From Athletes to Filmmakers - The Dickens Brothers’ Journey to Self-Discovery | Episode 4

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The Dickens brothers faced an identity crisis when they transferred to the college, feeling like they were losing a part of themselves without sports. They struggled to adapt and connect with peers due to past injuries. Overcoming shame and guilt, they learned the life lesson of transitioning to a new passion by reflecting on past accomplishments.

Taking a break from sports, they grappled with emptiness and fought to break free from their comfort zone. Hours spent binge-watching and reflecting gave them solace and inspiration. Despite the challenges, they reignited their passion for making videos and emerged from the transition period stronger.

The humble beginnings of their filmmaking journey

During their darkest time, Soren and Eriksen found a way to rebuild themselves through a simple conversation in their dorm room. Soren suggested reviving their childhood passion for filmmaking, sparking a new sense of purpose and identity for them in college.

They agreed to immerse themselves in creating videos, and their first project, "Detached in Beauty," featured Soren's roommate, Nathan, and stunning scenes from Montaña de Oro. The video, posted on Cal Poly's page, quickly gained popularity, primarily due to the captivating drone shots that were still relatively uncommon at the time.

What made their initial shooting experience special was the natural and spontaneous nature of the footage. They didn't have a detailed plan or storyboard; instead, they trusted their creative instincts. This led them to create more videos, honing their craft and eventually establishing a YouTube channel called "Carpe Diem Productions" to showcase their work.

The project that paved the way to showcase their strength as a storyteller in moving pictures

Despite the challenges of securing their first client as videographers, the duo didn't let that deter them. They reached out to numerous businesses, even offering discounted rates below the industry average. Recognizing their limited portfolio, they dedicated hours to creating sample videos for specific client requests, showcasing their capabilities. Despite facing rejections, their determination remained unwavering as they pursued their goals with great hunger.

Their tenacity paid off, and they hustled to complete various projects, including real estate videos, beach birthday parties, sorority videos, school events, and even a documentary on Oakdale Football Culture called the OKG documentary. The documentary received early feedback from 15,000 people and garnered significant attention within the Oakdale community.

Eriksen believed that the documentary somehow motivated and contributed to the team's victory in the state championships, further fueling their sense of achievement. This success became an eye-opener for what they could accomplish.

The positive response to the OKG documentary kickstarted their careers as storytellers, leading to the booking of 12 weddings. It opened doors to more significant opportunities and showcased their potential as talented filmmakers.

Where Grit can take you and succeed in any field

The Dickens brothers' success with Platinum Peek stems from their unwavering dedication. Countless sleepless nights editing videos, continuous learning from YouTube, and extensive research set them apart.

Their exponential growth, however, is rooted in the relationships they nurtured. One pivotal connection, a business owner granting them access to Beverly Hills, launched them to new heights. This led to 90+ projects and $300,000 in revenue in 2021. Video contests boosted their success further.

Working closely with this crucial partner across states in 2021-2023, their earnings improved. Hiring a project manager solidified their business, with Platinum Peek thriving with a