Meet Michael Paul | Wedding Filmmaker, Videographer & Cinematographer

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

Hi Michael, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One thing I’d like people to know is the amount of behind-the-scenes time that really goes into filmmaking and producing content. If you’re a filmmaker, you literally have no life! Lol! It’s basically shoot, edit, repeat. It sounds simple, but there are tons and tons of hours of work required to create even a simple 30-60 second video. People don’t think about it much, but as an entrepreneur, I wear many hats. Besides creating videos, I must take time in pre-production to properly plan a shoot, scout locations, find models (or people) to film, storyboard, listen to countless songs to pick the perfect music, draft the dialogue, etc. And finally, after that and other steps have been completed, actually start the shooting! After production and filming has taken place, then I move on to post production work, which is an entire beast in itself. (Many nights I get no sleep when I have a video that needs to be edited. Lol! I have to force myself to take breaks and do other things.) So when it’s time to edit, there’s taking time to look through every single piece of footage and finally putting it together, which can take a long time. (Sidenote: If I’ve put together a storyboard and already have each shot in place, then it may not take as long, but for live events like a wedding film where I’m having to create a story out of whatever I’ve been given, then it can take an immense amount of time to create an amazing, emotional piece of artwork that the couple will love.) Then after putting the story all together, there’s still the processes of color correction, color grading, sound design, audio adjustments–all things that make the final product look and sound epic. While focusing on my art, I still have to promote my work, market my company, run the day-to-day affairs of my office, stay on top of financial accounting, and ensure deadlines are met. These above essential actions require that I continuously educate myself. Artist, planner, videographer, shooter, lighting specialist, editor, audio/sound designer, storyteller, marketer, accountant, etc. are all titles that I hold and must educate myself on. So yeah… I would like for people to understand the time that goes into the work filmmakers, especially solo filmmakers, put in during this age of social media and rapid technological advances. Today people have phones that can shoot 4k and 60fps; they can use their phones to make a quick video that’s sufficient for social media, a tik tok, a reel, whatever. But when you’re looking to hire a professional videographer/cinematographer/filmmaker, so much more is necessary. A lot of time, a lot of effort, a lot of knowledge, and a lot of hard work goes into creating a product that clients love to showcase.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My work is all about me, and I mean that in the most humble, non-conceited way possible. Lol! As a kid, I was artistically and musically inclined, intelligent with a strong belief that I could accomplish anything. So I did my own thing and didn’t need anyone’s approval. But at some point, that changed. The firm belief that once dwelled within me dissipated and was replaced by a sudden search for approbation. So growing up, I spent most of my life trying to fit in. So much to where, at one point, I felt as though I didn’t know who I was anymore. I tried hard to please everyone, changing and adapting my personality, thoughts, and mentality to resemble the masses. Fighting the inner struggle between who I am and who I thought the world wanted me to be is a battle I have lost for many years. But eventually (meaning recently; within the last year or so), I reached a place within myself where I no longer cared about the opinions of others. I’m marching to the beat of my own drum. And now, more than ever, I understand what I bring to the table and what I can accomplish.

I mentioned that because that paradigm shift I’ve experienced resonates within my work and is the basis for much of my creative decision-making. As artists and creatives, we often look to other artists for inspiration. And not just artists, but people in general. It’s cool to admire others, but the danger lies in admiring someone so much to our detriment, which tends to be human nature. We start something new, have all these goals and ideas, and don’t care what others think; we simply create. And that is what I did at the beginning of my journey as a creative. But somewhere along the way, after looking to other notable artists for inspiration and paying too much attention to social media, my work was no longer good enough in my mind. “If it doesn’t look as good as such n’ such’s work, it’s unacceptable. Oh, my content is not getting an “x” amount of likes. I must not be good enough.”

Worrying about the views of others began to cripple me in my creative process. So I had to adjust and consciously change my perspective towards my work and do me. My art now consists of creating what I like, looks, sounds, and feels good to me. Raw; from the heart to the heart. And that’s what sets me apart as different from others. No one has your mind to think your thoughts, your eyes to see the world in the way you do, or your ears’ sensitivity to sound. All of us are unique in a way. We lose whenever we try to dumb ourselves down and fit within the mold of how others view things or what is deemed acceptable or unacceptable. So now, I strive to keep my uniqueness and incorporate bits of me within all of my work. Some people may love it, others maybe not so much. Regardless, I’m beyond excited to showcase many of my upcoming projects now that I’m 100% true to who I am. My art is a reflection of self.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am the wrong person to ask this question. Lol! The older I get, the more I enjoy being at home in solitude whenever possible. But, if the homies are in town, indulging in southern Louisiana cuisine is a must. Breakfast is the day’s most important meal, so we’d have to start at Sharon’s Kitchen. Some of the best breakfast ever! The long line of cars is a testament to that. If it’s in season, then crawfish will also be on the menu. LA Boilers is my go-to location for good crawfish. Of course, all the hood spots have the best food, especially in Baton Rouge. If you want a good soul food plate, we’d probably go to Tony’s Seafood or Papa’s Soulfood. Bistro Byronz is an excellent spot for brunch. I love getting sushi from Tsunami over on Lafayette St. It sits on the rooftop of the Shaw Center and gives a beautiful view of downtown Baton Rouge. Louie’s by LSU is also good eating if you’re looking for a nice diner spot at night after going out. Restaurants such as Roux 61, Drago’s (a little more upscale), Zea’s, and The Chimes never disappoints. But I mean, come on, it’s Louisiana. We can go anywhere, and the food will be good. Lol! Regarding hangouts, I always enjoy the Louisiana Arts and Science Museum or LSU Museum of Art within the Shaw Center. More than likely, we’ll drive to New Orleans (about an hour away) and hang out there. Get some beignets in the French Quarter from Cafe Du Monde and drinks on Bourbon. Live jazz at the Ritz Carlton is a vibe, in my opinion. But for the most part, my friends enjoy upbuilding conversations and each other’s company. So we may hang out at the house and start up a game of spades or pull out the monopoly board quickly. All I will say is leave your feelings and emotions at home because it gets intense! Lol! The love is real here in Louisiana. We aren’t friends; you’re family. So a nice kickback in Louisiana will always be a recipe for a good time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow! Its so many people that I can think of right now. First and foremost, I have to give credit to Jehovah God! Without Him, I would not even be here today. Not only has God given me all of the things that I have, my talents, thinking abilities, knowledge, love and guidance, support systems, ability to create something out of nothing, but He’s also helped me along this journey and brought me out of some extremely tough times! Without Him, my life would have taken a turn for the worse a long time ago and I probably would not be here today. Secondly, I would have to give a shoutout to my family. They’re constantly by my side and have been with me throughout this journey showing love and support especially when I feel as though I had no one else to turn to. Family is everything. My wife Candice definitely has to receive a lot of recognition. Because of the time I have to spend on my business and other responsibilities that I have, she sometimes has to lose on the amount of time that we can spend together. But nevertheless, she always shows her support of me and is constantly looking for ways to be a better support system and wonderful compliment to me. I greatly appreciate her for that. My good friend Matthew Brown deserves a lot of credit be as though he has been with me since the beginning of 20 Twenty Visuals and was actually the person who taught me a lot of the filmmaking game. He provided me with some important tools that I needed to get started and always displayed a trusting attitude towards my vision. Another person whom I cannot forget and will never forget is my friend, more like my brother, Marques! Let me tell you, blood could not make us any closer. This guy is the epitome of what you call a “real one.” Solid, loyal, supportive, trustworthy, a true friend. Marques has been my rock in all aspects of life. I mentioned earlier how I wouldn’t be here today if it were not for Jehovah God, and I without a doubt know that God brought Marques into my life to help me grow along the way. My brother, if you’re reading this, know that the love I have for you is real. Lastly, I would like to give recognition and thanks to anyone who has supported me in any way. To clients who have trusted me with producing any piece of work for their enjoyment, thank you! Friends who have been around and stuck around as I’ve worked to grow not only as an artist and filmmaker, but as a better person as well, thank you! And to anyone else who has shown genuine love and support to me in all of my endeavors, thank you! I can’t express enough just how much I love and appreciate all of these people.

Website: 20twentyvisuals.com (Currently being rebranded and developed)

Instagram: @20twentyfilms (https://www.instagram.com/20twentyfilms/) & @20twentyvisuals (https://www.instagram.com/20twentyvisuals/)

Youtube: 20 Twenty Visuals (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Tzj1EOSc1Fnv8gQmWl7iQ)

Other: Email: 20twentyvisuals@gmail.com Contact Number: 225-505-3036

Image Credits
Chad Adere