We were lucky to catch up with Troy De Hoyos recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Troy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I’ve had quite a few opportunities come my way through photography. Around 2018 I had gotten serious about photography and starting learning everything I could about lighting, composition and proper exposure. My Brother-in-law who is a big time horror nerd had approached me and asked if I’d like to shoot a low budget I dependant horror film? At first I laughed and blew him off because it was over the top crazy and I had no experience. He knew I was knee deep in learning photography and asked me again. I told him yes and in all honesty said yes just to blow off the conversation. A bit of time went by and he brought up the film again, but this time said he had a script and wanted me to get a budget together for equipment. I was floored because this time I knew he was serious and had every intention on making a movie. Game on. We created a plan and started the preparations. Like so many others I went head first I to YouTube tutorials to learn even more about lighting, composition and exposure not to mention figuring out what kind of camera we were to build and learn how to use it. Fast forward a year to year and a half and we shot an independent B rated Horror Film in West Texas with so many locals supporting thr film not to mention everyone at home. We shot most of the film in 7 days with re-shoots and additional shoots the following year. After many headaches and tears we finished the film. In in May of 2023 we had our premier of Country Club at the Alamo Drafthouse in Katy, TX. This has been so far one of the most significant projects I have been a part of.

Troy, 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?

My start with photography comes from my parents and more specifically, my Pops. As a kid, I was gifted a Polaroid camera, a couple of 35mm point and shoots and around the age of 21 he had given me his old Minolta XG-M 35mm film camera. It wasn’t until years later that I learned photography in regards to ISO, shutter speeds and aperture. Luckily I held on to the XG-M and learned to shoot om that camera, which I still have today. From there I had taken on a few projects doing headshota for a few local Hosuton businesses, one real estate shoot, an independent B rated Horror Film (Country Club), music videos (shout out to local Houston artist Dyl the Killsmith) and pretty much personal projects these days. After the film I parted ways with the production company and having to start all over with gear. My plan, is to start back up with music video productions and short films in 2025.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

From my first time on a movie set and getting that first experience, I know I want to work in film. Seeing the final result and knowing what went into that production has giving me the drive to pursue filmmaking. I know this is what I was meant to do. People say do what you love and I love film..

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

As a creator and artist you see what it takes to create whether that be music, acting, drawings and so on. I see and hear from time to time comments from individuals outside of the creators circle. It is easier to criticize than it is to create. It takes guts, hard work and dedication to create. Sometimes people do not realize this and choose to cut someone’s work down. I believe if most people knew what it takes for example, writing a song then perform it live in front of an audience people wouldn’t be so quick to say negative remarks. It’s one thing to provide constructive criticism when asked but it’s another thing to trash someone’s work.