We recently connected with Gino Payne and have shared our conversation below.

Gino, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

Growing up in the mid-80s, my world was a bleak canvas painted with shades of gray. Born into a life marred by crime and poverty, the vibrant colors of happiness and success I saw on TV screens seemed forever out of reach. Our home, if you could call it that, was a rundown apartment in a neighborhood where survival was the only goal. My parents were never around, lost in their own struggles, leaving my aging grandmother as my sole guardian.

She did her best, but time and frailty were not on her side. Eventually, the inevitable happened, and we found ourselves in the clutches of the family and children’s service system. Most kids fought to return to their old lives, yearning for the familiarity of their chaotic homes. But for me, it was an escape from a prison of despair.

My new home was a revelation. For the first time, I lived in a house with a yard, where green grass replaced the unforgiving pavement of my past. Instead of public transportation, there was a two-car garage. Meals appeared on the table like clockwork, each one a promise of nourishment, both physical and emotional. It was an existence I had only dreamed of, one I never believed could be mine.

But the most profound change was the presence of two adults who cared about me. They were more than just guardians; they became my parents in every sense of the word. They loved me as their own child, setting standards for me to live up to. They provided me with a moral compass, guiding me away from the path I once thought was my destiny.

Their expectations gave my actions weight. I no longer acted out of anger and resentment but out of a desire to make them proud. When I did wrong, it wasn’t just a personal failure; it was a disappointment to people who believed in me. When I succeeded, their pride in me was a beacon, lighting the way to a future I had never dared to imagine.

They gave me something more than love and stability; they gave me a legacy to uphold. They transformed me from a boy convinced he was meant to be the villain into the main character of my own life story. I was no longer a passive observer of happiness but an active participant in creating it.

Through them, I learned that happiness was not an unattainable dream but a reality I could shape with my own hands. They took a boy born into shadows and showed him the light. They made me believe that I was not just a product of my circumstances but the author of my destiny. And for that, I will always be grateful.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

With a Master’s in Film and Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design, I began my journey in the film industry working on commercial and promotional advertisements. My initial projects were in the music video business, creating videos for artists like Micah Troy, The Outlawz, and Roscoe Dash. This work earned me recognition and several A.U.M.A.S awards.

In 2010, I directed my first feature film, *We Was HomeBoyz* (2011), starring Pastor Troy and Shawty Low. Concurrently, I worked on major projects such as HBO’s *Hard Knocks*, *The Walking Dead*, and *Game of Thrones* within the camera department. These experiences provided invaluable insights and honed my skills in high-stakes production environments.

In 2013, I relocated to Las Vegas, NV, to take on the role of Producer and Senior Editor with LFL (Legends Football League) Films. With LFL Films, I traveled to Australia, Canada, and across the US, shooting, editing, and producing a weekly series called *The Story*. This series was credited with elevating the production quality of LFL Films and gave me extensive knowledge in sports television, both in shooting and storytelling.

It was time to relocate 360Films, formerly known as 360iNetwork, to Las Vegas. Since then, I’ve directed projects like *GRRRL – Beauty & the Beast*, which won four Telly Awards, *Son of Sheba*, and Crescent Gang which is currently available on many streaming platforms such as Amazon, Tubi and iTunes. Now, I direct and produce full-time for 360Films while also working directly with major companies such as the Vegas Golden Knights the Las Vegas Raiders, and Pokernews

I am most passionate about creating inspiring stories through all aspects of film. My dedication to quality videography is evident in every project I undertake, ensuring that each client’s vision is brought to life with unparalleled expertise and creativity.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

In my opinion, the most effective way to grow your business is by delivering exceptional work. If your aim is merely to do a good job, you might be better off working for someone else, where you can clock in and out and receive a steady paycheck. However, if your goal is to provide outstanding service, something so remarkable that clients can’t help but share their experience with their spouses, bosses, and colleagues, then you’re on the right path.

When you offer a service that stands out, you won’t need to spend a fortune on generating leads or converting prospects. Your satisfied clients will become your best promoters, spreading the word and attracting more business your way. The key lies in identifying what you can offer that others can’t, whether it’s in the quality of your service, the uniqueness of the experience, or ideally, both. By focusing on these aspects, you’ll build a reputation that naturally drives growth and success.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

In my opinion, staying constantly in touch is somewhat overrated in my industry. Not every video project my clients have aligns perfectly with our company’s capabilities, and vice versa. Therefore, I encourage my clients to explore other trusted content creators when appropriate. Depending on the project’s needs, another creator might be a better fit.

By occasionally referring my clients to fellow trusted creators, I achieve a few key objectives. First, it ensures I remain connected to any additional service providers they might engage with. More importantly, it often reminds clients why they prefer working with me directly. This approach not only strengthens our professional network but also reinforces the value of my services in their eyes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.360films.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sir_gino
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginopayne
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginopayne