Today we’d like to introduce you to Immanuel Baldwin.
Hi Immanuel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi, my name is Immanuel Baldwin. My journey into the creative world began long before I stepped onto a professional set, it was practically in my DNA. My mother was an artist, and her father, my grandfather, was both a writer and author. That legacy of creativity was instilled in me from a young age.
I officially got my start in the industry working as a PA on Transformers while still in school, but if I had to pinpoint when it all really began, I’d say around the age of 10 or 11. I was constantly drawing, imagining, and writing. That naturally evolved into filming skits with whoever was around. My brother, unfortunately for him, became the recurring “victim” in nearly every skit, all the way up to my senior thesis project.
Now, in 2025, I’d describe myself as a commercial filmmaker. I have a deep love for storytelling through film, especially writing and directing, but commercial production has taught me an invaluable nimbleness that long-form filmmaking often doesn’t. It’s fast-paced, collaborative, and has sharpened my instincts in ways I never expected.
I studied at the Art Institutes and have spent a good deal of time working as a non-union Assistant Director. My career path has taken me through many roles on and off set from, Production Assistant, Key PA, Boom Operator, 2nd AD, AD, Production Manager, Agency Producer, Digital Media Specialist, Content Creator—and now, I work full-time as a freelance director.
I’m always looking for meaningful opportunities to grow and collaborate. Excited for what’s ahead.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been anything but smooth. One of the first and hardest lessons I learned is that you’re not as good—or as knowledgeable—as you might think. In the beginning, it’s easy to believe your ideas are the best in the room, but that confidence is often built on assumptions, not experience.
For me, the learning curve was slow and humbling. I always felt I had a gift, but figuring out how—and where—to aim it is the real challenge. The entertainment industry is tough enough as it is, but as a person of color, I’ve often felt like I was under a microscope—expected to constantly prove myself and work twice as hard just to be seen on the same level as my peers.
Ironically, the biggest obstacle I’ve faced has been myself. Fighting off imposter syndrome, resisting the urge to compare my path to others’, and learning to trust that my journey is uniquely mine—those have been lifelong lessons. Comparison can be poison if you’re not careful, especially in a creative field.
Another struggle, particularly as a creative of color, is navigating the subtle but real expectations placed on you. At times, I’ve felt like the bar is set lower—not because I’m not capable, but because there’s an unspoken assumption that I should measure up to whatever precedent was set by someone else who simply looks like me. If their work didn’t resonate, there’s a bias that mine won’t either. That’s part of why I’ve stepped back from trying to keep up with the crowd and instead started looking inward—asking myself why I want to tell the stories I do and what truly drives me.
Finding advocates—people who will champion your work in rooms you’re not in—is another major challenge. But I’ve learned that this space, for all its complexities, has so much to teach. You just have to be willing to stay open, stay learning, and stay rooted in your truth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My approach to directing, design, and storytelling is rooted in elevated thinking, intentionality, and craft. I believe in the power of subtlety—those small, almost imperceptible decisions that turn a piece from simply engaging to emotionally and intellectually resonant. I often draw on my diverse skill set to bring a vision to life holistically, ensuring that every layer of the work speaks the same language.
Stylistically, my directing can best be described as a blend of introspective examination and narrative precision—conceptually rich yet technically disciplined. I’m drawn to stories that explore inner conflict, emotional complexity, and existential themes, and I tend to favor visual storytelling that is as poetic as it is exact. My work is often marked by meticulous framing, deliberate pacing, and an atmospheric tension that allows audiences to sit with discomfort, wonder, or revelation.
I’m deeply inspired by directors like Darren Aronofsky, Alex Garland, Nick Davies, and Salomon Ligthelm—creatives who balance mood and metaphor with mastery over technical execution. Like them, I strive to create work that is both cerebral and visceral, weaving in elements of design, performance, and sound in ways that feel immersive and intentional.
As I continue to pursue my passion for directing, I’m constantly seeking new opportunities to challenge the limits of my creativity and expand the depth of my storytelling. I also remain committed to maintaining the delicate balance between conceptual thinking and hands-on execution—bridging idea and action, art and function.
Currently, I serve as a Board Member for United Adworkers and Chair the 99 Awards Show Committee—roles that allow me to advocate for creative excellence while fostering community among Midwest talent.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was deeply driven and incredibly impressionistic. If an idea I felt compelled to act on it—almost impulsively. I was the kind of kid who couldn’t sit still with inspiration; I had to make something. I could draw, paint, play the drums, write—and eventually I realized that filmmaking could become the vessel that tied all of those passions together.
People who knew me back then would probably describe me as laid-back and easygoing, but also always deep in thought—like I was quietly studying the world, letting it wash over me and leave an imprint. I’ve always had a strong internal world, and I think that shows up in my creative process.
I loved soccer, and still do. I’ve always been a huge fan of sci-fi films, and I’ve probably seen Gladiator more times than I can count. I’ve also had a long-running fascination with technology—how we as humans can use it to unlock new creative frontiers.
I wasn’t fearless, though. I had a major fear of spiders growing up. And after my mom let me watch Mars Attacks as a kid… yeah, I haven’t gone near that movie since.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.directorbaldwin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directorbaldwin/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/immanuel-baldwin-93873342
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DirectorBaldwin
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5225600/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Image Credits
Image #1 – Eli J Photography
Image #4 – Peachtea Photography & Jolee Mallmann
Image #5 – Mikayla Sullivan
