Brett Thomas Meznarich
Brett Thomas Meznarich
Director of Photography / Videographer
Northeast Los Angeles, CA
www.brettmeznarich.com
twitter @brettmeznarich
instagram @btmeznarich
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Direct, shoot and edit the video using high quality audio and video equipment and then publish online.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I studied visual anthropology (fancy for documentary filmmaking) as an undergrad. Worked alongside musicians at venues and recording studios until pitching an idea to create video content of performances and recording sessions. Got laid off a full time job that free’d up tons of time to pursue a career behind the camera!
How do you stand out in your field?
I’m efficient and able to quickly turn around a project with high quality professional results without a huge crew.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I just finished directing, shooting and editing a brand identity video for Jean Marie Cidery, a hard cider company, based on the central coast. Currently remotely editing footage for an up and coming brand’s how-to and tutorial videos for their website and app launch.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I am drawn to the surreal and psychedelic. I enjoy images that make me stop and ask myself, “did I really just see that?”
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
My songwriting.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Well, not to point out the complete obvious, but COVID-19 has been making being productive and inspired to work difficult.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Edit. Color grade. Literally most things on the post-end of productions My machine isn’t up to standards to ingest high quality files so It makes the editing process a nightmare. I find being behind the camera or directing my project more gratifying and fulfilling.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
In college. I put off what I was most interested in because I thought the other option was “safer.” Go after what your gut tells you. It’s not lying. And putting in work for what you want is less difficult (although STILL work. I am a proponent of work) than it is for something you have no interest in.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How to relax and focus my mind on what is right in front of me. Would like more insight into being present more often and blocking out noise that is damaging and regressive.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’d like to concept brand identity videos for companies looking to optimize their strategic goals and integrate an audio/visual component into their marketing. This will provide me with personal experience using my gear and allow me to try new techniques to see what works.
I’d also like jobs on set in the Grip and electric department to hone my understanding of lighting so I can ultimately be a better director of photography.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
A brand looking to further their strategic goals by adding audio and visual elements to their branding. I would like to work with someone who is open to hearing my ideas and allowing me to produce a product while experimenting with new techniques.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Website: brettmeznarich.com
Email: brettmeznarich@gmail.com
IG: slide into those DMs @btmeznarich
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I play music when I feel the itch to stay creative.
This member profile was originally published in August 2020.