Meet Austin DeShayes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin DeShayes.

Austin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Being born and raised in Virginia/the east coast, the entertainment industry was a foreign concept to me. I originally didn’t intend to pursue a career in entertainment, and instead was preparing myself for a career in business. However, I quickly gained an interest in film while making/starring in funny videos with my friends and classmates in high school. Much to my surprise, the work quickly earned acclaim, airing on Comedy Central and being featured at the VA Marine Institute of Science (for a joke music video on the Hammerhead shark).

After making money from these videos on YouTube, I realized that a career in making videos was quite possible. So in college I obtained a dual degree in Cinema and Marketing from Virginia Tech. During that time, I held a string of production jobs at major networks such as: CNN, ESPN, NBC, and was the lead video director for FloydFest Music Festival (one of the largest music festivals in Virginia). I also continued to release funny videos, which went viral within the school/Greek community and even won film festivals two years straight.

Upon graduation, I picked up and made the gigantic leap to Los Angeles. Since then I’ve been working on a wide range of significant projects such as: NBA All Star Weekend, EA Live, YouTube celebrity Hoop & Life, fitness/nutrition shows with Tastemade, and more. I also just recently wrote and directed “Genesis,” an award-winning short film collecting over 13+ awards and official selections including: Best Sci-Fi Short, Best Production Design, and Best Original Story. The film has aired internationally, and I’m currently in the process of pitching it to get developed as a feature.

It’s been a crazy journey so far and it’s safe to say I love what I do.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been far from a smooth road, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether it’s a difficult project, person, or something isn’t going the way I thought it would, every professional and personal challenge for me has been a lesson and opportunity to grow as an artist. Even the decision to move to Los Angeles was a challenge/gamble in itself. Coming out here knowing no-one and being the only person in my extended family to be on the west coast presented a lot of difficulties. I left a lot of friends and loved ones back on the east coast, but I am fortunate to have all of them support my decision and journey.

Tell us about your work – what should we know?
I work in entertainment production as a filmmaker, actor, and photographer. Some would consider me a jack-of-all-trades as I have always directed/produced/acted/filmed/edited different projects. I enjoy the variety and creativity that an entire project can bring, and I love following an idea from the inception to the finished product.

Some notable companies I have worked with are CNN, ESPN, NBC Universal, Tastemade, and Nike. Having a wide variety of real life experience and an eclectic background, I believe I can bring a unique perspective/eye to the different stories I tell.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
While I was mostly self-taught, I am thoroughly thankful for my support network of friends and family. They have always supported my goals and aspirations, even if they weren’t the norm. I’m also thankful for my colleagues as they help to broaden my perspectives further and encourage me to be a better artist.

Contact Info:

• Address: North Hollywood, CA.
• Website: http://austindeshayes.mystrikingly.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austindeshayes/

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