Raymond Johnson III
Q What do you do?
“I am a filmmaker working in music, fashion, and documentary.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
It all began when the world was on lockdown in 2020. I was a film major at Western Michigan University and had dreams of working with big artists in the entertainment industry, but never had a plan to get to that goal. I remember opening my instagram and seeing a Lil Uzi Vert edit and thought to myself, “I can do this too.” And from there it was history.
I began to make different edits of rappers through an app called Adobe After Effects. Different people from New York, Detroit, and even Alaska took notice of my skills. I started commissioning to edit different artists' music videos with my expertise in VFX and started to grow a name for myself in the editing world. With months of work under my belt, I then began directing music videos in Detroit. I began networking with not only musicians, but with companies, community events, and more. All of my knowledge of videography and editing led me to opportunities to work in fashion and documenting life in Los Angeles
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Where I’m from, at the time, nobody was incorporating VFX like how I was into different artist music videos. I made sure to network with as many different videographers, not only in my state, but around the nation to let them know what I could offer. Less of your standard music videos and more of, “How did he do that?”.
Q What are you working on right now?
Most recently, I have been taking interest in going around Los Angeles and capturing different moments of people being themselves and the beautiful environment around me. I want people to know me for more than music videos, for true cinematography.
Q What’s your style?
My style is constantly evolving. One day it could be the cinematography of Matt Reeves (director of The Batman), the next day it could be Cole Bennett’s out of this world creativity with his music videos. I don’t have a specific lane I like to stay in, I want to master everything and be able to do what I want based on my inspiration for that project.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I want to become more advanced in sound design, it is such an underrated skill that goes unnoticed a lot of the time. Your video and editing could be the best of your class, but if the sound design is not there, it is what will separate you from the best.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Connecting and collaborating with other people in my field. The camera world as a whole is so large but so small at the same time. You see so many people making content across social media that inspires you but can't seem to find these types of people in your environment. I'd say my goal would be to simply network more.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would have them network for me. Relationships are your way to where you want to go in this industry. Ultimately from these relationships, I’d want to build a team and make unbelievable projects ranging from films to teaming up with a major corporation such as the NBA. As the saying goes, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
From the day of my birth to 2022, nobody cares, just do it. I've missed out on countless opportunities from being scared of being judged. In order to get to where you want to go, you have to believe in yourself; quit comparing yourself to others and just inspire. I don't have that crazy moment where I simple just started not caring all of a sudden. It was more of a constant work in progress until it all just faded away. It makes the way of life a lot easier, your work will begin to advance, and not only will you notice, but the world will too.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
What was that one turning point in your career that led you to this day and how did it come about? What were all the moments leading up to that moment and what did you do to capitalize on it?
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I want to get in touch with venues and do recaps of large events such as concerts. I find it interesting to see the artist POV, instead of being in the audience looking onto the stage. I want to get the chaos of what's in the audience.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I've always wanted to make a "Project X" type of film. There's 2 ways I'd like to execute this idea, one way would be to gather a team, from camera operators all the way down to background actors and make a crazy party movie. The other way I'd like to do, which I would find more fun and authentic, is to simply find the craziest, most chaotic, and spontaneous party out there and get inside with my camera. Capturing real authentic moments gives me a feeling of no other, people being themselves in the moment is what gives me joy.
Q What is your rate?
I'm looking to work with literally anyone, as long as you have a great idea, let's do it! I'm interested in working on event recaps, music videos, fashion, films, and anything else that would fall under those categories. My prices start as low as $150, which would get you a simple old school VHS video, all the way up to $500, which would contain a combination of mixed media from my 4K Sony A7RIV and VHS camera with video effects. However, those are not the final prices, depending on the complexity of the idea, the hours, and your request the price can exceed $500. Any one is welcomed to get in touch to work with me! I am currently based in Los Angeles, but I do have a second home in Metro Detroit, Michigan, feel free to reach out!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
I'm more inclined to check my Instagram DM's @reelrxy, but if email is your preferred way of contact, you can reach me at reelrayproductions@gmail.com.
If you're looking for work, please include the type of work your looking to get done, your budget, date & place. Please feel free to simply connect with me, it doesn't have to be strictly work related, I'd love to network!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Jaylin Coleman
Israel Miller @stayupahdae
Andrea Lule @lulefilms
Daniela De La Cruz @omani.dani
Michelle Herrera @herrera_legacy
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
By seeing amazing work by other artist!
This member profile was originally published in February 2024