Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Harris.
Hi Joe, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started in this industry in Post-Production at Reel FX Creative Studios. It was the only way into “filmmaking” I could find. Thankfully I was introduced and ushered into the business by friends who already had a spot at another post house. During that time, I started directing my own videos, short films, and music videos. My time there was so valuable, I learned the industry, I learned what a director actually does, along with the other aspects of commercial and narrative production. My network and relationships grew as well as my desire and work ethic. After close to ten years, I moved on, expanding my network and building my skill set. Always learning, always failing towards success. I moved to a few other post-production facilities and ultimately came on board as Editor/Director at Side Chops in Dallas. That move really helped open doors and create opportunities. I was able to access creatives at agencies, large-scale work, and expand my knowledge of Advertising which ultimately drove me to my love of being a Commercial Director. Once Side Chops was successful and I had garnered nearly eight years there, I moved out on my own as a Freelance Commercial Director, partnering with a few Production Companies on the West Coast and locally as well. I am currently on the roster with the Incredible Red Productions in Fort Worth. I also partner with multiple local Production Companies and two on the West Coast.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth. Nothing worthwhile is easy while you’re in the process of creating it. You have to strive to do your best when you are least motivated. I had a large amount of support and hope in my corner, but I had a lot of doors closed, many “No’s” more failures than I’d hoped for, and certainly the bruises to my pride and ego along the way. As I mentioned before I failed my way to success, I have had brands and agencies refuse to work with me, I have done my very best and had clients completely dislike the work, and I even lost business. No matter what I stood up, brushed myself off, learned from my mistakes, and ultimately succeeded.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Commercial Director, signed to the red productions roster. I help Agencies, Brands, and Clients solve problems, deliver a message or present a product in a very short amount of time with video production. I typically specialize in Comedy-Heavily art directed, VFX-driven performance spots. I’ve developed a bit of a reputation as a Studio Director who builds worlds, and larger-than-life characters with a slightly absurd visual style. That sort of sets me apart from a lot of my colleagues (whom I admire and measure myself against often!) What’s made me most proud is the conviction to developing a style that is mine or “my true artistic voice” which is often difficult to maintain in the marketplace and comes with the development of a thick skin and trust in the process and yourself.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I wish that I knew that failure isn’t final, its formative, I wish I knew that the race isn’t against those you admire or want to be like, it is against yourself. That you have to believe in yourself and your instincts and what you are driven to do before anyone else believes in you. I wish that when I started someone told me that the process is the reward, that the destination is just icing on the cake.
Contact Info:
- Email: joe@joeharris.tv
- Website: https://www.joeharris.tv
- Instagram: @directedbyjojo
- Other: https://redproductions.com
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