Asude: Hi Joshua, thank you for giving us the opportunity to have a chat with you! We love watching what you do! That’s why, we just wanted to get more involved with who you are and your work, specialties. And, we cannot wait to get to know you much better! So, could you give us a brief background about yourself, how you got started with videography?
Joshua: I was born on April 10th, 1991 in Reading, Pennsylvania. I grew up in Pine Forge, Pennsylvania a small, historic town north of Philadelphia. My journey to filmmaking started with still photography. My father bought me my first DSLR in 2007. I was obsessed with creating photographs and soon after I realized that my Canon T1i had a video feature. I started experimenting with fun videos my sister and I’d create for my family and friend’s entertainment.
My photography and video skills grew together all the way through high-school. When I entered my first year in college, I focused primarily on my studio photography for the entire year. During my sophomore year, however, I began to explore the world of documentary film. I instantly fell in love with video all over again and I took as many film classes along with photography classes for the rest of my time in college. I spent my summers doing any and every photo&video job I could get involved with. As well as working for my local church media department and the passion and ability grew from there - I haven’t stopped pursuing that passion since. After college, I worked for a small Christian production company. After a few months there, I accepted a production coordinator role at the University of Miami and I filmed and produced marketing content. I did that for two and a half years. Currently, I am a filmmaker at the University of Notre Dame, working in the communications and public affairs office. Every day, I have an opportunity to make short documentaries with a wide range of subjects.
A: Such a fascinating career journey! But, which one of these projects had made you earn your first money?
J: The first video project I earned money from was a wedding I filmed. I used my Nikon D7000 (just one camera) a few lenses and batteries. The experience I gained was needed. This was the beginning of learning how to communicate with my clients, setting up realistic expectations.
A: We know that you have won several awards for your short film 125 Pounds being the Best Cinematography and Best Art/Experimental Short Film from the Sonscreen Film Festival in 2018. Could you please explain us your videography style?
J: To be honest, I’m still developing my style - I think as an artist you never fully lock into one specific style. I know what I like artistically, but the style often changes based on the story I am working with in order to create the most compelling narrative.
A: I understand you currently work on multiple projects such as a music video, a documentary in addition to running a production company and a YouTube channel. Do you prefer buying or renting your filmmaking equipment for different projects? And, what are the preparations you make before you begin filming?
J: I would much rather own my gear than rent. Depending on the project, I will lay out my gear to see what I need or don’t need. Then, make sure the batteries are charged, media is clean, and lenses are clean. Once I’ve checked all of the boxes, I follow up with the client to make sure we’re on schedule. I like to go over the shot list or script and visualize the shot or camera moved a few times in my mind.
A: And, what do you generally bring to a set in terms of filmmaking equipment?
J: I primarily use the Panasonic GH5 for all of my Joshua Martin Studios projects. I’ll normally have an SLR Magic 10mm, 25mm, 35mm, and one anamorphic lens. Then my edelkrone FocusONE follow focus for my rig and my Atomos Shogun Inferno. With my work at Notre Dame, I use the Sony FS7 for interviews, B-roll, and any other content I need to gather.
A: After that, what software do you use for post-production?
J: I currently use Final Cut Pro X and Davinci Resolve for my editing workflow for video and use Adobe Audition for my sound editing.
Work hard, be a student of your craft, and respect others.
A: Filmmaking technologies are becoming smaller, faster, and easier to use. What do you think about the future of filmmaking with the technology is advancing so fast?
J: The camera technology in today’s world is simply amazing to me. At the same time, I’ve also seen how it can paralyze an aspiring artist who thinks they need the newest camera to create work - that’s simply not the case. From the camera that’s in your pocket on your phone, to the highest cost cinema camera, it all comes down to capturing and telling amazing stories - technology simply provides new ways of doing that.
A: Some say the ambition is the most important tool to achieving success. What’s your biggest ambition for the future, Joshua?
J: I’d love to have my own production company that I operate full time with my business partner and a team of other highly talented creators around me. My goal is to create content that captures the essence of the human condition.