Phil Cohen Makes Videos You Have to See to Believe

Using some seriously well-honed editing skills, Phil Cohen has become adept at creating uncanny worlds on camera.

Mack Weldon Presents: A Guy You Should Know. An edifying (if irreverent) interview series with people who inspire confidence. Our first interviewee is Phil Cohen, an eye-catching video artist

The way you describe what you do (to people who have no idea what you do).

I typically describe myself as a creator specializing in social media content. Then, I usually pause to gauge their reaction, hoping to spark a lively discussion about the world of social-first content creation. But usually that doesn’t quite resonate, haha. 

The first time you thought to yourself: “I can do this for a living.”

For years, I juggled my full-time job as an Art Director with my passion for content creation. Things changed when I began traveling for specific campaign shoots and focusing on video instead of photography. Suddenly, my limited vacation days became a constraint.

The work you’re most proud of.

I find it challenging to single out one particular video. With every completed project, I experience a profound sense of accomplishment, knowing that I’ve overcome hurdles and created something meaningful.

The most effective way to break out of a funk.

I force myself to keep creating, even if it means trying things I wouldn’t normally do. 

The last person, place, or thing to change the way you see the world.

During my college years, I was fortunate to have a professor who embodied the spirit of inspiration akin to Robin Williams’ character in Dead Poets Society. Much like the iconic teacher, he had a knack for challenging our conventional ways of thinking. 

Your hottest take.

Skinny jeans should never come back in style!

The items on your bedside table.

iPhone charger, iWatch charger, a water bottle, and usually a couple decorative books that I never read and collect dust.

The last thing you spent too much money on (but was worth it).

I’m thinking hard about buying one of those fully automatic cappuccino/espresso machines…

The #1 single off the soundtrack to your life.

At this moment, the soundtrack to my life is heavily influenced by the music preferences of my five-year-old son. Currently, that’s “Down Like That” from the latest Paw Patrol movie.

And because we’re all about underwear…F*ck, Marry, Kill: Boxers, Briefs, Boxer Briefs.

I’m a one underwear type of guy. It’s boxer briefs or nothing!

Follow Phil @thepacman82