Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Florian.
Hi Joel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Coming to Orlando FL to me was a leap of faith. After my time in the Marines was up, I really wanted to stay in California, but instincts kept pointing me to Orlando FL. In July of 2014, one month after getting out I found myself here, enrolled in Full Sail’s Recording Arts program, and I was ready to make something out of a new beginning. My love for music production/recording arts started way before the military and throughout high school, I couldn’t wait to get home to work on beats. So, while music production got me to Orlando, it wouldn’t be too long before life pointed me in a new direction. Music and film to me always had a mutual relationship. Growing up during the 106&Park days, music videos were just as important as music. Now that I was in the biggest entertainment city in the world, I didn’t want to limit my creativity so I picked up a camera in 2016. Behind-the-scenes videos lead to concert videos, which lead to music videos, which led to filming across different industries. Within the span of a year of me promoting my work on Instagram, it felt like I had really made a name for myself. The next couple of years consisted of traveling, upgrading equipment, and networking my butt off. DM’s, text messages, and phone calls were coming in hot and it felt amazing! I felt like I was building a solid foundation and setting myself up for next-level things. Then the pandemic hit, and while I’m not happy to admit it but I burned a lot of bridges through it. Personal, financial, and mental health all got very chaotic and I had to pivot myself out of the industry. Even though I decided to move on and focus on other business moves, I continue to find myself working on creative projects. While I find myself only filming weddings nowadays, I also find myself in the studio next to a multi-platinum songwriter/producer being mentored. Feels like everything has come back full circle to music.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting off, everything felt smooth. Felt like I had enough creative talent with a sense of business direction to be at the right places at the right time. I would do a lot of free work to help get me to the high-paying work. I would repeat that formula over and over. Because all of my business revolved around live events, it felt like the pandemic stripped a lot of it. In the midst of it, I didn’t know how to maneuver myself out of the downward spiral that I was going through. I was also afraid to ask for help because for a long time I had everything under control. I kept telling myself I knew what I was doing, until one day I didn’t and it felt like it was all over. My failures through it all made me learn a lot like they always have. Mainly don’t burn bridges and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Even though I filmed across different industries, music videos are what a lot of people mainly knew me for. I’m great behind the camera but I’m more confident in what I’m able to accomplish in the editing room. I wouldn’t know what to call my style of editing but people would always tell me they knew what my work looked like. One of the projects I’m most proud of is a music video I did for Aaron Gordon called 9 out of 10. An artist called MOE that works close with Ayo the Producer told him about me, and they introduced me to Aaron. Next thing you know we film the video, it gets released, and instantly goes viral. TMZ Sports, Sports Center, Dwyane Wade, etc. are all talking about a video that I was able to film and edit. It was a very proud moment. I believe what sets me apart from others is creativity mixed in with a little bit of luck. There’s creativity in networking and being in the right place at the right time.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes! Many lol! Mainly don’t burn any bridges and don’t be afraid to ask for help. People are willing to lend a hand.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joel_i.am/
