Joe Bressler
Q What do you do?
“I am a filmmaker working in commercial, music, fashion, and doc.”
I came up working as a DoP in the documentary world, but really I love directing. I have been fortunate enough to direct a pretty wide variety of projects for various clients and friends over the last few years, mainly in fashion and music.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started playing with cameras filming my friends skateboarding as a kid. I made some videos and eventually went to film school in New York at SVA. I switched out of the film program after a year and a half and graduated with a BFA in visual and critical studies. I spent a few years working in restaurants and then eventually started getting some gigs filming events, which led to shooting some short form content, which led to other opportunities, and so on and so forth.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I try see what can be improved + challenged at every stage of production. If there’s an angle, shot, wardrobe choice, composition, I’d like to try my best to choose an alternative to what immediately comes to mind. I’m working on more offbeat or unconventional approaches to problems I’m attempting to solve.
Q What are you working on right now?
I just finished directing a music video for my partner Nicolette with my friends at Underhill Productions.
Q What’s your style?
I really love Fallen Angels and Chungking Express. I’m really digging super up close and wide angle photography. Terence Malick’s later movies are a visual inspiration at the moment as well.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I think the time we get to spend actually on set is minimal compared to the time we spend planning and preparing. I think I'd just like to focus on being more present in those moments as they are really special.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
It’s expensive to fund film projects - I’m working around this by focusing on photography when I don’t have a project to shoot, and setting aside money to make the work I want to make when I finish a job.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Make lists for me to accomplish and hold me accountable for sticking to them.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Stay in the film program and focus on your career earlier.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I'm currently paying attention to how the people I admire manage their time and get projects off the ground.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I really want to do more music related projects and ultimately direct narrative shorts and features. I’m also happy to direct fashion stuff too as it’s always a fun time, and I'm still down to work on documentary and branded, which have been my bread and butter for a while.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Travel to a faraway land + unexpected creative + a team of close friends that are also close collaborators = a good time to me. A client that will get lots of eyes on my work wouldn’t hurt either.
Q What is your rate?
Honestly it is so dependent on the project. As a director I generally try to take 15-20% of the budget for my fee and I try to work on projects that have the right budget to accomplish the vision. But it depends on the scope and content entirely.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Transparency about resources and friendliness are always appreciated! As well as a clear vision.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Underhill Film does amazing work and has been very supportive. @underhill.film
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Frequent trips to the movies.
This member profile was originally published in October 2023