At just 19, filmmaker and producer Samuel L. Pierce has turned his creative vision into a growing production powerhouse. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his journey from teenage storyteller to founder of Electric Shock Productions, and why he believes the future belongs to those who create without waiting for permission.
Samuel, take us back to the beginning. How did Electric Shock Productions come to life?
I started Electric Shock Productions on one simple idea, don’t wait for other people to give you your chance, make your own. I have always believed that if you want to create something, you can’t sit around waiting for the right time or the right people to give you permission. You just have to start. That’s exactly what I did in 2019. I was still a teenager, but I knew I wanted to tell stories that felt real, full of energy, and from a young, authentic perspective.
In the early days, it was just me and a few friends shooting small projects for fun. We didn’t have much equipment or experience, but we had ambition. Every project was a learning experience, and every mistake became a lesson that moved us forward.
Were you always drawn to filmmaking as a kid?
Absolutely. I was the kind of kid who would watch a movie and immediately start wondering how it was made. By first grade I was already experimenting with cameras and editing whatever I could. Then, in fourth grade, I had a media teacher who told me to take it seriously. That changed everything. I started writing full-length scripts and knew from that point on this was what I wanted to do with my life.
What were some of your first major projects with Electric Shock Productions?
The first big one was The Future of Us. It didn’t even start as a feature film. It began as a short, then turned into a web series, and eventually became a full-length movie. I wrote it, directed it, produced it, and even acted in it. It took long hours and a lot of trial and error, but I loved every second. That film proved that with enough drive and focus, you can make something real from nothing.
Then came The Get Rich Quick Scheme, an ’80s-style comedy we filmed one summer. We gave up our vacations to make it, and it was absolutely worth it. It was hot, chaotic, and exhausting, but also one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. I played the lead role, Micky, and learned how to balance directing and acting while managing the set. That project taught us how to stay organized and deliver results even under tight conditions.
Off The Line was a turning point for your company. What did that film mean to you?
Off The Line marked a real evolution for us. It’s a sports drama about speed skating, and I played the lead, Mark Stevenson, a professional athlete struggling with pressure and redemption. The skating sequences were technically challenging, and the emotional side of the story pushed me as both a filmmaker and performer. It was the kind of project that forced us to step up our production quality and see how far we had come.
It also showed me the power of collaboration. That film was not just about athletic competition, but about resilience, teamwork, and second chances. In many ways, it mirrored what we were doing behind the camera.
Your next film, Jack Harrison: Rogue Protocol, sounds like your biggest yet. What can you tell us about it?
Jack Harrison: Rogue Protocol is a large-scale sci-fi action film, and it’s the most ambitious project we’ve ever tackled. We’re currently in post-production, and every element of it, from the design to the effects and sound, represents how much we’ve grown as a company.
It’s high-energy, technically demanding, and built on the lessons we’ve learned from all our earlier projects. This film reflects what Electric Shock Productions is all about, pushing boundaries, taking creative risks, and constantly raising the bar. We also have other projects in development, including a new TV show that I can’t talk too much about yet, but it’s something I am incredibly excited for.
You started running a production company at such a young age. What has that experience taught you?
Leading a company so early on has been a huge education, not only in creativity but also in management. It taught me how to lead teams, make critical decisions under pressure, and adapt fast when things go wrong. It forced me to grow up quickly, to think long-term, and to focus on solutions instead of problems.
Those lessons shaped my leadership style. I try to lead with discipline, vision, and accountability. I’ve learned that every project, regardless of its scale or success, is a chance to evolve. You take what you learned and apply it to the next one, and that’s how you build something that lasts.
What philosophy drives Electric Shock Productions as a company?
Samuel: The heart of our company is simple, never stop improving. Every film we make is designed to be better than the last. We have proven that it’s possible to make professional, feature-length films through good planning, creative resourcefulness, and a strong team.
We focus on creative development, disciplined execution, and continuous growth. Electric Shock Productions is forward-looking and results oriented. Our mindset is, don’t wait for permission to create, just do it.
How do you see the company evolving over the next few years?
Our goal is to keep expanding what we’re capable of. Bigger stories, new genres, and higher production values. I want Electric Shock to become a name people associate with originality, quality, and integrity.
We’re not chasing trends; we’re chasing progress. Each project is a stepping stone to something greater. I believe if we keep learning and improving, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
For young filmmakers who want to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give?
Don’t wait for someone to give you permission. Start now, even if you don’t have the perfect camera, the perfect script, or the perfect circumstances. Learn by doing. Every mistake will teach you something.
Be disciplined, stay patient, and never stop pushing yourself past what you think you’re capable of. The only way to grow is to do better than you can, every single time.
Samuel L. Pierce’s movies are out now on Amazon Prime. The Future of Us Amazon Prime The Get Rich Quick Scheme Amazon Prime, Off The Line on Amazon Prime.
For more on Samuel L. Pierce visit his website and follow him on Instagram.
