Daily Inspiration: Meet Patrick Anthony

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Anthony.

Hi Patrick, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey into filmmaking began during my college years. Initially pursuing studies in sociology with aspirations of joining government agencies like the CIA or Secret Service, I stumbled upon a transformative elective film course that altered my trajectory. Early on, I had a deep fascination with cinema, often immersing myself in bonus features and behind-the-scenes documentaries of films that captivated me. However, this passion dwindled as I became more involved in high-level sports. It wasn’t until that pivotal college course reignited my passion for filmmaking that I redirected my focus towards pursuing it professionally. I made the decision to switch my major to film production and embark on a new journey. Shortly following graduation, I secured a position in Los Angeles with a company where I had the opportunity to craft a wide array of short-form, long-form, and commercial advertising content. At that job, I had the privilege to cultivate my artistic style in video production, leveraging industry-standard equipment and techniques. Alongside honing my craft, this experience also facilitated the expansion of my network, paving the way for new opportunities and projects. Today, I attribute my success to unwavering ambition, a relentless passion for my craft, and the dedication to put in the necessary work behind the scenes to achieve my goals. 

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?
My journey hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing, but I’ve been fortunate to meet some incredible people along the way who have helped me push my boundaries and seize opportunities that have shaped my career positively. Transitioning from a traditional 9-5 job to freelancing after leaving the company I first moved to LA for was tough. However, looking back, I see it as a blessing in disguise as it forced me out of my comfort zone and made me work harder and smarter to achieve my goals. I’ve learned that growth happens outside of comfort, so I’ve embraced the discomfort and made it a point to seek out challenges that push me to grow. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m committed to pushing my limits and embracing the journey. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Sure thing! I’m a Director and Cinematographer based here in LA. My work spans across various mediums, but I specialize in live events, commercials, music videos, and branded content. I love the diversity of projects I get to work on. It keeps things exciting and challenging. 

I think I’m known for my versatility and ability to bring dynamic energy to any project I work on. Whether it’s capturing the magic of a live event, crafting a compelling commercial, or creating visually stunning music videos, I strive to deliver excellence in every aspect of my work. 

One of my proudest achievements in my career is being able to pursue my passion for filmmaking while succeeding in the competitive landscape of LA without succumbing to the “starving artist” stereotype. Recently, I had the opportunity to Creative Direct and be the DOP for a handful of commercials with “Dancing With The Stars LIVE on Tour,” and that’s definitely a highlight for me. 

One thing that sets me apart is my background in team sports, particularly soccer. I played at a high level, including playing on a USA Olympic Development Academy team in high school and then in college, where I was also a captain. That experience taught me a lot about leadership, teamwork, and managing people. Skills that I’ve seamlessly transferred to how I operate on production sets. I think having that background gives me a unique perspective and sets me apart from others in the industry. 

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Professionally speaking, what truly brings me joy is witnessing the entire crew or team enjoying the journey of a project, from its inception to its completion. Filmmaking can certainly have its stressful moments, which is why it’s essential to collaborate with people you genuinely enjoy working with. It adds a layer of enjoyment to the process. Seeing everyone involved having a great time while still completing their tasks brings me immense happiness. I think this stems from my background of being part of sports teams throughout my life; that sense of camaraderie and shared purpose is what truly makes me happy. On a more personal level, when we are not working, I find happiness in a slow-paced lifestyle with my amazing wife. The creative landscape we both work in can be hectic, so being able to embrace the stillness when not working and just enjoying the simple things in life is another area of great happiness for me. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.patrickanthonydp.com
• Instagram: @patrickanthonydp

Image Credits
ceventpics