Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Calvin.
Hi Joel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Austin, TX, and when I graduated High School, my best friends and I started a band called Oh No Oh My! We toured across the country and Europe for several years but eventually decided to go our separate ways in 2013, and I quickly realized I needed to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I became interested in the visual media field due to the influence of a good friend, Terry, who toured with us and worked then with Earl Miller Productions. He introduced me to videography, mentored me through work he was doing with the University of Texas athletics, and helped sharpen my visual effects and sports media skills. Since then, I’ve strived to self-study the latest trends with videography, and I’ve worked with some incredible companies on amazing productions, such as Super Bowl LVI, ESPN College Game Day, and more.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Having never received a formal education in videography, I wouldn’t be where I am today without help and encouragement from many talented people along the way. Instead of paying for college, I took a lot of cheap jobs or unpaid jobs to gain experience, and it required a lot of drive on my part to ask questions and do my research on trends and popular video editing software. One of the biggest challenges I currently face as an artist is overcoming “creative block” when working on a project. I’ve found that having experience in such a vast array of video styles, from sports media, commercials, and fashion, to education, allows me to pull inspiration from one area to another when I’m feeling stuck.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a cinematographer, editor, and visual effects artist specializing in sports, premiere television, commercials, branded content, and live production. I’ve been awarded a 2022 Primetime Emmy for my work on Superbowl LVI and, most recently, a Bronze Telly for 2023 for work on Fan Controlled Football. After working as an Independent Videographer and Editor for 15 years, my wife Nicole and I started our small business Koto Creative in May of 2022. We are named after our trusty canine companion, Koto, who recently crossed the rainbow bridge. Koto Creative is an award-winning video production team recognized for its exceptional work bringing clients’ stories to life. Our goal is to deliver unforgettable video content that captures the essence of your brand. What sets Koto Creative apart is our willingness to challenge ourselves, whether hanging out of a helicopter to film a pro wakeboarder, creating a live studio recording for a local musician, or creating TV bumpers for ESPN or Miss USA.
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?
During the COVID-19 Crisis, I worked as the Creative Director for the Science Mill in Johnson City, TX. Video technology advanced quickly due to the need for widespread connection between businesses, their employees, and customers. Live-streaming services have become more relevant than ever. I recreated the whole museum experience through a live-stream series to continue educating children in STEM fields throughout the crisis. I designed a virtual tour for the 2020 Benefit Fundraiser to help the museum continue operating. Post-pandemic, live-streaming services continue to be instrumental in many businesses’ operations, and Koto Creative is always willing to assist.
Pricing:
- We always quote per project and are happy to work with your budget, big or small.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kotocreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koto.creative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kotocreative
