We recently connected with Zavier Gordon and have shared our conversation below.

Zavier, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The story behind my mission is rooted in a journey that began when I was just 15 years old. What started as an interest in documentary-style videography quickly evolved into a deep passion for connecting with people and uncovering the beauty in their lived experiences. Through thoughtful conversations and authentic storytelling, I found purpose in capturing the unseen — moments that reflect truth, emotion, and humanity.
As I explored photography, I began to understand the art of composition and visual harmony. These skills deepened my eye for storytelling and ultimately guided me into the world of cinematography — where stillness and motion come together to evoke something greater than ourselves.
Over the years, my mission has taken shape: to tell meaningful stories, not just from my own imagination, but from the minds and hearts of others. Through social media, I began asking strangers for short film ideas, which sparked a collaborative creative process with my talented writing partner. Together, we transform everyday thoughts into cinematic narratives — stories born in community, refined through vision, and shared with intention.
This calling to elevate others’ voices through film has led me to my most personal and ambitious project yet: my first feature film, based on the life of my grandfather. While I can’t share much about it yet, this story means the world to me, and I pray it will always be my most cherished work.
At its core, this mission is about stewardship — using the gifts I’ve been given to serve stories that matter. Film is my ministry, and storytelling is the lens through which I hope to leave the world a little more seen, known, and understood.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into this industry started in a pretty unexpected way — through a high school video production class that I honestly didn’t enjoy at first. I never imagined I’d end up here. But my teacher saw potential in me and encouraged me to skip ahead to our school’s TV Broadcasting class. Initially, I said no. At the time, I had just stepped away from football — a passion I’d had for 12 years — due to injury and a shift in purpose. Some of my friends convinced me to give video another shot, and that’s when everything changed.
By the end of my junior and senior year, I had discovered a love for visual storytelling. That experience helped me launch my own media business, which eventually became Perceive Media. The name came from a line in my senior graduation speech: “How we frame a moment can completely change how we perceive it.” That sentence became a foundation for how I see my work — not just capturing images, but shaping the meaning behind them.
I’m now continuing this path as a film major at San Diego State University. While the program hasn’t always been the most hands-on or fulfilling part of the journey, it taught me something crucial: the importance of taking initiative. I realized early on that I couldn’t wait for permission to create — I just had to go out and do it.
Today, I specialize in cinematography, primarily in narrative filmmaking. I’ve slowly transitioned away from general photo/video work and now focus on creative, collaborative storytelling through short films and soon, feature films. What sets me apart isn’t just my technical skill — it’s my hunger. I’m not a writer, I’m not an editor — I’m a cinematographer. And that clarity has helped me build a team of incredibly talented people who shine in their own areas. My writer doesn’t even attend SDSU — I found her outside the program because I needed someone who could bring a fresh perspective. That’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.
What I’m most proud of is the fact that I get to wake up every day with a camera in my hand and a genuine smile on my face. I love what I do. Whether I’m on set or walking down the street with my Meta glasses, I invite everyone into the process — from janitors to strangers passing by. I believe storytelling is for everyone, and I love pulling creativity out of people who didn’t even know they had it.
What I want people to know about me and my brand is simple: I value collaboration. I care deeply about the people I work with, and I do everything I can to create a space where everyone involved feels seen, valued, and inspired. That’s the heart of Perceive Media — seeing things, and people, in a new light.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When it comes to funding my business, the truth is simple — I just went out and did the work. I didn’t start with a big loan, a trust fund, or a financial cushion. I started with a camera, a dream, and a willingness to grind. Every dollar I’ve made — whether through freelance gigs, part-time jobs, or creative projects — has been reinvested right back into my craft.
It’s not always glamorous. There are definitely moments where I’ve had to choose between upgrading my gear or going out with friends, or times when I’ve emptied my account for that one lens I knew would take my work to the next level. I’ll work for months, then spend it all — not recklessly, but intentionally — because I believe in what I’m building.
The sacrifices have been real, but so is the love I have for what I do. I’m fully aware that investing in yourself often means dragging through the mud before you see the mountaintop. And I’m okay with that. I’m not afraid to work hard, start small, or stay patient — because every step brings me closer to where I want to be.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing how something my team and I poured our hearts into can move people. Whether it’s a client project or a short film screening, the love and appreciation we receive — the reactions, the conversations, the emotions — that’s what fuels me. It’s a powerful reminder that our work resonates.
But on a deeper, more personal level, the reward is in the transformation — taking a script and turning it into a living, breathing visual experience. There’s something incredibly special about crafting an image from someone’s words and giving their vision a new life on screen.
And sometimes, that process means going to extremes. I’ve been 20 feet up in a tree for a bird’s-eye shot, stood just five feet from a massive fire, and even nearly got taken out by a 10-foot wave — all in pursuit of the perfect frame. I do it because I believe the risks, the discomfort, and the unpredictability are what set me apart. I don’t just want to create — I want to push the boundaries of what visual storytelling can be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zgordon5150.myportfolio.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacq_4v0fvi-UzuC8QSA3iEFnFj6qb_wFfT1EEUnBBTyBD4VwlAX3hAVoeh0OA_aem_8PdYj1x5IlUS1Z4ODZKaXA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thecameramann?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@perceivemedia?si=53G531_f1F_oMPG0

Image Credits

Jeff Lewis
Tf Fox