Today we’d like to introduce you to Niel Guilarte.
Hi Niel, We are so excited to have you with us today. Please tell us your story.
I started my video journey in 1990 in Orlando. In 1991, the year Universal Studios opened, I was part of a team of high school students that won a young filmmaker award. I then started my company, which was called Hidden Image Entertainment. I then did homocide video for the Orlando Police Dept. for 6 years and then became the producer for the Mayor of Orlando, leading video for the City for 7 years. In 2013, I left and moved to Tampa. I started my current company, Wildstyle Media Group, LLC, and it grew fast! I made a podcast documentary in 2017 that was on Amazon for 2 years, leading me to launch my own conference. I also helped establish Podfest as a founding member, and it is now the largest podcast conference in the USA and is held in Orlando yearly! I now am the General Manager at JL Video in Trinity, Florida, running a successful media firm specializing in virtual production. I am the Founder of Wildstyle Media Group, LLC, which is 10 years old! I coach businesses and individuals using media and podcasting. I also plan to launch my third podcast in 2024 and maintain two YouTube channels. Staying busy is an understatement!
Would it have been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Nope! Being a Venezuelan-born American has presented its challenges. Growing a business from scratch, entirely self-taught, has been a journey. Funding the business with only my resources until it grew was difficult, but now, expanding into the future of video with AI and virtual production, I am excited yet again! The biggest challenges were learning to manage funds in lean times, knowing my value in the business, and charging accordingly!
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?
Ironically, I always wanted to be a filmmaker. I am a filmmaker at heart, but have made my living primarily in video production. I make it cinematic! My other love is music production and DJing; I play in that space every moment I can! I am known mainly as a high-end video pro and filmmaker. I have won many awards in my career, and in the past decade, I have focused on being a better entrepreneur, speaker, and coach. I am very proud of building a 10-year-old business at a time when most businesses close in 5. I love coaching and teaching individuals and businesses about using audio, video, and more to tell their stories and build huge value brands.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Working day in and out in the content space leaves me little time to follow many things; however, my success is deeply rooted in my Christian faith. That is my primary source of balance and inspiration. I have read many personal development and business books (7 Habits of Highly Creative People, for example). I enjoy these sources, and I have edited hundreds of podcasts, so I listen to many of those and draw inspiration! Mentoring others and working in my business allows me to meet and deal with many amazing people, and I draw the most from them!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wildstylemedia.net // www.Podfestexpo.com
- Instagram: @nieljguilarte
- Twitter: @nielguilarte
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/wildstylemediagroup
- Other: www.jlvideo.com
Image Credits
Thanks to Podfest Expo, JL Video Inc., Wildstyle Media Group and the Florida Podcasters Association.
