Meet EJ Alvarez of Digital Dinosaur Company in Duluth

Today we’d like to introduce you to EJ Alvarez.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always enjoyed great entertainment and I honestly never envisioned working in the film industry. It all started with a computer my parents bought me in 1999, which broke down so much that I had to learn to fix it myself. Believe it or not, I would go on working in IT for the next 9 years after fixing my computer so many times. I have always had a drive to make things happen no matter the stress or time spent, as long as it was successful or a learning experience in the end. Long story short, coming from poverty and watching my family constantly struggle, I decided to teach myself technology and business skills and promised myself that I would not stop until I made a successful career in the entertainment industry. I chose to tell stories.

From IT to music and from photography to motion picture, I went from working in IT to learning most of Adobe’s software and decided to put my creative side of my brain to work. Living from small job to small job, I was able to secure a job as a production assistant where I would learn the process and the gear. I then got bumped up to camera assistant, until I was finally working as a second shooter on various type of gigs. I figured out that the making of music was not so different from the making of film, as they both trigger emotion, one by the visuals and the other by the sounds. I started as an editor and successfully acquired paid work to pursue my vision. I learned that in order to succeed in the industry and create a real career, I would have to start doing whatever it took, no sleep and a lot of coffee and research to make it happen, and so I did and Digital Dinosaur Company was born.

From 2012, the beginning of my company, and 2014, I would only get a total of 9 days off and barely any sleep. Thinking about it now, it sounds insane – but it was worth it. I have now balanced my life and I have learned to create video projects from beginning to end. I have now successfully directed, edited short form and long form film, created commercials, and shot and edited over 300 videos in the past 4 years. Most importantly, I would have never been able to achieve my place in this world today without my family, friends and mentors along the way.

My goal is to keep working and learning in the industry from my peers and providing visuals and sound that will inspire, make you cry, but most importantly, get the foundation of the vision across for a successful final project.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If I had to describe the ride to where I am at today, I would say that it has been a bumpy and adventurous ride. I started with no money, up to my neck in debt from bad choices and feeling like the only way out- was to find a way out and not wait until the way showed itself. I would dose off in front of my computer educating myself to take the next steps in growing the company.

I still struggle with finding time to do everything that needs to be done every day but I have also educated myself to make better choices, not only to focus better but to have a healthier lifestyle. In the beginning, sleeping was not an option but now sleeping is a must.

I have met people that have blown me away with their way of thinking and learned that you are the only one holding you back from your own happiness and success.

Digital Dinosaur Company – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Digital Dinosaur Company (DDC) can only be described as a video catering company just for you. We are built from a service to the people set of mind. As a business, we are for the people, but the DDC was built with the vision of creating a place where people can come in and learn, experience and create their own ideas, while bringing them to life in the process. Part of the belief for our future is to create an education system for future generations, as we are all born creative but with different talents.

I specialize in the film process and customer service to our clients. My role changes depending on the project. I work with a specialized team of individuals that make big productions feel like a breeze. I have directed commercials, edited documentaries and short films and always work in the audio department creating sound design and working with composers. I am known for getting it done!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is living and feeling free. Traveling the world while working in what you love doing. Taking care of your family now and not later and doing all you want to do today and not tomorrow. Grounding yourself and surrounding yourself with amazing people that inspire you and have the same ambitions you have. Helping others find themselves through my experiences and leaving an inspiring mark for future generations.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2180 Satellite Blvd.
  Suite 400
  Duluth, GA 30097
• Website: digitaldinosaur.co
• Phone: 9173274277
• Email: ej@digitaldinosaur.co
• Instagram: ej_alvarez
• Facebook: ejalvarezfilms