Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Le.
Hi Joseph, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into the world of filmmaking and Los Angeles was a long and winding one, but it all started with a passion for creating action-packed genre films with my friends from Team Red Pro in Virginia. While we all felt trapped in our 9-5 jobs, we found solace in our shared love of martial arts and a desire to connect with other Asian creatives. As we collaborated on projects and shared them with bigger and bigger audiences, our work caught the attention of some of the most respected professionals in the stunt industry.
Despite the pull to move to LA, I hesitated at first. The stories of cutthroat competition and high-stakes risk made me wary. But after taking some vacation days from my full-time job to collaborate with independent action filmmaking circles like Martial Club, I knew I had to take the plunge. The stunt community at Joining All Movement was very encouraging and already wanted to collaborate with little ol’ me. I had a couple of old college friends (Cina Mckenna and Omar Zaki) who were already living there for a couple of years and never hesitated to tell people to watch my videos! My reputation for blending live-action anime with Hong Kong-style choreography continued to grow, leading to the opportunity of a lifetime.
After being referred to Brad Allan from the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, I knew that this was it. Any doubts I had about my path were immediately thrown to the wayside. I begged my bosses at AKQA for a break from my Senior Designer position to pursue this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they graciously obliged. The two weeks I spent helping out with the bus fight pre-vis in LA turned into an offer for the Action Designer role on Marvel Shang-Chi. And with that, my dream of becoming a filmmaker in LA became a reality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey to filmmaking in LA has been a bumpy ride. As a DIY filmmaker from the east coast, there’s no clear-cut path to success. Moving here two years ago felt like starting from scratch, and I’m still finding my place in this competitive industry. Some days it feels like I’m up against a brand new challenge every week.
I came to LA with the promise of work two years ago, but the pandemic put everything on hold. Waiting for things to pick up was driving me nuts, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and create my own indie short film called Twisting Tiger. It was a way to stand out and show what I can do as an action filmmaker.
When the opportunity to work on Knights of the Zodiac overseas in Budapest came up, I jumped at the chance. But when I returned to LA, it was back to square one. I’ve been taking on several freelance gigs (action design, editing, designing) to make ends meet while taking classes on directing and making my own micro-shorts on the side to keep my skills sharp.
It’s tough juggling two main professions, action design and directing. Especially when you’re trying to break into the industry and make meaningful connections. I started out working with friends from high school and college, but as I’ve gotten older, it’s been a challenge to meet new filmmakers and build relationships. But I’m determined to pursue my passion for directing and will keep learning and growing.
We’ve been impressed with Team Red Pro, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Team Red Pro is an LA and DC-based creative content studio with a passion for action storytelling. We are martial artists and filmmakers who want to tell impactful stories that stem from shared personal experiences. We’re mostly known for our Kung Fu Tea Commercial and martial arts hood drama, Twisting Tiger.
Collectively, we’ve worked on films such as Marvel’s Shang-Chi, Knights of the Zodiac, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Star Wars: Ahsoka, and Kodama (SXSW).
We also enjoy collaborating with brands and using our social media influence on Instagram and YouTube to promote products through action-based content.
We are currently working on a horror short film called OUT OF BODY which is about a woman trying to save her soul from an ancient body-swapping demon. It all takes place in one physical location, but also three different spiritual planes.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
In the film industry, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success and lose sight of our own morals. I’ve learned that maintaining a strong sense of self and setting healthy boundaries is crucial for both personal growth and professional success.
During my first year in LA, I said yes to almost every opportunity that came my way, even if it meant sacrificing my own personal goals. But I soon realized that this approach was draining me and hindering my progress. So, I began establishing stronger boundaries, learning to distinguish between true friends and work associates, and recognizing early patterns of manipulation to avoid toxic relationships.
To protect myself, I turned to texts like the 48 Laws of Power and the Art of War, which taught me how to recognize narcissistic behavior and defend myself against it. I also prioritize self-care activities like martial arts training, going to the gym, and taking walks, as well as staying connected with loved ones like my parents and old friends.
By maintaining a strong sense of self and prioritizing my mental health, I am better equipped to navigate the challenges of the film industry and stay true to my values and goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://josephle.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephle_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lejoseph1/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephleart/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamRedProductions
Image Credits
Jen Eun
