Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Tranter.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into filmmaking started at a young age, driven by a fascination with storytelling and the ability to connect with people through film. What began as a creative outlet quickly became a passion, and in 2017, I began operating under the name Spiderking Studios, eventually establishing it as an LLC in 2020.
Around that same time, I was serving in the U.S. Army Infantry. Following my medical retirement, filmmaking became an important part of finding my footing and building a future for myself.
Growing a production company in Southern Oregon has come with its fair share of challenges. We aren’t exactly a major filmmaking hub, and resources, funding, and opportunities can be difficult to come by. But I’ve always believed that talented creatives shouldn’t have to relocate to a major city to pursue their passions. I wanted to help create those opportunities right here in our community.
What started as essentially a one-man operation has since grown into a collaborative team of talented filmmakers and creatives. We’ve produced multiple feature films, commercials, documentaries, music videos, and a variety of other media projects for businesses and organizations. Most recently, we wrapped production on our sixth feature film, IT CALLS, one of our most ambitious projects to date.
Of course, we’re still growing. Building a sustainable business around something you’re passionate about is no easy feat, and there have been plenty of setbacks, financial uncertainties, and lessons learned along the way.
Ultimately, my vision for Spiderking Studios goes beyond simply making movies. I want to build a truly independent production studio in Southern Oregon that creates meaningful opportunities for local creatives to collaborate, grow, and hopefully make a living doing what they love. We’ve still got a long way to go, but I’m proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what’s ahead.
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?
Not at all! Building a production company in Southern Oregon has come with plenty of challenges, especially in an area where funding, resources, and opportunities in the film industry are limited. We’ve had to learn how to accomplish a lot with very little.
Financial stability has been one of the biggest hurdles. Balancing creative ambitions with the realities of running a sustainable business isn’t easy, and there have been plenty of setbacks along the way. Building and maintaining a dedicated team while everyone balances their own jobs and responsibilities has also taught me a lot about leadership, communication, and adaptability.
On a personal level, transitioning out of the military and navigating my own mental health challenges has added another layer of difficulty.
But I think those struggles have also been some of my greatest teachers. I’ve learned that passion alone doesn’t build a sustainable business, progress isn’t always linear, and sometimes you have to reevaluate your approach to keep moving forward. We’re still figuring things out, but every challenge has helped shape Spiderking Studios into what it is today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We specialize in film and video production, covering everything from narrative films and documentaries to commercials, music videos, livestreams, and digital content. Personally, my background is primarily in cinematography and directing, but as an independent filmmaker and business owner, I’ve worn just about every hat imaginable.
I think what sets us apart is our ability to accomplish so much with so little. While we’re always striving to grow and secure larger budgets for our productions, we’ve never let a lack of funding stop us from creating. We’re incredibly community-driven, relying on the generosity and support of local businesses, property owners, actors, and countless individuals who have contributed their time, resources, and talents to help bring our projects to life. It’s honestly remarkable how much people have been willing to give and how far that support has taken us.
What I’m most proud of isn’t necessarily any one film or accomplishment, but the community we’ve built around Spiderking Studios. We’ve brought together incredibly talented people who share a passion for filmmaking, many of whom might not otherwise have had opportunities to work on productions like ours.
Ultimately, I want Spiderking Studios to be known for more than the work we produce. I want us to be known for the opportunities we create and the relationships we build while proving that there can be a doorway into the industry outside of Hollywood. And we’re building it here in Southern Oregon.
How do you think about happiness?
Creating something alongside people who share my passion is what makes me happiest. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking an idea that once existed only in your imagination and watching it come to life through the collective efforts of talented, passionate people.
I also love teaching filmmaking. To adults as well as youth. It makes me happy to see people get excited about learning the skills and becoming passionate about film. It reminds me of when I got that spark.
Of course, spending time with my family and loved ones, enjoying the little things in life, and seeing how far we’ve come brings me a lot of joy, too. Happiness for me also comes through acts of self love. Keeping my mind healthy, my body healthy, and continuing my spiritual growth are all key factors in having a balanced and happy life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spiderkingstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiderking_studios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpiderkingStudios/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/spiderkingstudios
