Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Webb.
Hi Derrick, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started training in pro wrestling at the Chicago Style Wrestling Training Academy around 2016-17. From then, being a pro wrestler was my focus until life & some injuries inside & outside of the ring brought that dream to a halt. I’ve always loved videography since high school, shooting, editing; you name it, I loved it & retained that knowledge ever since. In late 2019 after recording some footage with my phone, one of the wrestlers there at the time asked if I could start doing roaming camera for the shows starting in 2020; after the 1st show in January, it started a ride I’d never thought I’d be on in life. Since that time, I’ve filmed &/or edited shows throughout the Midwest, some shows involving wrestlers who are signed to major promotions & it’s been a treat.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It wasn’t always a smooth road. With videography comes the want & need to upgrade the equipment I use personally, like cameras, laptops, mics & the like, so the paper chase is always on to have things that will increase the quality of work that I can bring out. Not having too much faith in my work is another thing. Maybe that comes from hours of looking at the same sequence & thinking it’s bad in my head, but once it’s released, the reception is never the same with my depreciating thoughts but more positive & accepting. Juggling time between this & my regular job is also a hassle; once I’m off the clock & home, I would fall into the routine of relaxing as we all would do after a long day of work. I would have to break that habit, especially if there’s a deadline to meet.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Professionally? I’m a security officer, nothing glamorous, just a means to an end. Outside of that? Videographer, mainly in wrestling, but I have made a music video once with a good friend Daisy Kill. I shoot &/or edit shows, promos & commercials for wrestling promotions like Chicago Style Wrestling (CSW), Iron Heart Pro (Wisconsin/Minnesota), Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), Warrior Wrestling (Illinois/Indiana), AAW Pro (Illinois) & Wrestling Revolver (Ohio/Iowa).
I’m most proud of the opportunities I’ve had within these promotions, whether it’s shooting shows & promos with up & coming wrestling talent or with talent from AEW, NWA, Impact Wrestling, or WWE Hall of Famers (like Tennessee native Jeff Jarrett). It’s all something I’m most proud of because the kid in me that grew up loving this thing provides visuals that fans could watch over & over again.
What sets me apart from others? There are only a few videographers in the indie wrestling scene; the ones I know & differ based on what we provide. The best part about that? It allows us to work together.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Having a good eye & ring awareness. Anyone can pick up a camera & shoot, but not everyone that shoots can shoot wrestling. Watch out; you might get hit by a diving wrestler if you’re not careful 😂
Contact Info:
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/ringfilmdude
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RingFilmDude?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/ringfilmdude
Image Credits
CameraGuyGimmick, Samantha Crim Photography, Pro Wrasslin Shoots
