September 3, 2019

Meet Samuel DeAngelis

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel DeAngelis.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story begins to Northern New Jersey. Born to strict Italian parents, after high school I was sent to follow in my brother’s footsteps; to get a business management degree at state school in New Jersey. When I got out of college, I dove to the business world and managed to immediately make some “good money.” Shortly after my new employment I got laid off due to the business closing down as it was unable to keep up with market changes. I decided to go back to school again to get a degree in creative writing.

I wanted to teach.

It took less than two years and to get my creative writing degree and during that time I was doing a lot of skating (stunt rollerblading on a professional level). I became a pro skater and realized that I was holding a camera the entire time. Not only was I shooting skating, but I was constantly capturing memories with friends and family. One day, I realized I am pretty damn good at this and I can make it a profession.

For years I taught myself the skills and lessons needed to become a full time freelance videographer.

In 2012, I had the opportunity to shoot two music video scenes for Missy Elliott. She was working with new artists and a music video had been shot but lacked excitement. A good friend of mine, Michael Nittolo (now producer of Black Ink Crew on VH1) got me on the project as camera operator. The next couple days I would experience opportunities beyond my comprehension.

I worked hard for this moment.

Soon after finishing the shoot I was eager to continue to work with Missy Elliott. I went home that night and couldn’t sleep.. I contacted my friend and begged him over and over again to allow me to take a stab at editing the music video. I knew this was a far stretch but I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to prove my worth to Missy Elliott and her team.

She accepted and I spent the next two months working at her mansion located in the Tri State Area.

Fast forward seven years later; I am a freelance director with a long list of credits including but not limited to Taylor Swift, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Iggy Azelea, Earth Wind and Fire, Ice T, Slick Rick, Mike G, and Shakira.

If I hadn’t followed my dreams I wouldn’t be the creator I am today.

I am a huge believer that you have to make your own opportunities in life. If I wouldn’t have proven my worth and begged to edit Missy Elliot’s music video then I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have today. I would not have lived and worked closely with Missy for the entire Winter of 2012.

Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve lived in LA for the past three years and I’ll tell you that it’s been anything but easy. Making the decision three years ago to move across the country was one of the hardest ones I’ve ever made but one ill never regret. My family was going through hard times as my grandmother was passing. I promised that I’d wait for her to leave us before I made plans to move across the country.

I did.

I think no matter what’s going on in her life will always find 100 reasons not to follow our dreams. Sometimes we fight the easy battles to get an easy win although when we fight the long battles and struggles that’s when we are most rewarded. I’ve learned to live and love by that very rule.

Although I’ve found a lot of success in New Jersey, I needed to try my worth in Los Angeles and see where I could take my potential.

Since the drive across the US to Los Angeles I have moved on three separate occasions. I started off in North Hollywood, working with the world’s best dancers; then made my way down to the Anaheim area to take an opportunity to work and live closely with some performance actors under the management of Angel Griffin. After that, I worked closely with music artist Airglo in DTLA developing three music videos for his debut; we even turned the videos into a short film which will soon be submitted to festivals around the world. As much as moving is a hassle..

I knew that I’d rather be struggling in the place where my dreams are than to be miserable somewhere I didn’t want to be.

We also constantly deal with was competition in Los Angeles. I’m self-taught videographer and director; even my parents told me in no way could compete with the film school kids or the talent that was all throughout Hollywood. I soon realized that I was talking crazy.. As long as I had a support system by my side I knew the possibilities were endless. I am unique.

We’re in the age of creativity and technology; the artists wanted something new and that’s what I offered.

No matter where you are no matter who you are if you believe in yourself the opportunities will come. Some of the artists I’ve worked with have been strictly based on the fact that they enjoyed my work and how I represented myself as an artist.

If I can give one great piece of advice for overcoming competition in ANY INDUSTRY it would be…

Stay true. Stay you.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My company is Samuel DeAngelis… Every decision I make determines my future.

I specialize in giving artists a fresh visual representation of their work no matter what the means are. My focus is interpreting your art.

I am most proud of simply being my independent self. What sets me apart from others is that no one is like me.

You are the only you.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The music and film industry will make major changes in the next 5 to 10 years. We are in a new age of technology and communication.

As technology gets more alienated from the simple sound of a love intrument, I believe that the audience will eventually be begging for original sound. Musicians will go back to playing instruments on tracks and performing ensembles on stage.

As for communication, I believe that all artists around the world will continue to benefit. New voices will be heard and opportunity will begin to level. New filmmakers, musicians, actors, and talents will get a chance to showcase their work on a global platform.

We will no longer be silenced. We are the voice that will echo throughout the world.

Contact Info:

Phone: 2014120931
Email:[email protected]
Instagram: @directedbysam

Image Credit:
PHILAMERICA, Samuel DeAngelis

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