Free to Create

Bailey (Tillman) Bolton ’18
Independent Filmmaker and Actor, Twin Cities
Majors: Multimedia Journalism, Spanish
Minor: Film Studies

How did you get your start as a freelancer?

After graduation in 2018, I received an internship doing video for KNOCK Inc., a creative agency in Minneapolis. I went from intern, to contractor, to full-time employee. I loved my time at KNOCK and learned a ton very quickly. If someone asked me if I could do something, I always said yes, went home, and learned how to do it. YouTube was (and still is) my best friend when it comes to editing questions! After four years, I was ready for a new challenge, so I took the leap into freelance. And I’m so glad I did.

Do you have a favorite part about working freelance?

Freelance work is ever-changing. I’m in charge of my own schedule for the most part, and that allows me to work when and where I want to. I can craft my schedule to fit my life, and that flexibility is incredibly valuable to me. However, that also means my calendar is never set in stone, and I rarely plan further than a couple months out.

Freelance work is always ebb and flow and, for me, I like the constant change. Every project is different from the last, which keeps the work exciting. While 90% of my time is spent video editing, I also do motion graphics, color grading, videography/photography and, recently, acting. Getting to pursue other areas of creative expression has been super gratifying and inspiring. I’ve been involved with several independent films over the years as well, and my schedule allows for me to keep that in my life.

How do you find clients and determine who you’d like to work with?

I built a strong network during my first years in Minneapolis. With freelance work, networking is everything. The majority of my work comes from word of mouth, but I’ll also reach out directly to producers and companies I want to work with. Simply asking someone to get a coffee can go a long way.

For acting, I’m involved in the local filmmaking community. I’m also signed with Wehmann, a talent agency in the Cities. They’ve helped me book some great gigs, and in the last year or so I’ve had the opportunity to work with companies like Scheels, Leinenkugel’s, Best Buy, and Cub Foods.

Do you have a favorite brand or project you’ve worked on? Can you talk a little bit about what made it special?

I’ve had lots of special projects over the years for different reasons, but some standouts are a commercial for Planned Parenthood, a campaign for the Minnesota Secretary of State to get Minnesotans out to vote, and my first short film I made with my husband called “Worry No More.” I was and am very proud of these projects, and I feel so lucky to have helped them come to life.

How did you get into acting and become involved in independent filmmaking?

I was fully thrown into the independent filmmaking world when I was hired on a feature film in 2019. I loved the fast pace on set and getting to see the behind-the-scenes magic. I’ve worked on many films since then, as an editor, producer, and actor. Between my husband and I, we always have something in the works! The Minnesota film community is incredibly supportive, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

I haven’t watched a movie the same way since.

Did you have a favorite class or professor while at Concordia?

The class that set off my film career was no doubt Appreciating Film with Greg Carlson my freshman year. Greg started the class by stating he was going to “ruin movie-watching for us." Ruin it he did (but you know, in a good way). I haven’t watched a movie the same way since. I discovered the art of filmmaking and all the decisions, opinions, and people that affect the final product.

Documentary Filmmaking with Don Rice was another important class that gave me real-world experience and a glimpse into what it takes to get something on screen. We were tasked with making a short documentary from start to finish, which was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I had at Concordia, and I’m so grateful for that.

Any favorite Cobber memories you’d be willing to share?

Oh, boy. Where to begin … Studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain, hosting an “SNL”-themed Family Weekend Showcase, producing Concordia On-Air, Orientation as a freshman (love you Club 3) and as a leader my senior year (CLUB 23 COUNT WITH ME), playing with the lacrosse team, and meeting so many people (friends, professors, staff, mentors) that changed my life.

Any advice for Cobber students who might want to work in film/video editing?

Be willing to teach yourself anything you don’t know and start early. There’s so much incredible free content on YouTube. Start building your network now — ask a local filmmaker to get coffee, get a PA role on a set, attend the Fargo Film Festival. But most important: JUST. MAKE. STUFF. You learn so much by doing the work. Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect because, trust me, it won’t be. My favorite advice is “Make Bad Art.” The point is to learn and grow with every project you take on, so don’t get paralyzed by the fear that you aren’t good enough because, trust me again, you are.

How does what you learned at Concordia influence your life now?

Every class, even the ones furthest from my current career, helped me get to where I am today. I built up so many skills — critical thinking, work ethic, communication (hello networking!), time management, adaptability, and how to care for the world and the people in it. I truly learned how to learn at Concordia, and that has served me every day since.

Check out some of Bailey’s work.

 ^{Published January 2026}