Stephen Alvarado
Q What do you do?
“I create music videos, visualizers for live performances, throw shows with venue spaces, marketing rollouts for artists, album artwork, advertisements, and digital marketing.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I originally started filming skateboarding with friends. From there I did a couple of music videos during community college, then transferred to UC Irvine to study film. Over time I saved up money from music videos and gigs for good equipment. After graduating from college in 2020 there was a long break from working creatively. 2021 came along and I started throwing shows with venues in Los Angeles. I created everything from the flyers to the visuals behind the artists. I was able to give back to the artists that hire me as their director.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I believe my editing, coloring, and directing style is unique in the music video niche. This carries over even into my clothing brand advertisements. I am hoping to expand into other fields of film.
Q What are you working on right now?
Always working on music videos and scouting new artists I can work with and have performed at shows I organize. Also, looking for new opportunities that utilize the skills I have learned from being freelance for almost four years.
Q What’s your style?
Meeting with someone and figuring out what the goals for the video are and executing them with the same care I do every other video. I think I want to lean more into conceptual music videos rather than the run and gun style shooting I normally execute. However, the style for me depends on the song and feel.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Definitely diving more into event organization with venues, artist management, and marketing rollouts for events.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I would only say the only thing frustrating for me right now is finding consistent work. At my budget and level, I am picky with who I work with because I need to enjoy their art. I would say the bottom of my to-do list is getting an intermediate understanding of blender.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Having an assistant camera. If not that, then someone who can bring lighting to sets. I would also say having someone use TikTok and Instagram the whole day to find me a list of artists I could listen to and reach out to for video work or performance.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
To dive into skateboarding when I was younger, I started in early high school. That was what got me to buy my first camera.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to be a full-time director/creative director without needing Instagram. My favorite director and photographers usually just have portfolio websites and no internet presence. I think that's pretty cool, I do understand the positive side of social media. Not having any of that and making it in the industry seems like a good standard to want to achieve.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am really open, so anything involving these things. Would love to be a Director of Photography, Assistant Camera, or Colorist for projects. Also, anything to be able to come to a set and meet new people.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
An ideal client for me would probably be working side by side with an artist and a label to drop multiple videos for a project.
Q: What is your rate?
My music video budgets are anywhere between $800-2000. It all depends on the project. My hourly rate is $25 for filming/editing on average with how much time it takes for me to finish a music video. I am open to working with anyone and having a conversation.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Kenny Vu, he is an amazing photographer from Orange County.
instagram @kennydoingthings
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Music, books, director digging, art museums, and insane internet research.
This member profile was originally published in April 2022.