About Me
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Hi, I’m Caleb Minson--filmmaker, musician, and storyteller. My journey through different art forms has shaped who I am today. Whether I’m behind the camera, composing music, or writing songs, poems, or screenplays, I’m constantly exploring new ways to express the stories within me. As a self-described "suburban country boy," I find inspiration in the simple moments of life, blending my love for the outdoors and country values with my creative pursuits. Welcome to my creative space, where every project is a step in my artistic evolution.
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Biography
I was born on January 12, 1982, in Freeport, Illinois, but when I was 8 months old, my family moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where I was raised until I was 19. Growing up in the woods of North Jacksonville, I was always drawn to music, which became a central part of my life. My father was very musically talented, and I take after him in that. By the age of five, I was playing the drums, and by my teen years, I had added the saxophone, trumpet, piano, and bass guitar to my repertoire, performing regularly in my church band. Music laid the foundation for my creative journey, and it continues to be a cornerstone of my expression today.
My artistic horizons expanded during my teenage years when a young Yugoslavian artist, Sinasha Petrovich, lived with my family. His skill in painting and drawing inspired me to pick up a pencil and start sketching—a passion that would resurface years later during a class at New England Institute of Technology.
After high school, my path took a few twists and turns. I moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma, where I lived until I joined the U.S. Navy in 2004. Initially serving as a Sonar Technician (STS) on a fast attack submarine, the USS Alexandria SSN 757, I traveled the globe, gaining invaluable life experiences and a unique perspective that would later influence my creative work. My responsibilities included operating and maintaining complex sonar systems, gathering critical intelligence, and contributing to the success of various submarine missions. This role taught me discipline, problem-solving, and the importance of teamwork—qualities that have become integral to my artistic pursuits.
In 2008, I transitioned to an Expeditionary Security Unit, where I further developed my leadership and adaptability skills. From 2010 to 2017, I took on a new challenge as a Navy recruiter, a role that was both demanding and rewarding. I connected with individuals from all walks of life, guiding them through the process of joining the Navy. My dedication and impact in this role were recognized when I was awarded National Reserve Recruiter of the Year in 2013 and Region East Reserve Recruiter of the Year in 2014. In 2017, I transitioned into the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), bringing this chapter of my Navy career to a close.
After leaving active duty, I felt a strong pull back to my creative roots and enrolled at New England Institute of Technology to study Digital Media Production, where my passion for filmmaking was first ignited. Later, I earned a Certificate in Film and Video from Full Sail University. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to honing my craft in filmmaking, working on short film projects and participating in 48 hour film challenges.
Alongside filmmaking, I’ve found a rewarding creative outlet in sports videography. Since 2017, I’ve been freelancing for Hoop Brothers, capturing the energy and excitement of high school basketball camps. Through my company, Action Reel Sports, I merge technical skill with artistic vision, providing a dynamic and engaging perspective on youth sports.
I also run Rustic Lens Cinema, where I focus on narrative filmmaking, blending my passion for storytelling with the lessons I've learned throughout my life. My projects span a range of genres, from deeply personal stories to broader reflections on the world around us.
Music is another major part of my creative journey. From blues, country, and classic rock to gospel music, my songs reflect the stories and values that resonate with me. With Caleb Minson Music Production, I create original compositions that explore life’s struggles, personal growth, and spiritual reflections, allowing me to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. You can find my latest tracks on various streaming platforms.
I also founded Cumberland Report, a news agency dedicated to unbiased journalism, where I bring investigative reporting to the forefront, exploring local issues and fostering free speech. Each of these ventures—filmmaking with Rustic Lens Cinema, sports videography with Action Reel Sports, Cumberland Report, and my Music—allows me to express myself as a storyteller, blending creativity, experience, and authenticity.
I was born on January 12, 1982, in Freeport, Illinois, but when I was 8 months old, my family moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where I was raised until I was 19. Growing up in the woods of North Jacksonville, I was always drawn to music, which became a central part of my life. My father was very musically talented, and I take after him in that. By the age of five, I was playing the drums, and by my teen years, I had added the saxophone, trumpet, piano, and bass guitar to my repertoire, performing regularly in my church band. Music laid the foundation for my creative journey, and it continues to be a cornerstone of my expression today.
My artistic horizons expanded during my teenage years when a young Yugoslavian artist, Sinasha Petrovich, lived with my family. His skill in painting and drawing inspired me to pick up a pencil and start sketching—a passion that would resurface years later during a class at New England Institute of Technology.
After high school, my path took a few twists and turns. I moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma, where I lived until I joined the U.S. Navy in 2004. Initially serving as a Sonar Technician (STS) on a fast attack submarine, the USS Alexandria SSN 757, I traveled the globe, gaining invaluable life experiences and a unique perspective that would later influence my creative work. My responsibilities included operating and maintaining complex sonar systems, gathering critical intelligence, and contributing to the success of various submarine missions. This role taught me discipline, problem-solving, and the importance of teamwork—qualities that have become integral to my artistic pursuits.
In 2008, I transitioned to an Expeditionary Security Unit, where I further developed my leadership and adaptability skills. From 2010 to 2017, I took on a new challenge as a Navy recruiter, a role that was both demanding and rewarding. I connected with individuals from all walks of life, guiding them through the process of joining the Navy. My dedication and impact in this role were recognized when I was awarded National Reserve Recruiter of the Year in 2013 and Region East Reserve Recruiter of the Year in 2014. In 2017, I transitioned into the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), bringing this chapter of my Navy career to a close.
After leaving active duty, I felt a strong pull back to my creative roots and enrolled at New England Institute of Technology to study Digital Media Production, where my passion for filmmaking was first ignited. Later, I earned a Certificate in Film and Video from Full Sail University. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to honing my craft in filmmaking, working on short film projects and participating in 48 hour film challenges.
Alongside filmmaking, I’ve found a rewarding creative outlet in sports videography. Since 2017, I’ve been freelancing for Hoop Brothers, capturing the energy and excitement of high school basketball camps. Through my company, Action Reel Sports, I merge technical skill with artistic vision, providing a dynamic and engaging perspective on youth sports.
I also run Rustic Lens Cinema, where I focus on narrative filmmaking, blending my passion for storytelling with the lessons I've learned throughout my life. My projects span a range of genres, from deeply personal stories to broader reflections on the world around us.
Music is another major part of my creative journey. From blues, country, and classic rock to gospel music, my songs reflect the stories and values that resonate with me. With Caleb Minson Music Production, I create original compositions that explore life’s struggles, personal growth, and spiritual reflections, allowing me to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. You can find my latest tracks on various streaming platforms.
I also founded Cumberland Report, a news agency dedicated to unbiased journalism, where I bring investigative reporting to the forefront, exploring local issues and fostering free speech. Each of these ventures—filmmaking with Rustic Lens Cinema, sports videography with Action Reel Sports, Cumberland Report, and my Music—allows me to express myself as a storyteller, blending creativity, experience, and authenticity.
Personal Note
In September 2023, I began volunteering at Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, combining my love for animals with a commitment to giving back to the community. This experience has deepened my connection to the simple, grounded values that shape my Suburban Country Boy identity. It’s a way for me to stay rooted, offering something meaningful to others while reinforcing the importance of living a life that’s humble, giving, and true to who you are.
As a suburban country boy at heart, I find joy in the outdoors and the lessons nature provides. This connection to the natural world isn’t just about creativity—it’s about responsibility, stewardship, and giving back. Whether I’m volunteering, working on a film, or writing music, my focus is always on sharing something real, something that reflects the values I’ve carried with me since my time in the woods of North Jacksonville.
Every project I take on is an extension of my journey, driven by the desire to give back through storytelling, music, and film. Staying true to my roots, I aim to create work that resonates with the honesty, simplicity, and authenticity that define the Suburban Country Boy way of life.
In September 2023, I began volunteering at Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, combining my love for animals with a commitment to giving back to the community. This experience has deepened my connection to the simple, grounded values that shape my Suburban Country Boy identity. It’s a way for me to stay rooted, offering something meaningful to others while reinforcing the importance of living a life that’s humble, giving, and true to who you are.
As a suburban country boy at heart, I find joy in the outdoors and the lessons nature provides. This connection to the natural world isn’t just about creativity—it’s about responsibility, stewardship, and giving back. Whether I’m volunteering, working on a film, or writing music, my focus is always on sharing something real, something that reflects the values I’ve carried with me since my time in the woods of North Jacksonville.
Every project I take on is an extension of my journey, driven by the desire to give back through storytelling, music, and film. Staying true to my roots, I aim to create work that resonates with the honesty, simplicity, and authenticity that define the Suburban Country Boy way of life.