By Raynard Churchwell
The best videographers do more than capture images, they seize moments and create timeless scenes. Leo Ebanks embraces this challenge, his lens serving as a link between reality and the poetic, arresting moments he expertly frames.
Ebanks’s ability to connect camera skills and the theatrical arts is indicative of the education provided by the School of Film, Media & Theatre. Ebanks recently earned a role in a regional production of Hair which is currently playing at the Two River Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey.
“This opportunity with Hair is a realization of a dream,” Ebanks said. “It’s a testament to the power of perseverance and believing in oneself.”
Ebanks’ journey to the stage began with an interest in videography. “Videography is not just about taking videos; it’s about capturing the essence of a moment,” Ebanks explained.
Growing up in Miami Gardens, Florida, Ebanks navigated an environment that was void of a vibrant theater or film scene. It wasn’t until his time in the Army, on the cusp of leaving the service, that theater found him.
“There was no theater scene or film scene in Miami where I grew up,” Ebanks said. “So, I didn’t encounter theater until I was in the Army.”
A graduate of Miramar High School, class of 2012, Ebanks embarked on a unique path post-graduation. After earning a two-year degree in criminal justice from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, he enlisted in the Army, driven by the need for financial stability in his pursuit of education.
“I needed to figure out a way to finish school, and the Army offered a means to do that,” Ebanks said.
For three years, Ebanks served as a medic. The experience shaped his perspective and helped him understand the human experience. During this pivotal period of service, he laid the groundwork for his subsequent artistic endeavors.
“Being a medic in the Army provided me with a unique perspective on life and humanity, which I now bring into my videography,” Ebanks explained.
Upon concluding his military service, Ebanks embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead him to Georgia State University, a choice fueled by a desire to be closer to his roots and a yearning for a more diverse artistic community.
“I wanted to be involved in the arts with more people like me, more black people,” Ebanks said. “I missed being around my community.”
Ebanks’ time at Georgia State University proved transformative. Professors like Anastasia Wilson and Laura Hackman, with their support and dedication, played instrumental roles in honing his craft and providing him with invaluable industry insights.
“The faculty at GSU has been instrumental in my growth as an artist. They don’t just teach, they guide and inspire.”
Ebanks’ story is a reminder that passion, coupled with determination, can transcend any obstacle. Through his lens and his acting, he captures the essence of life’s most poignant moments, inviting us all to see the world through his extraordinary vision. In every frame, Leo Ebanks leaves an indelible mark, a testament to the boundless potential within us all.