This month’s professional spotlight features cinematographer and owner of VIISIONS Productions, Anis Fereja. Learn more about Anis and his path to entrepreneurship.

Could you briefly explain some of your responsibilities in your current career role?

As a cinematographer my work starts long before I have to set the frame of the first shot, which at this stage is the pre-production. It’s when I have to make crucial decisions with the client about the look and feel of the visual. Also deciding on the location, equipment and lenses, as well as where the cameras will be placed during on set, what the lighting should be and when the scene will be shot. Combining my knowledge in cameras, composition and lighting I have to combine that with an artistic perspective to bring the clients vision to life.

How did you come to decide that this was the right career path for you?

I’ve spent a good portion of my life looking for creative outlets and this one just happened to cross that threshold from hobby to business. I still don’t feel like I have a job. I guess that’s how it is “doing what you love to do” is supposed to feel. Also, playing a small part in helping a client/artist achieve their goals is one of the best feelings. 

As a Cinematographer, how did you develop your skill set? 

I’m constantly looking for ways to hone my craft. Whether it’s researching online and watching in depth interviews from some of my favorite directors/filmmakers. The best way I’ve seen my skills develop, which everyone who owns a camera will agree on, is just to go out and shoot! It’s one of the best ways to really learn and master your look.

What are some of your favorite projects you’ve had the opportunity to work on? 

I would say some of the most recent projects, one of them being hired by an IT computer school, YOLL Academy. It was a great feeling to see a school wanting to work with VIISIONS Productions for their first promotional video to potentially bring on more students for their school. Other projects I’ve always loved working on were with some of my closest family and friends. It is motivating to see people in my circle wanting to create something for themselves and wanting me to be a part of their journey.

You’ve started your own Production Company called VIISIONS Productions-what do you hope to accomplish for your business within the coming year? 

We’ve tackled many projects from corporate work, events, commercials, to music videos. I’m happy that we’re able to stay consistent with the business and produce quality work for our clients and I want to continue that. I’ve wanted to continue building the brand and to soon finally put out a short film and a couple of short documentaries. I believe that this year 2021 is the right time for myself. 

It’s the start of the New Year, what are some of the ways that you remain focused on your goals with so many distractions? 

2020 has definitely been one big crazy movie. I think the most important thing I’ve learned in the past is to not let the distractions negatively impact me and my creativity. You’ll always catch me working out at the gym to get my mind off of everything in life. I do my best to take breaks and get away from my work so I never lose the joy from it. Other ways like reading and watching films keep my mental state a flow. It’s my daily routines and affirmations that keep me focused on my path and to keep everything in my life in balance. 

What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your career? 

Definitely the end result when seeing the final finished video being pushed out. Each project has its own challenges but we have to roll with the punches and do our best to complete it. It’s a great feeling to see the team and the clients with a smile on their faces after wrapping up a long day of a shoot. Takes a lot of time and energy to be able to plan everything out and to be able to be on point without any setbacks.

To date, what is your greatest professional accomplishment? 

When VIISIONS Productions became an LLC. 

What’s one piece of advice you would give someone looking to transition into your line of work? 

Be original and DO YOU. Don’t be so hard on yourself and stay patient with your craft. There are many people in the industry that are willing to provide some tips and knowledge so never be afraid to ask for help. KNOW YOUR WORTH. If you get hired for a project it’s because the client trusts you to bring their vision to life. We’re always willing to bring on people just getting into film and wanting to learn all about it!