Today we’d like to introduce you to Rylee Carter.
Hi Rylee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
A couple of months ago, I had the idea of creating a video production service with a buddy of mine, Dylan Sabatano, whom I have known and have been best friends with for many years. We are both creatives in our respective fields, specializing in film and video productions.
We both attended school for video and film, graduating with our respective certifications and degrees. I attended Frederick Community College and graduated with an associate’s degree in film and video production. Dylan, on the other hand, attended F.I.R.S.T. Institute in Florida, where he also obtained his diploma in film and video. While Dylan was in Florida, he created his own Instagram account called “Diamond Crow,” which served as his outlet to showcase his work while attending school. Dylan would then come back from F.I.R.S.T. Institute once graduating and coming back home to Pennsylvania.
I had previously worked for a local video agency in Frederick called 88Visual for almost two years as a main video editor and second camera operator. Once Dylan came back, I needed a job and couldn’t find anything in the local job market for film and video creatives anywhere in the surrounding areas for months. Dylan also couldn’t find any success in the local job market in the area where he lives.
One day, Dylan and I sat down for lunch and talked about our frustrations with the video and film job market, and that we had been turned down or simply ignored for weeks on end. While talking to Dylan, I randomly blurted, “Why don’t we just do it ourselves?”. Both of our faces lit up with excitement and intrigue at this idea, and right there and then, we officially started Diamond Crow Studios. We spent an entire week at Dylan’s house brainstorming who and what our clientele might be and how to approach them with our ideas. We want to create budget-friendly videos for anyone who wants to tell their story through video. Whether it be a local mom and pop shop, a traveling musician, or your favorite local brewery in your area, we want to tell those stories.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a new video production service, we’ve faced significant challenges in trying to find clients and establish our presence in the local market. Despite putting in considerable effort, including emailing and direct messaging a large number of local businesses, we’ve struggled to gain traction and generate interest. The lack of responses has been discouraging and has made it difficult to showcase our capabilities or even start a conversation. Without an existing client base or word-of-mouth reputation, breaking through the noise and getting noticed has proven to be one of our biggest hurdles so far.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been working in video editing for several years now, and during that time, I’ve edited a wide range of content across different styles and formats. Over the past couple of years alone, I’ve worked on a plethora of videos—everything from big documentaries to Instagram reels. Each project has challenged me in different ways and helped me grow both creatively and technically. A few months ago, I was honored to receive an Emmy Award for my editing work on a video called “Frederick Untold Stories: Phoenix Recovery Academy”. That project meant a lot to me—not just because of the recognition, but because it told a powerful story about recovery and resilience that needed to be heard. I’ve always believed in the impact of thoughtful, intentional editing, and moments like this remind me why I do what I do.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always the extroverted, loud kid who could never sit still. From as early as I can remember, I was singing and dancing my way through life. Whether it was at family gatherings, school events, or just around the house. That energy never faded, and throughout high school, I was the one who brought the music, the movement, and sometimes just a little bit of chaos. I thrived in any space where I could express myself, always eager to perform and connect with others through joy and creativity.
At the same time, I grew up in the YouTube space, spending hours watching creators share their lives, their humor, and their creativity with the world. I was especially drawn to the funny moments people captured while playing games with their friends. That kind of content made me laugh, feel connected, and inspired me to do the same. I started recording and sharing my gaming moments, driven by a genuine love for making others smile. That, on top of being part of the performing arts, gave me a different perspective on life. It taught me the power of storytelling, the beauty in vulnerability, and the impact of simply making someone smile. It was never just about the spotlight; it was about the connection. That passion for sharing stories and emotions in an honest, human way is what led me to become a video creative. Through the lens, I found a new stage, one where I could still perform, still express, and most importantly, still move people. That motivation continues to drive me today, inspiring me to create work that feels real, uplifting, and rooted in the joy I’ve carried with me since day one.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/diamondcrow.studios
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diamondcrow.studios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Diamond-Crow-Studios/61574804891855/#
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@diamondcrow.studios
Image Credits
Studio Headshots – Nate Stepney
