At Flylords, the people behind the camera are just as important as the stories they tell. In our Meet the Team series, we highlight the individuals who help bring our films, campaigns, and ideas to life. This week, we’re catching up with Jackson Smith, Flylords’ Associate Creative Director, to talk about his start with a family camcorder, the projects that have stayed with him, and what it takes to capture the outdoors when nothing goes according to plan.
Tell us a little bit about your role at Flylords
Jackson: “I’ve been with Flylords for almost three years, operating as our Associate Creative Director. I direct, shoot, and edit everything from brand campaigns to original films and YouTube content.
My role has taken me all across the country and around the world, where I’ve had the opportunity to chase and capture some of the most sought-after species on the fly – from the Grand Slam in Belize, to Golden Dorado in Argentina, to Mako sharks on the fly in San Diego. This job has given me the opportunity to meet some remarkable people and see some pretty incredible places.
When I’m not on the road, I spend much of my time behind a monitor, editing Flylords original films and content for YouTube. I get to work alongside an amazing team of Max Erickson and Hayden Rains, and together we’re able to create some of the most unique and visually-driven content in the fly fishing industry.”
How did you get your start behind the camera?
Jackson: “It all started with the family camcorder. I filmed pretty much everything we did as kids. Once I realized I was interested in cameras and filmmaking, I started chasing a career in film at the University of Georgia, where I created video content for the Athletic Association. Every Saturday in the fall, I was on the sidelines shooting for the football team.
After graduating, I continued working in production at a small production company in Athens, Georgia, before eventually making the move to Denver and working in the advertising space for a small agency.
My good friend and former Flylord, Joseph Berney, eventually found me in a United Lounge at the Denver airport and convinced me to join the team. Nearly three years later, it’s been nothing but growth ever since.”
What story are you most proud of telling through Flylords?
Jackson: “Shooting with Captain Conway Bowman in San Diego on our most recent Flylords film, Mako, is definitely at the top of the list.
Getting to work alongside Max Erickson on that film was a pretty special experience. I operated as Max’s camera assistant and as a camera operator, in addition to editing the film. Going into the project, I had one goal: capture a breaching mako shark on the Freefly Ember at 900 frames per second. We got the shot
Getting to see that moment come together in the final film – and then watch it on the big screen at the Fly Fishing Film Tour and 5Point Film Festival in Carbondale – was a pretty surreal experience. Those are the kinds of moments that make all the long days, early mornings, and hours behind the computer worth it.”
What’s your favorite piece of camera gear?
Jackson: “The Laowa Pro2be 24mm. It’s easily one of the most versatile pieces of gear I’ve used for shooting underwater. Being able to capture what’s happening below the surface while still monitoring and operating from above the water is a pretty incredible capability.
There’s something really special about being able to put the viewer in a place they normally wouldn’t be able to see, and that lens has become one of my favorite tools for doing that.”
What’s one thing people don’t realize about making outdoor films?
Jackson: “You’re never fully in control.
Wildlife, weather, light, water – everything is constantly changing, and you have to be ready for anything. You can spend months planning a shoot and still have the entire plan change the second you get on location. Honestly, that’s also what makes it so exciting.
I also think you have to have pretty thick skin when creating these films. You’re constantly adapting to changing conditions and figuring out how to make the most of whatever you’re given. Sometimes the conditions are perfect and everything falls into place. Other times, you’re working with what you’ve got and trying to find the story in it. That unpredictability is a huge part of why I love outdoor filmmaking.”
What’s one hobby that you enjoy outside of fly fishing?
Jackson: “Trail running and skiing.
Not much makes me feel more present than bombing down a hill with the mountains around me. Both give me a pretty good excuse to get outside, push myself, and explore places I probably wouldn’t otherwise see. Pretty nice when there’s an alpine lake at the end of the trail too.”
Thank you, Jackson, for joining us for this episode of Meet the Team. Stay tuned for our next feature as we continue introducing the faces behind Flylords.