Meet Joshua Thornton | Producer/Film maker/ Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Thornton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, why did you pursue a creative career?
Originally I did not set out to be a videographer. Growing up I always thought I would be a fire fighter because of my family history within the firefighting community. I remember at a younger age my parents got me a video camera for Christmas and I immediately started making homemade movies, which all of my family enjoyed.

Later on, in my early 20s, I received a flip camera for Christmas, which ignited the creativity in me once again. I began to nerd out and constantly watch film making videos on YouTube.

I moved to Houston and started attending a church where I met my current employer, Robert Harrington.

At the time, Robert and his wife Virginia ran a small wedding video production company. I remember the first time I saw a wedding video produced by them and I was amazed. In my curiosity for film making I believed the only way to make videos was to pursue the Hollywood style career. They show me otherwise. There I found out it was possible to achieve that level of style career without having the Hollywood gear or the formal education.

Robert was kind enough to let me accompany him on a couple of shoots… I guess I did OK because that was 10 years ago and I still work with him to this day. (LOL)

After about 5 to 6 years of weddings we decided to step out of the industry to pursue more corporate jobs and thats when we were approached by an organization called Emergency Ministries. A ministry that was dedicated to helping first responders deal with trauma and difficult life situations. We needed to create a film that would help the general public understand what first responders go through on a day-to-day basis. Having some experience as a volunteer firefighter myself, I understood the severity of the job.

That one shoot led us to many other shoots where we work with first responders on a continual basis. I had no idea that my two passions would intersect and become one at one point but it has really made what I do enjoyable. I always enjoy the fire side of things so to be able to make videos about firefighter is a true honor.

So, I guess I didn’t pursue the career, the career found me and I couldn’t be happier.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe what sets me apart from others is the way how I carry my relationships, because of my faith in Jesus, I genuinely love people. Some of my favorite projects i have been a part of are: 1. https://vimeo.com/466355081
Client: Spring FD || Motel 6 a fire that happened in spring were several people were trapped in the firefighters help rescue them.
2. https://vimeo.com/50851420
Client: Emergency Ministries || A Hero’s eyes. A video to help people realize what first responders go through every day.
3.https://vimeo.com/50851420
Client: Kailee Mills Foundation – A seat belt safety awareness foundation that helps families that have lost loved ones in a car wreck. This particular project they help the Ferguson family by your house. We created the videos that help get donors and also a highlight after the family receive the house.

My favorite part of my job is interviewing people. Something about sitting behind the camera and coming up with questions I can help others tell thier story in a creative way is really satisfying. A lot of people are really nervous to talk on camera most of the people I come across it’s their first time. I take pride in helping them feel comfortable relaxed and getting them excited to share their story.

In my industry it’s easy to get caught up in the technicals of things. Is the color right, is the lighting right, does the audio sound right and so on and so forth. All that is important however the most important thing is the people. I have been very fortunate to meet a lot of fantastic people and gain some great relationships through my job. Some thing I often do is scroll through our old video feed and reflect on all the great people that we have come across. As a storyteller I think the best thing you can do is care about the people of the story you were telling. So if I could leave you with one piece of advice and your creative career it would be to pay attention to the people you are around.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First thing I think I would do is take you to my favorite taco truck Taco Veloz. https://taco-veloz.com Will definitely be grabbing some Al Pastor and their homemade lemonade.

For dinner my wife and I will have you over for some sous-vide steak.

The next day we probably head to waterway Woodlands area to walk around and shoot some photos.

Later that evening we will head out to my family’s farm to enjoy the sunset. Probably set up a campfire and maybe go fishing.

After that you would have to talk to my wife because I have no idea what we are doing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My granddad, Johnny Thornton, a retired Houston arson investigator; my dad, Bradley Thornton Health Research Technologies at Texas A&M, who shaped me and my interest into how to be ethical, professional and passionate. To my wife, Karen Thornton, the Brazilian firecracker who keeps me on my toes and propels me to pursue my passions all while raising our lovely daughter and shaping her into an outstanding woman such as herself, and of course, the Bella Media team.

Website: https://www.bella.media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmmakerjosh/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-thornton-81a26918b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealjoshthornton/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgovhTvIpzPpySdutY3orTg