Welcome back to our “Meet Motion Source” series, where we give you a “behind-the-scenes” look at our team. This article features our newest addition, Rachael Nielson, who joined the team earlier this year as our associate producer. While she’s only been around for about four months, she has jumped in head first on projects and not slowing down.

Rachael was born and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago. For as long as she can remember, music and movies have always been her greatest passions in life. Rachael played the clarinet and made it into the most prestigious wind symphony band at her high school in her sophomore year. Growing up, she spent a lot of her time finding new music, watching endless amounts of music videos with her dad, and attending a variety of concerts - everything from Lady Gaga to Iron Maiden!

Rachael soon realized that she wanted to learn the ins and outs of the music business. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business from a small music college in St. Paul, MN. 

How did you get into production and what has your journey been like so far?

In my senior year of college, I took a variety of film classes with some amazing professors who completely opened my eyes to the world of film and I loved everything about it! I quickly became the Film Club President. Shortly after college, I stumbled upon a video production company in the area that was looking for an Administrative Assistant and I landed the job! It was a wonderful opportunity to get my “foot in the door!” I ended up working at the video production company for a little over four years. I started as their Administrative Assistant, got promoted to Office Manager, got promoted to Production Manager, and left as an award-winning Chicago Emmy producer! I enjoyed my time there but I’m excited to see what the future holds at Motion Source!

When did you start working with Motion Source?

I started working with Motion Source in January of this year. It’s been wonderful getting to know the team and working on many amazing projects!

What do you love most about your job/filmmaking?

I love getting the opportunity to meet a variety of people that have life experiences that are very different from my own. I get to learn their stories and get to help share their stories with others!

I also love that we have the ability to capture one brief moment and encapsulate it for a lifetime.

When you’re not at Motion Source:

When I’m not working, you can find me goofing around with my longtime boyfriend Jake (we created a very long handshake during the pandemic!)

I really enjoy reading, being outside, vintage/antique shopping, trying new restaurants, going to concerts, spending quality time with my family and friends, and playing with other people’s dogs until I finally have my own. I also am a history nut so I love going to museums, watching the Smithsonian channel, and diving REALLY deep into my family’s ancestry. I love boring my immediate family with the supposed details about my 17th great-grandmother. 

Fun story from set/project:

While I worked at a religious video production company in the area, there was a client event that we were invited to appear at, and I had the opportunity to visit New York for the first time with our Executive Director and Creative Director. Around midnight after the event ended, our Executive Director bought $150 worth of Taco Bell and A LOT of beer and we got to eat, drink, laugh, and have good conversation with about 10 Franciscan Friars in their Friary. It was a very memorable and unique first trip to New York for me!

Personal Mantra:

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

– Maya Angelou

Fun Fact: 

I was a competitive cheerleader for over 10 years and was able to do cool backflips and stunts, but don’t ask me to try a backflip any time soon, I’m retired from cheer life! (and I would probably fall on my face now!)

The only “backflips” Rachael will be doing these days are for clients to make sure their projects go smoothly and successfully! Keep an eye out for her on your next project. We’re glad to have Rachael on board and look forward to her continued success.