Meet Martin Munoz | Martin Munoz Bros. YMP Founders

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

Hi Martin, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Yo’z Moon Production (YMP) was a name that described something we were always doing. Because our last name has a tilde, many non-spanish speaking folks have a hard time pronouncing Munoz. Even now it is challenging to type a tilde without compromising script formatting in html. In attempts to help with enunciation, splitting our last name into “moon” and “yo’s” broke down the way it is said phonetically. This sparked the idea to flip the split and name our production company Yo’z Moon Production. Our slogan “A Finger Pointing” is in reference to the definition of Zen: a finger pointing to the Moon. Focusing on the finger, and you miss the direction. The true essence of our company came from a struggle of finding local internship opportunities upon fulfilling college graduation requirements. There were limited opportunities outside of news, sports, and NASA that provided a creative space for students to apply their knowledge while expanding their imagination as movie/media magicians. Participating in the 48 Hour Film Project was the affirmation needed to establish an umbrella production company in YMP. To begin to expand our movie/media footprint in Houston, we now understood it would have to come from our contribution to local projects to showcase our talents, and passion, in the community. We are drafting programs to open our doors to college graduating students to satisfy practicum hours, and internship requirements.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Houston we have a problem!! The world sees us as a “fly-over” city when it comes to media production. Our tax incentives reflect this, so we decided that the best way to resolve this is by producing quality local projects. We have to demonstrate what we can do with what we have first before seeking any outsourced funding. The challenge is learning to be patient to be sure moral foundations are developed so each cornerstone is structured for longevity when establishing the movie/media industry in Houston. Learn from Hollywood, New York, and Chicago about the do’s and don’t’s of the industry so we create a culture that reflects Houston’s values to be exemplary for other pioneering industries to follow, and better. One big lesson that we learned in our own back yard happened with the fatal tragedy at the Astroworld Festival. Safety is uppermost in all our production. We are committed to breaking through all scrutiny against Houston productions by setting the standard, providing training for our future producers, and contributing to city talks regarding stimulating the economy, and creating employment opportunities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If our best friend was visiting Houston for a week, we would take them to places that we frequent and also tourists places that they may have heard about outside of Space City, Tx. After freshening up from traveling Monday afternoon, what better way to feel at ease than with some food. Tex-Chick Puerto Rican Restaurant provides great portions and “sabor” that welcomes anyone to the Third Coast. Walking off the meal a bit in the multiple trails along Buffalo Bayou takes us through the heart of the city, and helps with a good night’s rest. Tuesday for brunch, it is imperative to wait in line for the infamous Breakfast Klub’s chicken and waffles, and coffee. Later that day, catching a Houston Astros game will give you the feel of our united spirit, diverse, and ready to cheer for our home team at Minute Maid Park. Discovery Green is at walking distance and is very mesmerizing at night to experience before lying down. Hump day starts with brunch at The Waffle Bus for a food-truck feel of waffle sandwiches to prepare for a day of shopping at The Galleria. Crossing town for some nostalgic fun and drinks, Cidercade Houston has quickly become a favorite place to hangout and let out some steam during the late hours. Thursday we will probably need something to fill our stomachs quickly, and hearty, Michy’s Chino Boricua is the best combination of cultural foods that can help get through rough afternoons after long nights of hard cider. The Houston Improv Comedy Club is a visit–there is no telling who comes into town and shows up there! Friday is always eventful. Brunch is served in the food court of NASA’s home, Johnson Space Center, in preparation to launch on a quick tour around the facility. To take advantage of all the innovative excitement, a stroll through Kemah Boardwalk for dinner and rides is a fun way to get the night going. Timed correctly, 1st Fridays Caribbean style at the House of Blues is always great vibes in such a prominent place downtown. Saturday will be spent in Galveston as a day to relax by the water, and refresh at The Spot to wait for the sun to set and dine. Pleasure Pier is always fun and literally sticks out as the thing to-do at the beach. Sunday is a perfect time to catch a Houston Texans football game at NRG Stadium, and also attend a local festival to enjoy in celebration of food, music, and culture here at Space City.

There is so much more to do here in Houston! A week is enough for friends to want to return to experience more of the beauty we have to offer in the Third Coast. We heart Houston!! Welcome, and please let us know when you are in town!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Glory to God! Special shoutout to our family and friends for all the support through all the frustrations and milestones. And all the giants we built upon–they know who they are.

Website: www.yozmoon.com

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

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

Image Credits
HTown Studios – Detre Val Skin I’m In Model & Talent Agency – Ferrell Phelps El Centro de Arte & Cultura, Ponce, Puerto Rico – Liz Marie Munoz (Artist) 42 Visuals Judd Weiss Yo’z Moon Production