henrysevere
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@henryseveree
Image Credits
Morgan Christie
Jaya Wilson
