We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Josh Nagel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Josh , appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
My voyage through the realm of video production spans over a decade, tracing its origins back to my role as a graphic designer within a law firm. What began as a remarkable position gradually transformed into a full-fledged commitment to video, affording me the opportunity to cultivate my unique style and acquire comprehensive knowledge of the intricacies that underpin the video industry.
Over time, my pursuits expanded to encompass wedding projects and weekend-based side ventures, which catalyzed the establishment of my own LLC, Josh Nagel Productions. Now with nearly six years devoted to capturing the essence of weddings, I found myself at a juncture where fatigue was setting in, prompting a gradual shift away from wedding assignments. In October of 2019, I embraced a new chapter by stepping into the role of Director of Photography for the boxing platform Ring City USA.
Following an eight-year tenure within the law firm, a momentous decision ripened and on March 1, 2020, I took the bold step of venturing forth to establish my independent production company on a full-time basis. However, destiny took an unforeseen turn as the looming global pandemic, known as Covid-19, cast a shadow over my aspirations, truncating their rise before they could truly take flight. This period was marked by gripping fear, driven by the absence of confirmed projects and the unsettling cloak of uncertainty. Although a handful of weddings remained on my calendar, the majority either postponed or sought cancellation as soon as news of the pandemic broke.
In the face of this adversity, a singular path crystallized – adaptation. A stroke of luck came my way through inquiries for live streaming events, leading to the successful booking of seven high school graduation ceremonies. This fortuitous opportunity provided a financial lifeline for my family and afforded the luxury of time. As the wheels of change set in motion, other clients also embraced adaptability, reigniting collaborations. In response to the changing landscape, Ring City USA implemented a bubble protocol, welcoming my return as Director of Photography for the entire following year.
From this turning point, the trajectory of my business experienced a continuous ascent. Fast forward to 2023, and my portfolio proudly features collaborations with global giants such as Netflix and Applebee’s, alongside prominent celebrities and athletes. This triumphant narrative stands as a testament, underscoring the irrefutable notion that the rewards reaped from audacious risks are unequivocally worth the journey.
Josh , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Allow me to introduce myself as Josh Nagel, a DP/Director hailing from Toledo, Ohio. With a span of 12 years immersed in the video industry, my primary focus centers on crafting exceptional commercial and documentary films. What distinguishes me from fellow creators is my rich background in sports, particularly football. From my upbringing as a quarterback, I garnered insights that transcended the game itself. Beyond immediate reactions, the role demanded the anticipation of teammates’ movements on the field. As a quarterback, I internalized the significance of comprehending each player’s role and position at any given moment, alongside a deep understanding of the play’s unfolding – knowledge crucial for clarifying queries in the huddle.
In the realm of video production, I find resonances with this quarterback mentality. As a Director and DP, the essence of quarterbacking remains intrinsic. The art of reacting and preempting holds paramount importance in the context of documentary environments. This skill, honed over a significant portion of my life, has become one of my defining assets. My pride swells for the reputation I’ve diligently cultivated within the industry. It’s a testament to my commitment to delivering top-notch content while fostering a harmonious collaborative environment.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The aspect that brings me the greatest sense of fulfillment is the opportunity to engage in projects that create an impact. This might involve shedding light on critical issues to garner attention or narrating stories that aid others in navigating challenging junctures in their lives.
How did you build your audience on social media?
The foundation of my social media following took shape with the creation of a hometown video that featured our local celebrities and sports teams. This video quickly went viral during the early stages of my career. What many aren’t aware of is that I shot and edited this video without any compensation. However, the rewards that followed made the effort truly worthwhile.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joshnagelproductions.com
- Instagram: @joshnagelproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshnagelproductions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshdnagel/
- Twitter: @nagelsthename
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshNagelProductions