Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Reis
Hi Joshua, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Joshua currently is a Cinematographer, filming music videos, commercials, and feature films. Joshua attended USC as a Fine Arts Major with an emphasis in photography and motion design. I was very collaborative, working with many film majors on their short films and projects where I often worked as a camera assistant and cinematographer.
After graduating, I freelanced in a number of fields utilizing my wide scope of skills in post production. I ran a small DVD authoring business. This would include: encoding, programming, designing the menus and animating motion menus. Meanwhile, I worked as a camera assistant building my network in the music video and commercial arena. I bought an SR3 Super 16 film camera and would film music videos, commercials, and short films with friends in my spare time. Meanwhile, I would dapple in tabletop photography as well. So in the early stages of my career, I was very diversified in my approach building a wide array of skillsets.
I continued to build my reel as a cinematographer and eventually I was offered representation by UTA and then it was off to the races. I have since filmed over one hundred music videos for some of the biggest artists in the world ranging from; Justin Bieber, Snoop Dog, Nicki Manaj, Seal, Chris Brown, Drake, Imagine Dragons, Ricky Martin, Kanye West, Nelly, T.I., Ice Cube, and the list goes on. I have filmed nearly as many commercials for many global brands.
I have since filmed 12 feature films to date with many A list actors. My favorite work is working long form where as a Cinematographer, I am able to sculpt a visual arc that supports the narrative. It has taken a lot of dedication and hard work to build my career, but a day doesn’t go by where I have any regrets. I truly love what I do and thus I feel that I do not work a day in my life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I grew up in Northern California in a small town not too far away from Lake Tahoe. Moving to LA to attend USC was a major shift in my way of life. I was a small town kid in the middle of the hornets nest if you will. It has been a roller coaster with many hurdles and obstacles.
When I was young and fresh out of college, it was tough finding a job, but due to my wide array of skillsets, I managed to earn a living and get by. I rented a small studio, saving all of my money for gear and computer expenses, which is required in this industry in my opinion. Working as a camera assistant allowed me the experience to work with professional gear and learn on set. Meanwhile, I was able to craft my ideas easily in 2D, 3D, and motion design applications which I think gave me an edge at the time. I believe all of these skillsets have converged to give me a creative edge.
It’s no secret that Hollywood is a very competitive industry, so a lot of building my career had to do with being in the right place at the right time while having the “right” attitude. There are. a lot of great collaborators out there whom have become lifelong friends, but at the same time it became apparent to me early on that there are people out there who just want “free” gear or labor so its a bit tricky to navigate. I learned a lot of lessons along the way, but like I said, I feel blessed to have met some great talented people along the way that I can say have become lifelong friends.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a cinematographer know for my wide body of music video, commercial, and feature film work. I am most proud of some of my music videos including; Justin Bieber “What Do You Mean, and Chris Brown ft. Drake “No Guidance. In regards to feature films, I am most proud of “The Infiltrator” starring Bryan Cranston, John Lequizamo, Benjamin Bratt, Amy Ryan, and the feature film “Beautiful Disaster.”
Honestly, I love so much of my work. When I view my reel or portfolio, it brings back so many experiences as every film brings about a new group of collaborators, We are like family and each film is like gaining a new family and friends, so its an emotional journey to look back.
How do you define success?
Success is doing what you love. How does the saying go, “If you love what you do, you don’t work a a day in your life.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joshuareis.com
- Instagram: @joshuasreis
