Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Juhasz.
Hi Peter, 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?
I embarked on my journey within the creative realm back in 2006 as both a videographer and photographer. Initially, my work catered to online platforms, capturing images for online magazines and crafting videos for websites, including web series. However, as the demands grew, so did my aspirations. Recognizing the need for expansion, I established a production company named “235.”
From the get-go, I was the driving force behind the company, handling everything from production management to directing and even conceptualization. Our diligent efforts began to see recognition around 2008, as we clinched accolades in local advertising competitions. The industry’s spotlight was now on us. To accommodate our burgeoning projects, I upscaled our operations by leasing a larger office, thus expanding our talented team.
Between 2010 to 2015, I predominantly functioned as an advertising photographer and commercial director under my company’s banner. Simultaneously, I oversaw most of our productions as the lead producer.
2017 marked a pivotal year for us. The sheer volume of clients and projects became overwhelming. I could no longer handle the creative tasks alone, so I asked one of my creative colleagues, Daniel Blik, to join the company and become my business partner. Our team soon saw an infusion of top-tier producers and production managers from the Hungarian advertising sector. We constructed a cutting-edge office, a decision that won us the “Office of the Year” award, outclassing numerous established firms.
From 2017 onwards, our firm stood as a paragon in the Hungarian commercial film industry, serving an extensive roster of national and international clients garnished with a plethora of awards. In 2019, a collaboration in Los Angeles with a distinguished Hungarian agency and a reputable LA production house for an international campaign film was a game-changer. Filming at iconic LA locations was nothing short of inspirational, igniting a desire in me to return.
This enriching experience bore fruit in 2020, as we were awarded the Silver Dolphin in Cannes for an international campaign film I directed for the World Urban Games hosted in Hungary.
2021 ushered in another partner to our firm, an exceptional producer, László Dreissiger, who currently supervises all our active ad campaigns. Although my hands-on involvement has somewhat receded, my passion hasn’t. I’m currently nurturing my photography career. My goal is to delve deeper into the world of high-end photography and extensive travel. I harbor hopes of frequently shooting in California, capturing timeless narratives beyond the confines of advertising. Concurrently, I’m experimenting with abstract photography, aspiring to grace the walls of prestigious galleries.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
From the outside, this profession appears to be incredibly cool. Is it easy to do day in and day out? Not at all! It has not been a smooth road. Initially, I grappled with numerous technical challenges – both photography and filmmaking demand profound technical expertise. Most of these skills I had to hone through on-the-job learning, propelled by necessity. Once I overcame the technical hurdles, the next challenge lay in the realm of creativity. The quest was about consistently elevating my craft and striving for excellence every single day.
Perhaps the most arduous aspect of this profession is self-inspiration. It requires a keen eye on international trends and waking up every morning with the unwavering determination to produce exceptional work, never settling for mediocrity. As my company grew in stature, managing a burgeoning team posed its set of challenges, which I’m grateful to have successfully navigated.
Remaining fresh and innovative in this ever-evolving field is no small feat. I’d recommend filmmaking and photography only to those who genuinely love the craft and are committed to mastering it. There will always be a queue of incredibly talented young individuals ahead of you, and it’s only through diligence and perseverance that one can truly stand out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been deeply involved in the production of commercials and photography for nearly two decades now. One characteristic trait of my work is my consistent effort to embed a narrative behind every image, even when the client doesn’t explicitly demand it. In my perspective, a picture, be it static or moving, loses its essence without a story underpinning it.
My inspiration draws heavily from the American films of the ’80s and ’90s. Those movies deeply inspired me during my formative years when international films and fashion trends began pouring into Europe. Perhaps what distinguishes me from others is the depth and layered narrative I infuse in each frame, be it in a commercial, a short film, or a photographic composition. It feels as if you’re immersed in a movie with tangible, flesh-and-blood characters. My attention to detail is almost obsessive; I meticulously ensure that everything on the set aligns with my vision. I place significant emphasis on lighting, location, set design, and particularly casting.
In the post-production phase, I prioritize music, often collaborating with composers rather than resorting to pre-made tracks. Even in photography, I dedicate significant attention to post-production. I always produce prints of my photos, believing that the physical manifestation of an image offers the most authentic representation. For me, it’s imperative that these images exist beyond just the digital realm or computer screens. I also cherish the opportunity to work analogically, capturing on 35mm film stock, whether for filming or photography. Analog film, in its organic form, elicits a profoundly different reaction compared to digital, giving life to the content in a unique manner.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
It’s crucial for me to always have the opportunity to work with new individuals. I genuinely value hearing opinions about my work from others. There are feedback and suggestions I embrace, while some I may not necessarily adopt, but constant feedback and the opinions of those I trust are always invaluable. In today’s digital era, platforms like Instagram have become a pivotal medium to connect with creators, actors, models, and other talents. I appreciate it when individuals reach out to collaborate, but I also frequently initiate contact with talents I admire, expressing my desire to work together. This approach to collaboration is of paramount importance to me!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.235.hu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jp_dir/, https://www.instagram.com/235productions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/235productions
Image Credits
Norbert Domokos Peter Juhasz Gabriel Garai
