Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin La Turno.
Justin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My passion for filmmaking started at a young age, and I was able to get my hands on a camera by the time I was in high school in my video production classes. I learned how to edit and cut a bunch of projects together throughout those years.
It wasn’t until the summer of 2017 when I finally decided to take my camera with me to a backyard show and start filming. I have seen a few gems on YouTube here and there of that environment, and I always wanted to add my own vision of that scene.
In December of that same year, I found myself filming a Christmas show, thrown by Vertigo Volumes, that was for charity. That’s when I met Nick (the head of VV) and after seeing a few clips of that night that I cut together he asked me if I would like to join the team as their videographer. Knowing the reputation that preceded Vertigo Volumes in the scene, I jumped right in.
2018 truly was a year when I was able to grow as a filmmaker and storyteller. Through every Vertigo Volumes show that I filmed I tried to piece together something that made the viewers feel immersed. I risked damaging my cameras many times while moshing and filming bands like The High Curbs at the Constellation Room. Beer thrown everywhere, staining my lenses, or nearly getting stomped out reaching for my camera after dropping it in the pit (that happened only once).
During all of that, I have been pursuing my education in Film and Television and will continue to do so until I get my Bachelors. Filming with Vertigo Volumes has boosted my confidence and taught me how to be more outgoing and assertive with my creative ambitions. I was able to add it to the many things I juggle in my young-adult life, such as: school, work, wedding videography, photography, and relationships.
Today, I look back at the videos posted in 2018 on the Vertigo Volumes YouTube channel, and I am always wondering what is the next way I can 1-up myself and do better. The quality of the videos and the editing has changed so much in a year and it is constantly evolving. Just like the brand itself. I started in backyards, with dirt in my lungs and all over my camera, to having eight sold-out shows in a row in 2019. And I get to be the one to show it to the world.
I am thankful for Vertigo Volumes, we were able to grow together, and we will continue to grow.
Through them, I was able to establish a name for myself, and reach a point where a few times my work would precede me, and I think that’s pretty damn cool.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the past two years from the ages of 19-21 there have been all sorts of obstacles along the way. Many times they were surface level challenges or other people, but mostly the main obstacle was myself.
These years have been so crucial for my passion for filmmaking because it is a time when creativity meets hustle. You really have to market yourself and be somebody that people would want to create for them.
It is a constant grind, and I have been fortunate enough to have opportunities such as the wedding videography to keep me up financially while I chase the gigs that keep my passion burning.
Every step of the way I became more aware of the kind of person I am, and I stand by it. There have been people that I lost along the way, but the ones who truly believe in you will stand by your side and help you push through.
Please tell us about Vertigo Volumes.
Vertigo Volumes are music promoters and bookers in OC/LA that started in the backyards of the Inland Empire. We throw shows with the bands people love and we try to make it feel like an experience people will remember.
I am their videographer and run their YouTube channel, creating most of the content seen there from 2018 to today.
I think what sets us apart from others is our presentation. We try to stick with our own aesthetic and evolve it with each show and video. We recently started projecting live VHS footage to our audience during our shows and it makes everyone there feel more involved.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I have always had what I needed, but I had to work for what I wanted. I strongly believe that the hard work pays off in the end, and I am definitely seeing that from filming shows the past two years.
The late nights editing, eager for a render to finish so I can watch the project from start to finish. I will remember those nights fondly because they opened up many opportunities for my freelance videography.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://justinlaturno.myportfolio.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustinlaturno/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sustinlaturno?lang=en
Image Credit:
Andrew Rice, Rachel Okalani, Matthew Taylor, Nick Ayala, Hector Vergara
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