Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Abad.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Juan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in Lancaster, CA. And as most kids at the time would agree, there wasn’t much for us to do. So I spent most of my time skateboarding with friends in the neighborhood I lived in. But when I wasn’t skateboarding, I was playing the Tony Hawk Pro Skater video game. It was there that I was exposed to 2 things that shaped me in a crucial way: skateboarding videos and Punk Rock music. I was considered an outcast from the majority of people I knew back then. And I wasn’t exactly the brightest student in my class. So these two things helped me find a sense of belonging.
Growing up through middle and high school, I would make skate videos with my friends. I would also film local Punk and Hardcore bands at their shows, free of charge. This was the mid-2000’s, so I only had access to a cheap Sony Handycam that recorded on Mini-DV tapes. But for me, the creation of video was more fulfilling than the quality of it. And it was so rewarding to share these videos and make someone’s day.
During my junior year at Eastside High School, my Visual Communications teacher asked the class if we would be interested working as a camera operator for his side business. At this time, I never considered video production as a career path, but I was curious where this could take me. So I signed up and ended up working for him for a few years. His business catered to high school and college marching bands, but the experience really came from learning about professional video equipment and working on a live production. I also learned how stressful production can be, haha.
After graduation from Eastside High School in 2010, I found myself in a downward spiral. We were still recovering the aftermath of Housing Market Crisis. It was very difficult to find work both in and out of video production. And attending a traditional 4-year college was not a feasible option for me. I ended up enrolling in the “Video Design and Production” program at Antelope Valley College. It’s a community college, but it was a start. My relationship with my father was “indifferent” at best. There was a lot of pressure from my parents to find income, as they were struggling financially and needed assistance. I wasn’t sure what to do and didn’t have a lot of emotional support to help me through it.
One day, I decided to do something about it. Thanks to the internet, particularly YouTube, I began studying video production, graphic design, photography and even music production tutorials and put that information to practice. Going as far as taking unpaid PA work for local video projects to gain some experience. The studying and unpaid work made me realize that I could potentially run a video production business for the time being. So I began freelancing for any project that comes my way. This was unfortunately short-lived, as I didn’t have many opportunities for a long period of time. I also didn’t have any business acumen, so not a good start at self-employment.
During my time at Antelope Valley College my instructor, Russ Williams, mentioned an internship opportunity at the City of Lancaster. Without question, I reached out to the Communications Manager at the time, Joseph Cabral, and applied for the internship. After a few weeks of them processing my documents and quick interviews, I found myself creating videos the City. After a full year of relentless work and proving my value as a video creator, they offered me a part-time position. As of now, I have been employed by the organization for six years. I have learned great deal working for the organization, so I owe Joseph Cabral and his Communications team everything plus more.
Within a year of my employment at the City of Lancaster, I met Brian Armstrong of Streamline Audio Visual. He gave me the opportunity to edit a few videos for Palmdale Regional Medical Center. I quickly learned that his company primarily does live production. I felt like it would be a great opportunity for me to learn beyond video production and asked if I can begin working in that field. I now help set up live events and take the role of a “Video Director” when live switching video cameras for those events. I also owe Brian a lot for the experience I’ve gained working for him.
At this point, I felt I’ve gained enough experience to pursue freelancing once again. But I wanted to make it an official business and get the logistics of operating a business down. In 2018, I registered PlanetOther Films as a sole proprietor and still operating in 2020. I provide my services to local small business and musicians/artists, but not limited to those niche areas. The best part about going back into business is returning to my roots and collaborating with music creators and people who have the same interests as I do.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth ride. I attribute it to my lack of self-confidence when I first started freelancing. Imposter syndrome was in full effect and it was the main reason why I turned away so much work when people would contact me for services. Something I regret to this day.
Depression was (and someway still does) play a factor in my journey. There have been many days where my I didn’t want to look at my phone, check my email, edit videos or even get out of bed. It’s a constant battle, but I usually find a way to work through it.
While video production is much more accessible to the general public these days, the costs to purchase new professional video equipment is still fairly high. It’s difficult to provide the highest quality possible when you are limited to cheaper equipment. But the upside to that is coming up with creative ways to enhance your project with limited resources. So it’s not the biggest challenge.
Please tell us about PlanetOther Films.
PlanetOther Films is a video production business located in Lancaster, CA. While I am the owner, I also take on the role of a Video Producer. Essentially producing a video for a client from beginning of a project to the completion. That includes pre-production meetings, the filming, the editing of a video and everything between those stages of production.
We specialize in the “on-the-field” video production side of things. The setting up of professional video, lighting and audio equipment of a project. Producing a high-quality piece of video content for our clients.
One thing I’m most proud of as a company is the open and honest collaboration between me, the crew members and client. I believe everyone should have some input in this creative line of work and we are always willing to bounce ideas in a non-judgemental environment.
I think one thing that sets us apart is our dedication to solve a problem for the client. Whether it’s a small business finding a way to increase brand awareness or a band that wants to make a cool music video that stands out. We sit down with them to find the best, effective way to communicate that message through video.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Video is continuing to become more accessible to everyone. And the industry-standard video companies are fully aware of this. I speculate that production equipment will become increasing compact and, most important of all, user-friendly.
We’ll probably see more “skeleton” crews on every production. Which is a double-edged sword, but it’s already happening now.
But one thing I definitely see becoming a part of this industry is artificial intelligence. We have AI built into NLE software like Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. It won’t be until AI is utilized to the fullest in the next 5-10 years. I only hope it will be used to make our lives easier, not replace hard-working people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.planetother.com
- Phone: (661) 236-7857
- Email: [email protected]
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