Aaron Chapman: From College Football to Cannes Lions
As a kid, Aaron Chapman’s parents encouraged him to try his hand at everything – no mountain was too high. This instilled in Aaron a sense of curiosity and a willingness to try new things. He spent his formative years pushing his own boundaries to discover what he could achieve: building makeshift music studios in his closet to record songs on his sister’s karaoke microphone; shooting music videos and skateboarding adventures on his dad’s camcorder; playing the drums at local recitals.
Reflecting on his adolescence, Aaron tells me how being granted the freedom to experiment from a young age resulted in a diversity of experiences which went on to deeply shape his creative voice. Testing the limits of his own capabilities eventually led him to sports. After playing college football at the University of Washington, his newfound affinity for athletic pursuits transpired into his own bespoke brand of artistry - his experiences of the sporting world granting him a nuanced understanding of the athletic mindset.
Developing a natural ability to extract empathetic narratives and transform them into compelling stories, Aaron has been capturing the brutal honesty of athletic endeavours throughout his filmmaking career so far. Discovering his distinct directorial voice through amplifying the unwavering determination of people dedicated to their passion or cause, Aaron has become an advocate for meaningful stories. In this candid conversation with LBB's April Summers, Aaron opens up about the ways in which sports encouraged him to explore the realms of storytelling and why signing to BURN Studio symbolises his intentions to grow and diversify as a filmmaker.
LBB> Tell us about your college football days and what you hoped to achieve when in school?
Aaron> Starting football at a young age, like many kids, I dreamed of emulating my NFL idols, playing on Sundays to the cheers of thousands. Despite enduring two ACL injuries in consecutive high school years, I continued to pursue my passion and found myself playing at the University of Washington post-graduation. When I arrived, I knew I belonged, and I was confident that although my story had some hiccups, it would end differently, and I would eventually make it to the NFL. Unfortunately, that dream did not come true. Accepting this reality wasn't easy, but choosing to move forward was ultimately the best decision I ever made.
LBB> What did you learn from your football playing days and how did the injury impact your short and long term future?
Aaron> Football ingrained in me invaluable lessons: mental toughness, accountability, teamwork, and discipline. However, when I lost the game, I felt like I lost a part of myself, struggling to move forward without it. Football was a constant in my life from age 7 to 20, shaping my falls and summers with practices, friendships, gamedays, and the excitement of getting new cleats each year. Yet, its absence forced me to discover resilience and seek new passions. My knee scars, remnants of surgeries, symbolise my journey—a testament to my progress and a reminder of the path ahead.
LBB> So when did you first pick up a camera and get into filmmaking?
Aaron> After deciding to walk away from football at the University of Washington, I turned to photography as a new outlet. Despite struggling with depression, which had been a constant presence since losing football, I found solace and purpose in this new hobby. Instantly hooked, I gradually transitioned to video, a medium I was more familiar with from shooting music videos for friends in the past.
Just a week after purchasing my first camera, I put together a piece titled “Find Your Happiness.” Watching this piece now transports me back to the challenging emotional landscape I was navigating at the time. Since expressing myself on the football field was no longer an option, this creative pursuit offered a much-needed outlet for my thoughts and emotions - serving as a therapeutic medium. Every moment and feeling I encountered during this period has profoundly influenced my creative expression, moulding the distinctive voice that defines my work today.
LBB> How did your sports and athletic past influence your early career as a filmmaker?
Aaron> Sports have been the cornerstone of my early career development. They've not only allowed me to explore my own styles and strengths but have also opened doors to incredible opportunities and experiences. Working alongside some of the most remarkable athletes of our time has been nothing short of inspiring. From video to photography and scriptwriting, my involvement in projects like Kevin Durant’s “Dream to Achieve” series to travelling to England to film Olympian Perri Shakes-Drayton’s wedding have been incredible experiences that shaped the artist that I am today.
Before diving into the film industry, these experiences laid a strong foundation for me. I made it a priority to continuously challenge myself, setting new goals and striving for improvement with each endeavour. What's more, my ability to connect and relate to the athletes I worked with fostered an environment where collaboration felt natural and enjoyable, never like a chore. Overall, my journey has been characterised by seizing opportunities, pushing boundaries, and maintaining a relentless pursuit of growth.
LBB> Up until recently, your creative canon has focused largely on sports and lifestyle projects, but your film with gun control non-profit, Brady United, is distinctly different. What did this experience teach you? And why did you want to tackle this subject?
Aaron> My collaboration with Brady United represented a departure from sports and lifestyle content into a distinctly different realm of storytelling. This experience reaffirmed my passion for narratives that leave a lasting impact, inspiring change and making a difference in our world. As someone who entered the industry through an unconventional path, I've utilised my love, knowledge, and access to sports to establish my voice and push the boundaries of sports storytelling. My eagerness to grow and diversify has always been a driving force behind my creative endeavours.
LBB> Brady's 'War Stories' received a Bronze Cannes Lion in the Not-For-Profit category. In what ways did winning this award impact you?
Aaron> Winning the Bronze Cannes Lion for Brady's 'War Stories' was undeniably an incredible and honourable experience. It served as validation that my dreams are within reach and that this achievement is just the beginning of what I can accomplish. I'm deeply grateful to Greg, Brad, and the entire BURN team for entrusting me with this project. Working alongside such a fun and experienced group made the experience even more special and rewarding.
LBB> You signed with BURN in 2023 – how has the team supported your creative ambitions thus far?
Aaron> I chose to sign with BURN primarily due to the strong relationships I formed with the team. From our initial interactions, it was evident that our visions for the industry and the direction we wanted to pursue were aligned. Since joining BURN, I've felt incredibly comfortable and supported, which has allowed me to focus on my creative ambitions with confidence. I'm excited about the opportunities for growth and collaboration that lie ahead with this exceptional team.
LBB> And finally, what are you most excited about in the world of film craft in 2024 and beyond? Are there any cultural insights you feel are going to shape your work this year?
Aaron> I believe we're currently experiencing a significant shift in the film industry, one that has been unfolding over the past few years. With digital media and online platforms taking precedence over traditional broadcasting, there's a greater emphasis on storytelling that resonates across different mediums. This shift presents an exciting opportunity for growth and connection with viewers from diverse backgrounds. I'm particularly enthusiastic about pushing the boundaries of filmmaking in this evolving landscape.
Additionally, I'm excited to share some personal projects that I've been working on, each with its own unique creative vision. As contemporary culture continues to shape the industry, I'm committed to staying innovative and relevant in my storytelling approach.
