We were lucky to catch up with Josh Valentin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Josh, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for CineVerse was born out of necessity during a challenging moment in my career. It was Thanksgiving, and I was producing a project that required additional equipment and crew. I made over 20 calls, but no one was available, nor could I rent anything because everything was closed. That experience opened my eyes to a major gap in the industry. The lack of accessibility, especially during crucial production times, inspired me to create a solution.

I realized that by acquiring my own film equipment and building a reliable network of professionals, I could help productions run smoothly, even when other rental houses or crews weren’t available. This realization fueled my vision for CineVerse. The name itself is inspired by the concept of a multiverse, just as each universe is unique, every production comes with its own set of challenges, creative needs, logistical hurdles, and budget. At CineVerse, we approach every project with the same level of professionalism and dedication, yet we understand that each one is its own world, requiring unique problem-solving skills and adaptability.

What truly set this idea apart was the opportunity to build something structured, efficient, and responsive. I spoke with other filmmakers and industry professionals, and they echoed the same frustration I had experienced, there was a real need for a company that not only provided top-tier equipment and crew but also operated with a sense of urgency, discipline, and outstanding customer service.

What excited me the most was the chance to create a company that didn’t just offer rentals but solved an industry-wide problem. CineVerse was built to address the scarcity of high-quality, accessible production support while ensuring that every filmmaker, regardless of budget or project scale, had the tools and expertise needed to bring their vision to life. That’s the difference we aim to make in the market, and it’s what drives us every day.

Josh, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started my journey as a photographer, capturing moments and telling stories through still images. Over time, I found my way into filmmaking through music videos, and one project led to another until I fully transitioned into film. From the beginning, I was committed to pushing myself beyond limits, finishing work at 2AM and waking up at 5 AM for my next production. That level of dedication and discipline became the foundation of my career.

Today, I wear multiple hats in the industry. I’m a Director of Photography, cinematographer, lighting director, director, and educator in film lighting. I’m also the founder of CineVerse, a film equipment rental company that not only provides gear but also supports productions with expert guidance and problem-solving.

One of the biggest challenges people face in this industry is having an idea but not knowing how to bring it to life. That’s where I come in. Clients often approach me with a vision but no clear execution plan, and I help them bridge that gap, translating ideas into cinematic reality with precision and professionalism.

What sets me apart is my ability to execute high-level setups while maintaining efficiency and adaptability. I thrive under pressure, solving on-set challenges quickly and ensuring that every production, regardless of scale, gets the highest level of expertise.

What I’m most proud of is the reputation I’ve built for delivering professional, high-quality results. I want potential clients and collaborators to know that when they work with me, they’re not just hiring someone with technical skills, they’re working with someone deeply committed to excellence, innovation, and bringing their vision to life in the best way possible.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I built my reputation in the industry through relentless hustle and the right attitude. From the beginning, I committed myself to showing up, putting in the work, and delivering results no matter the circumstances. There have been times when I’ve worked 16-hour productions back to back, with barely any time to eat or even take a break. I’ve also gone five days without sleep to ensure that everything gets done at the highest level. Not always you will find that kind of discipline and dedication in the industry.

Beyond just hard work, my attitude has played a crucial role. I approach every project with a problem-solving mindset, adaptability, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Filmmaking is unpredictable, and being able to stay composed, troubleshoot quickly, and maintain a professional and positive energy on set makes a huge difference. People remember how you handle stress, how you collaborate, and how you treat others.

My ability to execute high-quality, professional setups has reinforced my reputation. Clients know they can rely on me not just for technical expertise, but also for guidance, efficiency, and a seamless production experience. My commitment to consistency, reliability, and delivering high-quality work, no matter the challenge, is what has helped me stand out and build lasting relationships in the industry.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes, my side hustle eventually became my full-time career and business. It all started with photography. I began taking and editing photos, promoting my services throughout the city. I then transitioned into fashion photography, which sharpened my eye for composition and lighting.

At some point, I decided to push my creativity further and make a music video and a short film. I had no formal training, so I turned to YouTube, watched countless tutorials and learned everything I could on my own. The hands-on learning process allowed me to experiment, make mistakes, and improve quickly.

The key to my growth was mastering every role in the film industry. I didn’t limit myself to one position. Instead, I dedicated myself to understanding every aspect of production at the highest level. This allowed me to step into different roles whenever the opportunity arose. I started as a producer, which gave me a broad perspective on how all the moving parts of a production come together. From there, I transitioned into being a Chief of Lighting, then a Director of Photography (DP), and eventually a director.

As a producer, I had to oversee everything, which meant I could easily spot mistakes and learn from them. I made it a priority to connect with professional filmmakers, ask questions, and showcase my skills whenever possible. Slowly, people began to recognize my knowledge, and I started getting more projects consistently.

When I realized that my work was not just consistent but also sustainable, I made the leap, quit my job and became a full-time film freelancer. That decision allowed me to fully commit to my craft, and eventually, I took the next big step by founding my own company, CineVerse.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshvalentinn?igsh=bjhyeGVmNmZ5ZTlu&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmvalentin2?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshvalentinn?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: Business Accounts:

  LINKTREE:
  https://linktr.ee/cineverseproduction?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=f04f13e3-ee39-4fd1-bc0c-3eadfa202a50

  INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cineverse.rentals?igsh=bDhqbnJmOWVwZmZ3&utm_source=qr

  FACEBOOK:
  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563608249049&mibextid=LQQJ4d

  LINKEDIN:
  https://www.linkedin.com/company/cineverse-llc/

Image Credits

Ariana Rivera