Meet Joseph Franklin | Cinematographer

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

Hi Joseph, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
There are two principals that I live by and that’s time and respect. Time is something that I cannot get back, so I choose to spend my time wisely with what I am doing, who I choose to hang with and what work I choose to give my attention too. I feel as if, whatever or whoever I give my time to isn’t beneficial to me than my time has been wasted. Now, respect is something that I choose to give a person, however it is up to them to keep. Kind of like that movie “Freedom Writers” when the substitute teacher gave the students an “A” and told them it’s up to them to keep it. So, if a person can remain solid from the beginning, then I’ll always respect them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So, my art is film. As an independent cinematographer, I wear many hats and have several responsibilities. I write, produce, direct and cast for all of my films. Also, i like doing weddings and music videos to learn different ways to perfect my skills. What sets me or my film group (Earthquake Film Group) is the way I can see/hear a story, take a piece or the whole story and create a film from it. I am a visual person so I see things in many different so that allows me to create screenplays in ways that my audience can see the situation in a new light, than the normal, which is why I named my Company EarthquakeFilmGroup, because when an earthquake occurs tends to shake things up, which is what I want my audience to experience.

When i put out my first short film i was proud of it, yes there was several things that i could have done, technically to make it better but for my first piece i was proud of it. The way i promoted it, the attendance of those that came and wanted to see my movie, i was just in shock lol, but what i most proud of is when i put out my film short film, I had a vision for the film, cast and how i wanted the premiere to go. A goal of mine was to get my film in a movie theatre for people to see and by GOD’s grace i was able to make it happen with my fourth film. I rented out a theatre for a few hours, promoted the film. People came, purchased tickets, gave feedback and enjoyed the film, and that made me shed a tear.

How i got to where i am, good question, I don’t feel like i have reach a professional level yet, because there is still a lot more work i have to do. However, how i got here, because I trusted in myself and my craft. I decided to take a leap of faith and leave my hometown to pursue what i am passionate about. God has brought me thus far and he hasn’t left me. I had and still have support from my family, friends and church but i am now making new connections with others to grow and expand my brand. The path i took to get here definitely wasn’t easy, I had plan of challenges that i wasn’t ready for like finances, limited too or borrowing equipment. I’ve had people quit on their commitment to me. I’ve struggled with audio and editing software, writers block, feeling unmotivated, being sidetracked…But what i was able to do to overcome all those challenges is to never give up, I chose to stop worrying about if my vision or work was good enough for others. As, long as i am pleased with my work that’s all that matters, and it has gotten me this far.

What i would want the world to know about me and my brand is that there is more than one way to do something or look at a situation. Use every opportunity as a learning experience.

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?
Being that I’ve only live here for 3 years i don’t know too many places to go but, if one of my best friends was to come visit me, I would take them to eat at one of my favorite Caribbean spots, Taste Spoons in Ashford/Dunwoody area, their food drinks are amazing. If we were to just go out to grabs some drinks and chill, I would probably take them to Harolds either in Marietta or the Edgewood location. When the nighttime comes and we’re looking to step out we’d go to Fin&Feathers. and to hangout possibly smoke a cigar, I’d go to the patio or acere cigars.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly, there’s quite a few people that I’d like to give some recognition too. First, I’d like to give a huge thank you and shoutout to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ, because if it had not been for his grace and mercy I don’t where I’d be. Next, I’d like to shoutout my parents, they have supported me on my journey is so many different ways, my mother being my biggest cheer leaders, she’s always looking out for me, recommending and motivating me to do things to move my business in different ways. My father, just watching the way he handles difficult situations, his strength to never give up and continue to go after what your passionate about. Also, I like to give a shout to my hometown church, Second Baptist Church, when I first joined the church how accepting they were of me. They also encouraged me and poured into me by giving me an opportunity to showcase my talent by placing me in charge of the media department. Last but not least, my best friend, my backbone, my brother. Just seeing him go through several transition and still be able to stand strong and pull though, his willingness to try something new, the conversations we’ve had where he motivated me and spoke life into me.

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Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-franklin-1137a067

Facebook: joseph jo-jo franklin

Youtube: TheEFG915