Today we’d like to introduce you to Moises J. Fuentes.
Moises J., please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Remember when we used to daydream as kids? I would grab a bunch of pillows and blankets and build a fortress with the living room furniture. I would hide inside a make-believe bunker with a toy gun strapped on to my belt. I would peak my head outside and shoot at any bad guys I’d imagine were after me. When I played with my cousins at the playground, the adults would think we were playing freeze tag; we were not. Whoever was “it” being a shark and chased after us because he had a taste for blood. The only place that was safe was the highest tower from which you could slide down back into the ocean, where other sharks (others that were tagged) could be lurking. It’s that ability to add many little details that can make anything more suspenseful and exhilarating. That part of me never left.
Even now, as an adult I use it to my advantage when working on my projects. You’ll probably catch me talking to myself because I get very involved in what I am doing. I began shooting and editing videos when I was 14. I helped start the TV Production class in my high school. By my senior year, my friends and I were shooting music videos for local artists. Eventually, I found myself working with Latch Lab, a local production company owned by Sam Brave and Stephan Guarch. Through them, I met various local directors like Jon J Visuals, Damian Fyffe, Eric Monteiro, Dre Films and Troyton Rami, to name a few. Before I knew it, I was hired to edit videos for Young Thug, Gunna, J. Balvin, Liam Payne, Plan B, Justin Quiles, and Arcangel. Although I am mostly a Video Editor, I have worked on projects as Creative Director and look forward to transitioning into narrative films or TV series.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
As previously stated, I mostly edit music videos and commercials. With my work, I want people to be able to capture every detail. Every frame is a painting and has a story to tell. My ultimate goal is to choose the best clips of the footage that are going to tap into the human emotions. Film is a medium that combines many elements of art (picture, sound, writing, etc.) whilst using those tools to introduce a new experience. Many directors I work with have noted my ability to manipulate time and introduce sound design at the most crucial moments. Sometimes, I get hired because of my cinematic intros for videos. Because of my love for film, I like to stitch sequences of b-roll together that tell a story even when a director did not intend to. There are certain opportunities I find in footage that can help convey a feeling or move an audience just by placing a series of shots in a given order. I also like to add sound design when appropriate, which is why I also love editing commercials as well.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
There are many challenges facing artists today. I think finding support and resources is a big one. It’s excruciatingly difficult, for filmmakers especially, who don’t have any funds to acquire the equipment necessary to perform as one would desire. However, I do find self-reliance to be a blessing in that as well. It teaches you to be more creative with the limited resources you have. This industry is 100% dedication and networking. It is about who you know but also about how much work you’re willing to put to maintain that connection.
I also believe there should be a greater emphasis on the arts in society. Miami is a gold mine for creatives and I strongly believe that a greater tax incentive for film in Florida would help create a booming industry.
Given the current climate of mental health, I think it’s important to being more open with one another. A person with a strong support system from friends and family could be extremely crucial to one’s well-being. Making a living as an artist is hard enough already. We must get rid of any stigmas we have about mental health and admit to ourselves when there might be a problem.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can be found on several social media sites with directors/artists I have collaborated with but primarily:
Website: https://www.moisesjfuentes.com
Instagram: @moisesjfuentes
Vimeo: vimeo.com/moisesjfuentes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://moisesjfuentes.com/
- Instagram: moisesjfuentes
Image Credit:
Vava Luna, Jon J. Visuals, Millicent Hailes, Dre Films, Eric Monteiro, Damian Fyffe
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