Today we’d like to introduce you to Wesley Crutcher.
Hi Wesley, 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 backstory with our readers?
My filmmaking journey started when I was a student at Glencliff High School. I was the kid walking around campus with a video camera, filming everything and everyone. What began as a hobby quickly turned into something bigger when I made my first short film with friends from school and my neighborhood.
The film ended up being a huge success. It spread throughout the school and across South Nashville, and even the school newspaper featured a story about it. That experience gave me my first real taste of what storytelling through film could do and confirmed that filmmaking was something I wanted to pursue.
Wanting to give others the same creative opportunity, I started the VAD (Video Acting Drama) Club at the Thompson Lane Boys & Girls Club. The club gave young people in my community a place to learn filmmaking, acting, and storytelling while expressing themselves creatively. Since then, I’ve continued building on that passion, using film to entertain, inspire, and create opportunities for others.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges was getting people to believe in my vision and my talent. There were plenty of doubters along the way, but I never let their opinions define what I knew I was capable of achieving.
I’ve always wanted to attend film school to formally learn the craft, but when that wasn’t possible, I committed to teaching myself. I would spend days at a time in my room researching, watching tutorials, studying films, and practicing my skills. I became a student of filmmaking, determined to learn everything I could through hard work, consistency, and hands-on experience.
When I first began, I took on a lot of unpaid projects to build my portfolio and establish my reputation. That required sacrificing time with friends and family, but I understood those sacrifices were an investment in my future. Every project helped me sharpen my skills, build relationships, and create new opportunities.
Looking back, every challenge, long nights, and setbacks helped shape me into the filmmaker and entrepreneur I am today. Those experiences also inspired me to create opportunities for others. That’s why I founded the Music City Visual Showcase at Malco Theatres in Smyrna, Tennessee. For one night, I bring artists together to experience their music videos on the big screen in a true theater setting. It’s more than just a screening, it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the hard work of independent artists. Seeing creators watch their work alongside their peers on the big screen is an unforgettable experience, and it’s my way of giving back to the creative community that helped shape my journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the CEO of W.C. Films, where I specialize in creating visual content that helps bring people’s stories and ideas to life. I film a wide range of projects including music videos, short films, weddings, commercials, documentaries, and more. I truly believe in being versatile and being able to create great visuals no matter what type of project I’m working on.
I’m known for creating high-quality cinematic visuals and providing great business and service for my clients. Two of my proudest accomplishments are winning Best Visual Art at the NIMA Awards Show and being named Video Director of the Year at the Music City Hip Hop Awards Show. Those moments meant a lot because they represented years of hard work, dedication, and believing in my craft.
Something many people don’t know is that my very first music video featured Boogie, Wicked Material, Young Mannie, Crisis Tha Rhyme Don, and JellyRoll. That experience helped start my journey and showed me early on that I had a passion for bringing music and stories to life through film.
What sets me apart is my ability to stay calm, patient, and focused when challenges happen on set. Filmmaking can be unpredictable, and things don’t always go according to plan, but I believe in taking a deep breath, staying composed, and finding solutions without letting the pressure take over. I don’t believe in letting people see me panic. I believe in leadership and figuring things out.
Another thing that separates me is my storytelling. I don’t just shoot videos; I create experiences. I love making my projects feel cinematic, creating visuals that connect with people emotionally and make them remember the story long after they watch it. My goal is always to make every project feel bigger than just a video. It should feel like a movie.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors and supporters who have played an important role in both my personal and professional journey.
One of my earliest mentors was Mr. Jeff Darnell at the Boys & Girls Club. He taught me the importance of being a team player, demonstrating good sportsmanship, and treating people with respect. These lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career and continue to influence how I do business today.
Hypeman Rick gave me my first opportunity in the entertainment industry by allowing me to work on his TV show, Not Just Country, which was filmed at the former Hard Rock Cafe at Opry Mills. That experience gave me valuable hands-on exposure and helped build my confidence behind the camera.
Micah Otis also played a significant role by giving me my first opportunity to film a music video. That project opened the door to a new level of creativity and experience, helping me develop the skills and portfolio that have led to many opportunities since.
I’m grateful to each of these individuals for believing in me, investing in my growth, and giving me opportunities that helped shape both my career and my business.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesleycrutcher/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wesley.crutcher
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wesleycrutcherfilms
