Spencer Tuggle
Q What do you do?
“I write and direct short narrative films, music videos, and commercials for fashion brands.”
I also shoot still photography for fashion brands, modeling agencies, and musicians.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I'm self-taught in both film and photography. I studied International Relations and French in college and began the journey to where I am now after picking up a camera shortly after grad. I started with youtube and working with small mom and pop shops and over the course of the last 6 years, I'm now directing bigger productions in both the music and fashion space.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I try to focus on what's timeless. Whenever possible, I shoot on film. Whether it's for still photography or super 8 or 16mm. I like to shoot using natural light. Even in harsh daylight, film always finds a way to make it work. I always try to immerse the viewer both visually and aurally by incorporating a lot of environmental shots, scores, and sound effects to match the scene and tone.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm currently in pre-production for a short narrative that I will be directing at the beginning of the next year in Montreal. I'm in post-production for a music video that I shot and directed for an artist on super 8. And I'm prepping to shoot lifestyle photography for a local LA tea brand.
Q What’s your style?
I shoot on film, drawing inspiration from Arctic Monkeys' albums "The Car" and "Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino." My style emphasizes an analog aesthetic, favoring the tactile qualities of film and embracing its imperfections. I focus on creating artistic and conceptually rich visuals, often experimenting with different styles to tell mature and sophisticated narratives.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I'm more focused on directing over still photography.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I think the biggest thing is working on more projects that fit my style. There are many projects I work on that are simply paychecks which isn't a bad thing. But if I can work on more projects that I am excited about, I can share them online, which will lead to more exciting opportunities.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Business development so I can focus on solely on the creative.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I told myself to just move to LA when I graduated from college to fully immerse myself in film from the very beginning.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
This may be generic, but I'd really like to sit down with someone about planning for the future. Creating manageable goals for the next 1,2,3 years with realistic steps towards achieving them.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'm looking to direct branded pieces for clothing and lifestyle brands as well as continue to work in the music space both as a director and photographer.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Ideal job would be being signed with an agency as a director working with brands such as Aime Leon Dore, Arc'teryx, Louis Vuitton, Salomon, District Vision. Directing music videos for artists like Arctic Monkeys, Mac Demarco, and Beach House.
Q What is your rate?
My day rate as a director is $2,000 and as a photographer, $1,500.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
info@spencertuggle.com. Project brief and budget would be a great start!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Paul Gratland. He is an incredible director and cinematographer.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Films, photo books, friends, road trips!
This member profile was originally published in November 2023