Meet Jake Colletta: Film Industry – Director of Photography and Steadicam Operator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jake Colletta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jake, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been a bit of an entrepreneur. From a young age I would buy $0.25 cans of soda from a local grocery store and re-sell them at school for some extra cash for video games or legos. I’ve was always a good employee but I hated mitigating factors that would only allow me to control so much, my hours, my pay, my role, so starting my own business was just the natural progression of things. My love for film and cinematography evolved from a hobby to a realization that people did this for a living. I didn’t go the traditional route of going to college, but rather jumped straight in with an internship at a production company and hit the ground running with tactile experience from there. Being a small business owner in the film industry or creative in general has such a unique set of challenges since your service is your creative ability and work ethic. Its not for everyone, but the idea of, setting my own hours and knowing my sweat equity and creative inhibition is what determines my success is an incredible feeling. Its not without its challenges, like any business, but its so rewarding. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In the world of artistry, I personally don’t think I have some crazy, once in a lifetime creative mind that makes me stand out as the new Spielberg or Hitchcock. But what I do bring to the table is the hunger to learn, a strong work ethic, kindness and the willingness to grow despite hardship. Any creative roll requires a strong backbone, for criticism, failures, and competition because at the end of the day, everyone has some level of talent and ability, everyone can learn how to light, or take pretty photos, but the ability to push past barriers is incredibly important. One of my favorite quotes is from a famous director who was asked what the best piece of advice he could give to someone breaking into the film industry would be, and to paraphrase he said, “I would tell them not to, because those who would adhere to that weren’t cut out to make it in the industry and those who don’t take the advice are going to do whatever they must to succeed.” I want to do whatever I must to succeed, whilst not changing who I am, how I treat people and what I value.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a massive foodie, so when I travel or have friends/family travel to me, the number one attraction is food. We’ll start with some nice breakfast sandwiches and coffee over at Stablehand, my favorite coffee shop with the most incredible little breakfast sandwiches. Followed by a trip over to Optimist Hall, filled with a variety of amazing restaurants (incredible tacos, sushi, pot stickers, bao buns, ramen, grilled cheeses, burgers, pizza) you name it. After we’re practically exploding, we can end the night with some tapas over at Soul Gastrolounge topped off with fantastic cocktails. Rinse Repeat.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ive been so fortunate from a young age to have so many people in my corner rooting for me. From my parents, to teachers and colleagues. One person in particular, a Mr. Eric Larson sticks out in my mind. Mr. Larson was my highschool sophomore media teacher. Mr. Larson’s class was where my love and hobby for filmmaking was truly formed, which at the time consisted of making skateboarding videos and recreating scenes from Jackass and Rocky with my friends. A constant stream of encouragements and a wealth of knowledge, Mr. Larson helped expand my knowledge of film in various capacities and I still believe to this day was the first of many dominos knocked to lead me down this path I’m on.

Website: www.jakecolletta.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakecolletta/