Today we’d like to introduce you to Lopati Ho Chee.
Hi Lopati, 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?
I am the founder of Reely Nice Guys Productions and work as the DOP over at Lineage Entertainment Group. I have been around storytelling and storytellers my whole life. Growing up in the Polynesian Islands, we would hear stories about how our lands came to be and the historical figures who helped shape our surroundings. As children with our imagination full of wonder and joy, my brothers and I would create vast worlds that we would explore and play in… and maybe sometimes get hurt… but we always started out having fun! As life went on and priorities changed, I found myself being dragged further away from my creativity and my truth, although it always seemed to be there when I needed it the most.
Fast forward many years and I was living in SF. I was at a very low place in my life mentally and desperately needed a change. My oldest brother, Tui Asau (Who is an amazing actor and part of the amazing team over at Lineage Entertainment Group: Allison Ott and Richard Cabral) had opened the door for me to come down to LA and work with him and his production company as the camera operator/DOP. It took me some time to muster up the strength to pack up my life and begin my new journey towards growth, but with the help of my amazing family and close friends, I was able to take that step and I’m so grateful I did.
I have been down here for about five years and I have worked so many amazing projects with Lineage Entertainment Group: hosting open mics at inner city arts, working on podcasts, working as a DOP for our web series, music videos and other projects, being in attendance at a fashion show with kids serving time in a Juvenile hall that Lineage helped with, and so much more. Recently I started my own production company Reely Nice Guys Productions with the focus on helping actors start their journey by working with them to create their show reels as well as offering Production and Post Production services. Our motto is “No bullshit; all integrity.” and that rings true everyday.
My life still has plenty of its challenges but I am so grateful for the journey and my amazing support system, I couldn’t be doing this without them all.
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?
It definitely has not! Haha but despite my struggles and very low moments, I cherish the journey as it has brought me more aligned with my truth and closer to my loved ones.
My struggles were based in my mental health, so there was no one point that tipped the scale but rather an accumulation of pain and sadness that I struggled/struggle with. When I was at my lowest points, it was so hard to see any way out, thankfully I have an amazing support system and I have had defined moments of clarity that helped me take the step towards personal growth. There have been many steps forward and there are moments when I take many steps backwards, but I know I have the tools and I have the strength to catch myself which I don’t take for granted.
My goal is to be there for others like those that were/are there for me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the owner of my Reely Nice Guys Productions and work as a DOP for Lineage Entertainment Group. Creating and telling stories is the world I live in and thats so cool to me! Working as a creative is something I cherish so much and I can’t be more grateful for what I do. The thing I’m the most proud of is getting to know so many amazing people. I can’t begin to explain how wonderful the people I have met have been but I can say I love every moment I have spent with them, learning their stories and sharing space and time with them. My company is people-focused with the emphasis on their stories. I want to be there for people who just need a friendly hand either starting their career or bringing an idea to life, hence the name Reely Nice Guys Productions.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has been a major part of my life. I am so lucky to have been born into a family that supports me as a person and has supported my career choices. I am also so lucky to have the chance to move down here and work with my brother and his production company. I am also so very lucky and grateful to have had the opportunities that I have had in my life.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.reelyniceguysproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelyniceguys/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LineageEntertainmentGroup
