Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joseph Horta. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Joseph, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Directing my short film, “World’s Shortest War”, has been the most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far in my filmmaking career. Based on the true story of a young hispanic man in the late 70’s as he struggles with his addiction, anger, and the isolation from his family. Focusing on the specific moment during his youth where he robbed a store and was faced with the consequences of his actions. Setting him on a path in the military that led him to become the man he is today.

Being able to depict such a raw story of a young man at his most vulnerable was rewarding on multiple levels because I got to work directly with him as he gave insight on his past experiences. Trying to remain faithful to his past as well as capture the emotional toll it had on him in his youth was a challenge that meant the world to everyone involved. I only hope to shine a light on his upbringing and others who lived through similar situations. Hoping to connect with others and leave a lasting impression.

Joseph, 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?

I am a Mexican-American writer and director based in Dallas, Texas. Graduated from UNT with a B.A. in Film and Media Arts, with “World’s Shortest War” being my directorial debut out of college. Since graduating in 2020, I started my career working on the Taylor Sheridan show “1883” as a production assistant. Starting from the bottom and slowly climbing and meeting people that I now consider close colleagues. From there I transitioned to freelance commercial work where I continued to meet great people in the industry and expand on my own services in different departments.

Even when branching out in several departments I continue to hone my craft of writing and directing my own work and original stories. My passion is always storytelling and being able to express myself through those mediums brings me happiness. I continue to pursue my career in freelance and hope to make more connections to grow in my field.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me the most rewarding part of being a creative is allowing yourself to open up to other about your ideas and sharing a creative vision with passionate people. You can write stories all day long, but if you aren’t willing to share those stories then they could potentially die with you. Initially the hardest part for me was opening up to people, but eventually I learned its also the most rewarding when you find the right people to help you. Nothing is scarier than going up to someone and saying like “hey can I tell you this crazy idea i have”, it’s like baring your soul, but maybe not that serious.

I found when making a film, only together are you going to find success, so you have to get past that first hurdle of learning to voice your ideas. At first it’ll be a lot of blank stares, but eventually you’ll find the right passionate person who feels the same as you.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Pivoting is the name of the game when working as a freelance filmmaker. For me, I graduated in peak pandemic 2020 so any connections straight out of college pretty much died out quickly. I was stuck and didn’t have much to lean on, struggling to find a job, I started working a substitute teacher. Which was a very rewarding experience, but the thoughts of pursuing film and television were constantly in the back of my mind.

Finally as I kept searching I was lucky enough to find an entry job on “1883” as a covid coordinator, which eventually grew as on set production assistant and from there working as an assistant to props and wardrobe from time to time. Constantly meeting new people and continuing those relationships allowed me to get a greater understanding of the Dallas film world. Eventually helping me pivot once again to commercials, where I currently work now. Hoping to continue to pivot to eventually tell my own stories and direct films myself one day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @joey_horta