Meet Cortland Gillespie of Michigan City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cortland Gillespie

Hi Cortland, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into filmmaking and production began in Chicago, IL, in 2018. Having developed an early appreciation for imagery as a child, owning a camera felt natural. As I grew older, my passion shifted towards basketball, where I was fortunate to be part of the 2014 Marquette Boys Basketball State Championship team and later compete at the collegiate level.

It was during my senior year of college that I rediscovered my passion for video production, uncertain where it would lead. My family’s generous gift of my first DSLR camera was instrumental in this pursuit. I vividly recall the nervousness I felt filming for my first client, whose inquiry I received through LinkedIn. Despite my initial apprehension, I delivered satisfactory work, which resulted in referrals to their network. Years of dedicated service, helping others realize their vision with excellence, have shaped my career and led me to where I am today.

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?
The journey has been marked by both successes and challenges. While I have made numerous mistakes, I’ve come to realize that these experiences, once perceived as failures, have been crucial to my growth as both an artist and an entrepreneur.

Early in my career, I struggled with insecurity. Lacking a formal film school background often led to self-doubt regarding my creative decisions, leaving me with a strong sense of inadequacy. It would cause me to be so hesitant and uncertain in my approach to any production. Overcoming this mindset has been essential to my ability to work confidently and efficiently on set.

I am deeply grateful for the progress I’ve made and optimistic about the future.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently work as a Director and Director of Photography on film and commercial productions. My specialty lies in distributing life and character to the projects I’m apart of, and adapting effectively to diverse environments, genres, aesthetics, and conditions. I rely heavily on my taste and the ability to discern what “works,” the moment I see i.

I am particularly proud of my resilience throughout my career. Despite the initial uncertainty and lack of guidance—having no mentors, local examples, or internships—I remained dedicated, applying myself diligently until I achieved results. This unwavering commitment, driven by faith and consistency, is my greatest accomplishment.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Stuck in the house during snow days playing video games is at the top of the list for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cortlandgillespie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortland.gillespie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cortland.gillespie.7/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortland-gillespie-966878208/

Image Credits
Braxton D. Miller (Featured photo)
Jennah S. Richard