Joe Brandmeier shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Joe, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Mental health. Anxiety. Their life’s purpose. Aging.
And, of course, our love-hate-fear relationship with AI. How will it help us, how is it hurting us!? The unknown (of all these) can be overwhelming sometimes.
They’re all subjects that people briefly chat about – touch on – but don’t really talk about too much. Not sure why? It’s the “I’m ok” answer when people ask “how are you doing?”. We all have something we’re carrying around (or hiding). They can be serious things and even debilitating sometimes.
I’m a strong believer in trying to let go – stop worrying about stuff that may never happen. I find positive energy wherever I can – and go to my (long) gratitude-list often, usually when I start to go dark and listen to the demons within.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a producer, director, storyteller and owner of the production company Moving Pictures, Inc. We develop and produce stories that create emotional connections with the viewer and the brand. We do multi-camera specials and heartfelt documentaries.
I’ve never been one to sit around and wait for the phone to ring. I talked (sometimes begged) my way into all kinds of jobs and really cool, high profile projects over the years.
I’m pretty proud that people trust me because it’s key to getting great content. A-list artists and talent have trusted me with their intimate personal projects. Magic happens on camera when a talent feels they’re in good hands and collaborating with someone with their best interest in mind, knows what the hell they’re doing and is fun to work with.
• I spent about 5 months with the artist Prince, sometimes 1-on-1 in the middle of the night. He even brought me to a room where few have gone – to discuss his religious beliefs.
• Janet Jackson allowed me to sit in on several private recording sessions while working on a documentary with legendary music producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
• We built up Moving Pictures, Inc. to a point where Academy award-winning producer/director Bill Pohlad trusted me enough to merge our companies (under River Road Entertainment). And even though we eventually followed different paths (and I’m back under Moving Pictures, Inc.), it was an amazing experience, which I’m very grateful for.
Overall, it’s about trust, integrity, and true curiosity. That’s what drives me.
Check out www.joebrandmeier.com
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I’ll never forget. . . Haiti, a young girl and a bottle of water.
A while back we were on the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti working with Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill and the Fugees. The sun was setting, the local crowd was growing so we had to get the shot – and move out quickly. We had a huge crew and security was slowly losing control of things.
As night fell, we were packing up gear, and from a dark alleyway a young girl (maybe 9 or 10) came out of nowhere and reached for a large bottle of water we had on set, ready to grab and run, we locked eyes. She was so scared that I saw her. She just wanted the water! Not any of the expensive equipment or other valuables, just the water! Once she saw that I smiled at her and let her know it was ok, I grabbed the couple bottles we had left – offered them to her – and with fear in her eyes – she took them and disappeared back in to the night.
Water! That’s it. Something I have every day in my life. Every time I hear myself whine about something or feel sorry for myself for whatever petty reason, I think about her and become very grateful for all the gifts I have!
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I guess they’re the personal wounds that come from within my own head. I’ve often said that I would never speak to friends or family – and certainly not my wife – like I do to myself – in my head!
The creative wounds of feeling inadequate, not relevant and maybe aging out also need daily healing – usually through hanging with positive people, meditation and lots of walking.
People have often said that I’m too kind to be a good director – that I need to be tougher – maybe yell more! That has always haunted me and still messes with my mind.
I always fall back on. . . don’t let kindness be mistaken for weakness!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
That’s easy! It’s kindness! It has been a tough sell when it comes to documentaries, narrative films and TV. If you don’t have some kind of crime story, or murder, a car chase, explosion or sex-scene in your project – executive’s think, why would people watch it!?
We’re in development (and looking for funding 🙂 for a feature length documentary called; “The Right Thing To Do”. It’s based off of baseball Hall-of-Famer Joe Mauer’s simple act of kindness he did in high school for a blind classmate named Mike. The ripple effect of that “act” has turned into lifelong friendships, a hugely successful kids book (supporting 2 charities) and now the book is becoming a musical for Stages Theatre.
I try to look for the good in everything. One of my favorite wrist bands says; “being nice makes you cool”.
Kindness can be a superpower!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in nature! Being in silence. Staring at our everyday miracles.
I worked on a project with world renowned nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen called; “His Nature”. It was about our connection to nature (and more). As the father of our national parks John Muir said – “when one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it connected to the rest of the world”. That rings so true with me. I love that visual of how everything’s connected in some way!
Doing creative projects within that atmosphere or mind set is like therapy – it keeps me focused on positive things – and fills my soul. I love to have fun. I love to laugh. I love the freedom to pick and choose what I do and who I work with (the people and the purpose is so important!).
I produce, direct and edit from the heart. . . not the head. When I’m surrounded by nature (even in the littlest ways), it’s much easier to do that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joebrandmeier.com/
Image Credits
TCFF red carpet Dallas Smith
