Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Valdez.
Kimberly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Ever since I can remember I wanted to be in movies. As a young girl, when I would mention this to adults, they would respond with the typical assumption of “OH you want to be an actress?!” Because of course in peoples minds that is the only place for a woman in the filmmaking industry.
As time went on, I slowly realized I did not appreciate the kind of attention I would get when being in front of the camera. I especially did not like the idea of being recognized or getting any attention for roles I played, let it be film, videos or even plays.
When I was hosting a morning bulletin show in high school is when I learned that I loved producing. I loved setting up the lights, decorating the set and leading my classmates towards executing a good show! I left behind the idea of being in front of the camera along with everyone’s opinions about where I should be on a set, after that year.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely not been easy. I often feel people have an issue with a female authoritative figure. When I started the production class and started to try directing/organizing the class, there was a lot of push back.
Many people didn’t like me or what I was trying to do with the program. There was a lot of hate and in the result, many people actually dropping the class because they didn’t want to work with me. The harder I tried to be kind and patient the faster I realized that there was not much I could do. I come across this kind of issues everyday.
As 2nd year president of the film society at SDCC, I come across waves of people that are hypercritical and harsh about what I do. I have now accepted that this is a part of what comes with leadership of any kind. For a long time, I would be angered and hurt by it, but I recently met D’Marcus D. Andrus. He is a community leader, and an overall beautiful human who has quickly became one of my strongest support systems and best friends.
Recently, when we were having a venting session regarding this particular struggle, he said to me “Everyone wants to move into the house that you built, but no one wants to pick up a hammer.” This really sparked something in me that I think will help me throughout the rest of my career.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Luz Valdez Productions – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I produce short films, music videos and general business promos (everything from food photography to any sort of media needs). I specialize in all of these things.
What sets me apart from others is my drive and dedication to make things perfect. I will spend ten+ hours a day for a shoot building sets, lighting and shooting an entire production. I am there every step of the way. I am particularly very proud of a music video I created with one of my favorite musicians Jasmine Bailey.
I built an entire 20s themes moon set and gathered some of the most talented people I know to help me execute this masterpiece of a video. I haven’t released the full video yet, but there is a teaser on my Instagram and Vimeo page.
I am particularly fond of this because of how I was able to really make my vision come to life. I had this idea for a year before I was able to really shoot it and although it took all of the time that it did, every second of it was worth it.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
I like San Diego because there are so many beautiful places to shoot. It is full of culture and richness that you can’t find anywhere else! What I do not like is how expensive it is to live here, it makes it impossible for me to focus on my art.
Pricing:
- music video starting at $1,500
Contact Info:
- Phone: 619-538-0494
- Email: kimstahmedia@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kimstahh_
Image Credit:
Valeria Dipietrantonio @valeria_dipi & Fernando Meidna @_wtfern
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
