Local artist profile: Caleb Maxwell

THIS week we chat with filmmaker Caleb Maxwell, who ditched acting to start his video production company – Hebron Films – in 2013, which he says is now the go-to video marketing partner for regional businesses and organisations.

What motivated you to become a filmmaker?

I knew I wanted to become a filmmaker since I was nine. I was captivated by film and TV and their power to take people on emotional journeys.

In pursuit of joining the industry and working my way towards feature film production, I studied film and briefly tried acting.

I woke up one day and realised I was more of an unpaid professional auditioner than an actor, so I decided to put my filmmaking skills to work in a small business context.

In 2013, I started a video production company with a mate of mine called Hebron Films. We saw an opportunity to produce better regional TV ads because most were very bad, with only a small percentage being so bad they were actually good.

Hebron Films grew along with the rise of online video marketing and communication. Now, (we are) the go-to video marketing partner for regional businesses and organisations.

How would you describe your style?

What matters most to me when it comes to filmmaking now is clarity and effectiveness.

I’m sure there will be a time for producing entertainment content in the future but for now, I’m in love with helping regional businesses grow with more effective marketing and communication.

Don’t get me wrong, every video we make has to pass the enjoyment test, but what’s more important is the messaging.

Which other filmmakers inspire you?

When it comes to big-time filmmakers, some of my favourites include Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese and Clint Eastwood. Nolan for his imagination and inventive concepts, Scorsese for his ability and confidence to never rush a moment, and Clint Eastwood because every word his characters say is pure gold. His best films by far are the ones he also acts in.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

I’ve been able to learn lots of really interesting things in heaps of different industries which is one of the coolest highlights.

One of my favourite moments of recent years was getting flown on a private jet down to King Island to produce a set of ads selling deluxe golf experiences hosted by Kerri-Anne Kennerley.

I got an email on New Year’s day 2020 and then a week later we were on the jet for a one-day shoot. How can people check out your work online?

Easy, just head to www.hebronfilms.com/work. We also post most of our content on our YouTube channel and to get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, you can follow me on LinkedIn.

Is there anything in particular you’re working on now?

One of my favourite projects at the moment is a video podcast called Remarkable Regional Business.

I get CEOs and founders of regionally-based businesses in the studio to share their wins, mistakes and wisdom.

We’ve had some real legends on the show so far.

What would you say to young regional aspiring filmmakers who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Anything is possible if you have the drive to achieve it.

Find a mentor who can guide you and introduce you to the industry.

I’d also encourage anyone thinking about diving in to get in touch with me. I love connecting with other people and helping where I can.