Tell us a little about yourself and your experience.
I have 20 plus years in the business. Writing, Directing,Producing and music supervision in music videos, films, tv and multimedia. Bi-coastal and film and music loving (all genres). I am a connector - love connecting people as much as I love my job. That love has built a huge network that enables me to do just about anything!
What drove you to choose your career path?
I was driven to this path by not wanting to ever have a 9 to 5 job and by my love of movies. What makes it an ongoing pleasure is the love of every day being different and working for myself on my terms.
How did you go about getting your job? What kind of education and experience did you need?
I followed an unusual path, but it was one that harnessed my perceptive talents and drive to succeed. I started out as a male stripper, which gave me a taste of the spotlight. That had me transition into acting. Being on sets and observing what directors did, led me to working behind the camera. I was a quick study… I had zero formal education. Just common sense and a relentless passion for success!
What do you actually spend the majority of your time doing?
Working on making my next 10 projects happen, finishing my last 10 projects and in my ’spare' time, creating my next 10 vertical endeavors. Keeping myself and those I work with busy, productive and trail-blazing in directions may others are afraid to take.
What misconceptions do people often have about your job?
Used to be everyone thought it was impossible to get innovative, interesting projects done on budget and on time. But I proved that model wrong. It just takes determination, passion, resourcefulness and talent.
Now everyone thinks it's simple - that you just need an Instagram account and a smart phone. They are wrong - quality is so important when representing art visually, Industry standards are so high and there is a specific process. Not to say that I don’t support new/emerging talent - i do! Apprenticeship is so important though - I worked with many talented directors prior to setting out on my first project alone.
What are your average work hours?
24/7. I'm always working.
What personal tips and shortcuts have made your job easier?
There are no shortcuts in the pursuit of quality work. What has made my work easier is only the process of trial and error. I learn things the hard way the first time so the next time and each subsequent time thereafter it gets a little bit easier.
What do you do differently from your coworkers or peers in the same profession?
From what I'm told by my peers what distinguishes me is that I just never let up and never sleep. I also don’t really compare myself to my peers - we support each other.
Do you have any advice for people who need to enlist your services?
If you want the best then you've found him.
What's the worst part of the job and how do you deal with it?
That often clients have no clue about what it takes to actually deliver quality and don’t want to learn about it. There is a massive disconnect with some people. I prefer to work with the people who either understand what I do or are quick studies like I was - it shows in the results since it is such a collaborative process.
What's the most enjoyable part of the job?
When my crew and I are on set enjoying the work we are doing and making a client very happy.
What kind of money can one expect to make at your job?
If you do this for the money, you likely won't enjoy it. One can make as much as they are willing to work for. Six-figure personal income salary is achievable.
How do you move up in your field?
Being the best. Working he hardest. Loving what you do.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to join your profession?
Be prepared for a very long battle - people doubting you and your talent, people wanting to dismiss you, people hating on you and your climb. So put your big boy and big girl panties on, have thick skin and get ready for a war… and that's just the first 5 years!!! You have to out work and out-hustle EVERYONE!!!