From Living in his Car to Music Video Director | Josh Libertine

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to repurpose Tesla batteries for lighting equipment? Have you thought about influencing the local market value of RED Komodo cameras? Or maybe you’ve come here to improve your photography skills because you didn’t study hard enough at your local CVS. No matter what you’re here for, Josh Libertine has done it all. These days he’s busy directing some of the largest music videos in Los Angeles, but he’s come a long way from once living out of his car. Learn about his full journey in this episode of the CinePacks Podcast!

Follow Josh –https://www.instagram.com/directedbyjoshua?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

00:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Joshua Libertine.
00:00:34 - Josh's start in photography: From high school flowers to fashion photography.
00:02:27 - The Memphis years: Knocking on doors and learning the value of networking.
00:03:07 - The impact of Young Dolph and the transition to video.
00:04:37 - Studying lighting at CVS and learning photography through unconventional means.
00:10:27 - Moving to Chicago and the dramatic life events that led him back to LA.
00:13:23 - Working as a P.A. on the CBS lot and sleeping in a car to save money.
00:20:14 - Innovating on a budget: Buying Tesla batteries to save on gear costs.
00:27:10 - Sneaking into Panavision to learn about cameras and lenses.
00:36:34 - The pivot to music videos during COVID and rebuilding after a robbery.
00:44:22 - Directing a high-budget commercial and the chaos of losing a location on shoot day.
00:50:36 - Collaboration with WWE and the challenge of large-scale productions.
00:54:08 - Directing for Empire Africa and creating unique concepts under pressure.
01:00:09 - Josh's advice to upcoming filmmakers: The importance of networking and possibly film school.
01:04:45 - Closing thoughts: No shortcuts in filmmaking and looking out for your own growth.