Today we’d like to introduce you to Edgar Esteves.
Edgar Esteves is rapidly becoming one of the most in-demand music video directors in the game. Fresh off the release of his visuals for Chris Brown “Heat” and Alicia Keys “Calma”, the 28-year-old director explains what it’s like to work with some of today’s biggest stars, all while developing his production company, Blank Square Productions, from the ground up.
Edgar Esteves, Founder of Blank Square Productions, discovered his niche for finding and believing in talent using his visuals to elevate some of today’s hottest artists. The philosophy behind his growth? Not to chase the Beyoncés or Drakes of the music industry (as they would one day come), but rather to align himself with talented, up-and-coming artists of the time like Russ and Lil Baby, and to build with them as they evolve from local acts into today’s brightest stars.
This is the same mindset that first inspired Edgar to reach out to musician Russ and message him on social media saying “LET’S SHOOT EVERYTHING.” From there Russ’ “Losin Control” music video was made for zero dollars in a parking lot of Edgar’s hometown of Broward County, Florida. “Believe in the artist, elevate the music with creative visuals, and the rest will follow,” Edgar preaches. The video eventually garnered over 282 million views (in counting). Similarly, Russ’ “What They Want” music video has been viewed over 266 million times (in counting) and was creatively shot in just 40 minutes inside of a botanical garden in Atlanta, GA.
Edgar’s company, Blank Square Productions is BIG on friends and family. Realizing his capacity for growth, Edgar brought on his siblings and childhood friends on to help grow the company. Each with their own diverse skill set, the multi-faceted Blank Square team began to deliver quality content, birthing and developing some of the best up-and-coming directors in their fields. According to Edgar, “The best part of our jobs is we get to work with our family and our best friends, as well as we get to meet like-minded creatives along the way.” But his growth doesn’t stop there-
The production company that sprung from a dream Edgar had in the home of his parents home in South Florida has now birthed his own record label, an artist management company, an aspiring film studio, alongside many other business ventures that’s turned one of Broward County natives into a multimedia powerhouse landing Edgar a spot on 2020’s Forbes 30 under 30 List.
Edgar also helped shape some of the original visual styles of music’s newest artists that have gone on to see great success. His ingenious direction can be seen in A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s “Swervin’”, which caught the attention of Sean “Diddy” Combs and his team at Ciroc. This allowed him the opportunity to direct a commercial for the famous liquor brand and more recently, to direct content for brands like Amazon Music.
Edgar plans to build a multimedia entertainment powerhouse, and that’s exactly what he’s doing! By developing directors underneath Blank Square Productions, musical talent through Do Everything Records & Management, and breathing life into films via 1091 Entertainment, he aspires to bring home not just a VMA, but also a Grammy, and an Oscar. “With content at the forefront of this industry, we are beyond excited to be in the position we are in and take it over.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I was born in Valencia, Venezuela and came to America when I was only a year old. My biggest struggle along the way came when I overstayed my visa and my family than became what America considers “undocumented.” Long story longer, we flash forward to me graduating high school at 17 years old. I thought to myself “what’s the next step am I going to take to better my life?” I saw my friends and peers get their first car, go away to the college of their choice and apply for jobs. I couldn’t get a driver’s license, scholarships turned me down due to not being a citizen, and jobs weren’t hiring “illegal” people.
Life has a very game-like element to it. You choose to challenge yourself to reach new levels and no road in the world is perfectly smooth. There will always be bumps in the road, being present throughout the journey and focusing on the road ahead is what turns the word ‘struggle’ into learning lessons.
Please tell us about Blank Square Productions / Do Everything Records.
I start and finish everything I do. I specialize in creating art forms that elevate brands, companies, and individuals alike. I’m known for directing music videos (for now) and inspiring others to follow their dreams. I’m proud as a company because I really did it and continue to do it, still got the hunger of that 17 years old with a dream living in my parent’s house. What sets me apart for others is that I do what makes ME happy; simple.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mother and father deserve ALL the credit. Without them, who knows? Thank you Mom. Thank you Dad.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.edgaresteves.com
- Email: blanksquareproductions@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgaresteves/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edgarestevess/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/edgarestevess
- Other: www.blanksquareproductions.com
Image Credit:
Photography by Blank Square Productions
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