We recently connected with Joe Brandmeier and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joe, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Ahhhh. . . that million dollar question.
I guess, first, YOU have to decide what success means to you. Is it internal success that gives you peace in your heart and soul? Is it external, trying to line up with what our culture says is success? And what are you willing to give (or give up) to get your definition of success?
That’s obviously different for all of us. So here’s what I believe and what’s worked for me.
Our society has always focused on “external” success, so for me, I’ve tried to understand what that is, and sometimes chased it, but have always ended up going my own way. Even as a kid, when I saw a sign that said, “Keep Off The Grass”, I’d question it. Then, I’d walk on it (nice & gentle) just to see what would happen.
I think it’s important to keep an eye on our “internal” success. What makes you happy? What brings you real heart-felt joy? Is it job security? A 401k? Tons of cash? Freedom? And at the same time, what brings you fear? The contrast can help you find your way and maybe answer these questions.
Here’s one example for me: My wife and I owned a beautiful lake home in northern WI and when our financial situation became a bit strained (at that moment) owning two homes, we had the option of selling it and continuing to “play” (not having real jobs) – or – keep it and get real 9-to-5 jobs that would support 2 homes.
We sold it.
I just couldn’t do the 9-to-5 thing, and never have. We took the extra cash and invested it and have been “playing” ever since (well over a decade) because of that move. We continue to have the freedom to work on projects we really want to – and with people who energize us both spiritually and creatively. We decide.
That’s success to me.
Also, I chose to live in Minneapolis instead of L.A., where there are many more high profile projects, but a completely different lifestyle than here. I would have met many more so called “important” people by just being there, who might have helped bring my career to a bigger place (and probably with greater cash flow). . . but at what cost!?
I have a great life!
And – as for career – I’ve worked on all kinds of high profile, purposeful projects, with major A-list talent and traveled around the world! My life and work balance is perfect for me (for now).
It’s a cliché but, I’ve always followed my gut and my heart. They have brought me to a very successful life.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Joe B.
Who is Joe B? Well. . . the pitch line is: I’m a producer/director/storyteller and own Moving Pictures, Inc. We develop and produce engaging stories, digital brand awareness, multi-camera specials, and documentaries.
The blinking, bright lights of the student TV station in college is where my passion started; it opened my eyes to the possibilities of what could be created through the studio, with cameras and the press of a button in a control room. It’s where my curiosity for storytelling was born. I was never one to sit around and wait for the phone to ring.
I talked my way into a cameraman/editor position at the NBC affiliate in Green Bay, WI. I shot on the sidelines at Lambeau Field for Packer games and had a few crazy, funny learning experiences in my short stay there.
I went on to shoot national broadcasts of NBA games and eventually focused on production – producing and directing various doc-style projects and multi-camera live events. That led me to the Twin Cities and KARE-TV – where, again, I talked my way in to the gig! I only spent a few months there, just enough time to meet my best friend and life inspiration (who happens to be my wife), Joan Steffend (.com).
Loving production, I started my own company, Moving Pictures, Inc.. Sitting in an unfinished basement, drywall torn up, dog barking – I talked my way into a project with MTV. They came to town to do a profile story with the band Motley Crew. I knew it was an important shoot, so I hired the best lighting guy, grips, audio, etc., and lost money on the shoot. But, they loved how it turned out so, after that, the phone began to ring. Producers from MTV, ESPN, and NBC started calling me.
I approach most projects with 80% pre-production. Have your sh!# together before the shoot –so when things start to drift off plan, you’ll be better prepared to deal with unforeseen obstacles. From there, the edit should fall in place (maybe?). We’re all trying to figure things out these days. We all carry some challenge. I try to focus on the positives and be grateful. LOOK FOR THE GOOD in everything and everyone.
What might set me apart?
Well, I’m pretty proud that people trust me because it’s key to getting great content. A-list artists and talent have trusted me with their intimate personal projects. Great things happen on camera when a talent feels they’re in good hands and collaborating with someone with their best interest in mind (and knows what the hell they’re doing).
• I spent about 5 months with the artist Prince, sometimes 1-on-1 in the middle of the night. He even brought me to a room where few have gone – to discuss his religious beliefs.
• Janet Jackson allowed me to sit in on several private recording sessions while working on a documentary with legendary music producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
• We built up Moving Pictures, Inc. to a point where Academy award-winning producer/director Bill Pohlad trusted me enough to merge our companies (under River Road Entertainment). And even though we eventually followed different paths (and I’m back under Moving Pictures, Inc.), it was an amazing experience, which I’m very grateful for.
• I also understand the business end of things from years as the owner and creative force behind Moving Pictures, Inc. I see ways to make projects more efficient, productive, and valuable.
• I’ve worked with actors, CEOs, huge artists, and the neighbor down the block and approached them all the same way, with respect!
Overall, it’s about trust, integrity, and true curiosity. That’s what drives me. That’s what’s important to me. I’m not looking for “one-off” projects – I want to build lasting relationships.
Ok, I’ll shut up now
* Check out www.joebrandmeier.com
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I love the energy that comes with figuring things out.
I did a huge project in Haiti with the Fugees (Wyclef Jean, Pras, and Lauryn Hill). We had to take 125 production cases and a huge crew – and get them to Port-au-Prince for a never-been-done-before concert.
So many obstacles.
So many challenges: gear stuck in customs, armed guards diverting camera set-up, leaving crew and talent on a mountainside overnight because the production helicopter that got us there had to leave without them because they couldn’t fly at night.
And the barricades around the concert area being busted down from a crowd of nearly 60 thousand people!!
Challenges are everywhere. Find a way to use them. Maybe it’s a “re-boot” of getting rid of old ways (bad habits). Maybe it’s a way to do something different or better
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Doing creative things is like therapy – it keeps me focused on positive things – and fills my soul. I like to have fun. I love to laugh. I love the freedom to pick and choose what I do and who I work with (the people and the purpose is so important!).
I produce, direct and edit from the heart. . . (not the head).
I like collaborating with talented people, creating positive, purposeful experiences and storytelling that makes a difference, stories that emotionally connect with any audience (which I’ve experienced sitting in documentary film festivals in theaters around the world). All this sounds a bit cliché, but it’s true!
Someone once said: “nothing is really work unless you’d rather be doing something else”. Take a moment and think about that. What would you rather be doing?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joebrandmeier.com/
Image Credits
Eric Fast – productions