Interview: Exploring the World with Martin Karner
Martin Karner is a YouTuber and filmmaker from Slovakia. He is well-known for his inspiring travel videos across the world. I chatted with Martin to learn more about him and share what he’s experienced thus far.
How did you get into filming?
I got into filming through the urge to create something. I like to be creative and I saw some cool travel videos that really impressed and inspired me. I was always into videos, because it can evoke so many different emotions.
What is it about travel and adventure filming that attracts you in particular?
I like to shoot travel and adventure to inspire people. My first trip to Thailand was eye opening. I grew up in a small European country and when I returned back from my one month trip in Thailand, my whole view on life changed. I think this quote says it all, "The world is like a book and when you are not traveling you are reading only one page.". It is important in life to burst the bubble of your "reality" and to expand your perspective.
How were you able to turn your passion into a career?
It was actually very late in my career that I started to get paid. It took around four years to make a four figure monthly income from my videos. I was only doing around $50-$100 per month because I was not educated in creator business. That’s why I created a helpful guide for creators, who want to overcome the period of receiving just 5% of their potential paycheck. It is unbelievable how much money you are missing out on just because you don't learn from someone.
What is your favorite place you have traveled to?
It is very hard to say which is my favorite because every place is special. I feel the most comfortable and at home in Bali because of its surf community and the very laid back style of living and unbelievably nice people. I have met so many warm people not only in Bali, but also in the Philippines.
You have a large social media presence. Has this shaped your work in any way or led to unique opportunities?
My social media platforms have helped me a lot. I never expected to have so many subscribers even though it's not that much nowadays. Because of my social media following, I get many things for free and so many business opportunities that I could never have imagined. It opens up the world, but you must think out of the box to make the best out of it.
What gear do you use and what is your main setup for filming?
I love going lightweight but still keeping the best quality possible. You cannot imagine how tiring it is to carry 10kg on your back in tropical weather. I use the Sony A6500 with Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 for shooting cinematic videos and photos. When I am vlogging for fun, I change the Sigma to a Sony 16-50mm kit lens. Of course, I use my GoPro for action and my DJI Mavic Pro drone for aerial shots. You can find a complete list of my gear here.
What advice can you give to aspiring filmmakers?
My advice to filmmakers is to travel and experience as much as you can. Don't fall into the society trap of being a slave. Don't listen to family and friends holding you back because they are afraid. If you want to achieve something, you have to practice and experience as much as you can. Another very important thing is to get inspired and learn from better filmmakers. Analyze their work, watch tutorials and even buy courses to improve.
Do you have your next big adventure planned?
I have nothing special planned as of yet and am just waiting for COVID safety measures to loosen so I can soak my body into the ocean!
Note from Martin: I have my own travel filmmaking course where I teach newbies and also experienced filmmakers how to make travel videos and how to improve fast.
To keep up to date with Martin, subscribe to him on YouTube, follow him on Instagram and visit his website. Thank you Martin for doing an interview with us and sharing your knowledge!