Carson Vance
I jot down initial ideas in a notebook, sketching rough scenes or character arcs to visualize the flow.
1. Tell us about yourself and your most current project/s?
Hello, I’m Carson Vance, a 20-year-old from Sissonville, located just outside Charleston, West Virginia. From a young age, I developed a deep interest in cinema, often using my father’s old camera to capture scenes around my hometown. Following a series of sports-related injuries, I transitioned into filmmaking, which has since become my primary passion and career focus.
As a director and writer, I have contributed to several projects, with my most recent being “Ridin’ Ridiculous,” a Western comedy that I both wrote and directed. It incorporates an Appalachian perspective, blending humor with relatable characters, and I am eager to share it with a wider audience. In addition to my creative pursuits, I serve in the United States Air Force. In my free time, I enjoy grilling, shopping, spending time with friends, and being with my girlfriend, Raney.
2. Where did the inspiration/idea come for this project?
Ridin’ Ridiculous’ actually came to me during my senior year of high school in the middle of math class, of all places. I was doodling this little daydream of myself on a Hollywood set, directing some big production, when the idea flipped in my head. Instead of the classic Wild West, I pictured this awkward, offbeat gunslinger trying to make his way through the backwoods of Appalachia. It turned into this story about small-town folks pushing through life’s setbacks with grit, humor, and heart. At its core, it’s about chasing big dreams from small beginnings. I ended up completely zoning out of class and started outlining the script right there in my notebook. It’s got a lot of my West Virginia roots in it. Those little quirks that make small towns feel both unique and universal.
3. What does the writing process look like for you?
My writing process starts with a spark, often something random like a daydream or a snippet of conversation that hits me out of nowhere, like it did for “Ridin’ Ridiculous” during a boring math class. I jot down initial ideas in a notebook, sketching rough scenes or character arcs to visualize the flow. Then I outline the structure: plot points, dialogue beats, and themed. Drafting happens in bursts. I’ll write a scene or two when inspiration strikes, even if it’s late at night after Air Force duties but I take my time with it, channeling real emotions to make it authentic. For instance, I’ll tackle an argument scene only when I’m actually feeling mad about something in life, because it changes how you think and what you’d say in the moment. I apply this to every emotional beat, writing sad scenes when I’m down or joyful ones when I’m upbeat, which really breathes life into the story and makes the characters feel genuine. Revisions are key; I read aloud to catch awkward lines, share with trusted friends for feedback, and tweak until it feels tight and funny. It’s chaotic but rewarding, blending structure with those ‘aha’ moments.
4. How do you handle writer’s block?
When writer’s block hits, I step away from the script and dive into something physical to reset—like grilling a steak out back or hitting the gym. It clears the mental fog. Sometimes, I’ll head out in public and do all sorts of things to spark inspiration, whether it’s wandering a store, skateboarding at the park, or even something absurd like trying a new coffee shop routine. The most boring errand can suddenly trigger an idea that clicks. If that doesn’t work, I revisit old family stories from Sissonville or watch classic movies or new movies, jotting down random thoughts without pressure. Or I’ll talk it out with my girlfriend Raney or buddies for their fresh takes. The key is not forcing it give it time, and the words flow back naturally.
5. How do you feed your creativity when feeling drained?
When I feel creatively drained, I lean into my reputation as the “go-to creative guy” by experimenting with offbeat methods that spark fresh ideas. Stuff that sounds unconventional but really reignites that fire. For example, Ive blindfolded myself one time and painted whatever comes to mind, then step back to interpret the abstract mess; it often unlocks wild new visuals or story concepts in my head that I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. Or I’ll switch things up by taking a random drive through the West Virginia backroads, blasting old 80s rock tunes, and letting the scenery blend with random thoughts until a script scene clicks. Sometimes it’s as simple as cooking an experimental meal with whatever’s in the fridge, turning the chaos into metaphors for character development. The key is embracing the silly or unexpected because it shakes off the block and feeds my imagination in surprising ways.
6. What advice would you give writers who feel stuck or uninspired?
For writers feeling stuck or uninspired, I’d say the thing about being stuck is that you can always get unstuck if you are creative enough and find ways to work around it. Step away from the page and shake things up. Go for a hike or a walk, or grill something experimental to get those senses firing. Dive into random activities that spark ideas, even if they’re silly, like blindfolded sketching or listening to 80s rock. Revisit your roots or chat with friends for fresh perspectives, and remember, it’s okay to write junk first; revisions turn it into gold. Keep experimenting until that ‘aha’ moment hits, it’s all about persistence with a twist of fun.
7. Have you ever thought about giving up writing? If so, what pulled you back?
No, I’ve never seriously considered giving up writing, it’s woven into who I am, like breathing or pushing through tough days in my life. I compare it to life itself: I don’t quit on challenges, so why would I quit this? One thing about me is persistence; I keep going because my stories might reach someone out there who’s struggling, offering a laugh, a moment of resonance, or that spark of inspiration they need. It’s not just for me—it’s for them too, and that keeps the fire burning.
8. How do you keep your voice or ideas fresh over time?
To keep my voice and ideas fresh over time, I draw from perspectives of all kinds of people, chatting with folks from Sissonville, my best buddies, or even strangers at a coffee shop because no one’s the same; everyone’s unique in their own awesome way, and that diversity sparks new angles I wouldn’t think of alone. At the core, though, I stay true to myself, standing firm on who I am and what I believe, weaving in my West Virginia roots without compromise. And honestly, I pray to God for guidance and inspiration He’s come through more times than I can count, turning those quiet moments into bursts of creativity that keep my stories authentic and evolving.
9. What do you wish more people understood about the creative process?
I wish more people understood that the creative process isn’t this glamorous, linear thing you see in movies. It’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply tied to real life, not just some burst of genius. For me, as a filmmaker from a small town, it means pulling from everyday grit: those late nights when an idea hits during a random grill session, or channeling actual emotions into scenes to make them ring true. It’s not about waiting for inspiration; it’s about showing up consistently, even when it feels like slogging through West Virginia mud. If folks got that it’s as much about persistence and vulnerability as talent, maybe they’d cut themselves more slack and create without fear.
10. What is the most honest thing you’ve ever written - and did it scare you?
The most honest thing I’ve ever written was a personal essay on mental health, raw and unfiltered, inspired by my grandpa’s suicide exactly five years ago today, October 21, 2020. It dove deep into the pain of loss, the stigma around seeking help, and how those dark moments can feel overwhelming but aren’t the end. Yeah, it scared the crap out of me to put it out there; it was so real for my family and me, like exposing a wound that hadn’t fully healed. But I had to write it because no one should ever feel driven to end their life over hard times or doubts about their self-worth. You’re loved, you’re beautiful inside and out don’t let anyone, including that voice in your head, tell you otherwise. If you’re struggling, reach out; there’s always light on the other side.
Where can the audience find you?
You can catch me and updates on my work across a few spots—check out my YouTube channel under Carson Vance @madebyvnc for some early clips and behind-the-scenes stuff. My Instagram is @vnc_studios, launching soon with project teasers, and I’ll be posting about “Ridin’ Ridiculous” and more on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @vnc.studios. Right now, my films aren’t widely available yet, but keep an eye out I’ll be submitting to film festivals soon, and that’s where you’ll start seeing them pop up. Stay tuned!
