We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gio Bartlett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gio below.

Gio, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

Long nights and no sleep is the whole hustle culture that I grew up with and had that mentality for years. It was very common in the film industry, 12 hour days were bragged about and shown off. In the beginning of my career I saw a lot of growth in my business and I was thinking it was due to the extreme productive lifestyle. In hindsight I think I missed out on friendships, experiences unrelated to work, and more because I put work first. I wanted to be the best and greatest. I hurt a lot of people because of it. I believe I could’ve done it differently as I was starting out and still be successful even if it took longer. I was living an unhealthy life and I burnt out. My mental state was at an all time low. I’m literally doing what I love but because I pushed myself constantly that I couldn’t enjoy it. I’m still unlearning the workaholic lifestyle and still dealing with repercussions from overworking myself for years on end. It debilitated me. I missed out on a lot of family activities because I was living a wake up and grind life and I’m telling you, it’s NOT the life. A work life balance is crucial and will help you in the long run to sustaining a healthy relationship with your work. Looking back, there’s time with people I can never get back and I don’t want others to make the same mistakes I did for the sake of their business.

Gio, 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?

Hey there! I’m Gio Bartlett, I fell in love with filming and editing while I was in high school. My digital media teacher, Mr. Onstott really helped me find my passion. I owe a lot to him. How I got into the industry was a slow snowball effect. I knew I didn’t want to go to college. I was fortunate enough that my mom was very supportive on that decision. I loved movies and music. That combination is perfect for music videos. I started filming for local music artists around my hometown for free the following year after graduating. Not many videographers were out there shooting music videos. I shot a lot of free work until I felt comfortable to have paying clients. Working with music artists lead to working with venues they performed at and hired me to film. I try to over my services to businesses when I can, nowadays that’s what is needed to grow. I care about my work immensely and I try to bring the clients’ vision to life in a fun way. I’m an easy person to work with and I think that shows in my work.

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

The most rewarding aspect to being an artist is being able to sleep in and create my own schedule. I love spending time with my cats and my girlfriend and being able to do that as often as I can is a blessing.

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

There are a few things I’ve used to build my reputation within my market that I suggest. Be personable and caring to your clients. Your clients want to trust you and showing you care about the work your produce is important. People can tell when you don’t care about your work and the effort you give in the projects.

Be open and communicative. There were times when life just happens. You fall behind and due dates are fast approaching. If there are reasons you can’t deliver the project on time, let your client know. We’re all human. Most people will be understanding.

Under promise and over deliver. This alone made me stand out from others in the industry. I’m not saying go above and beyond until you’re stretched too thin, I like to give more photos than promised, maybe a faster turnaround time on an edit. It can be little but doing something extra than you promised will stand out.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.giobartlettproductions.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/giobartlettproductions
• Facebook: facebook.com/lensofgiobartlett
• Youtube: youtube.com/giobartlettproductions