Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrico Alston.
Hi Derrico, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Creating something out of nothing is very satisfying; knowing that others can benefit from what I’ve created is in itself a reward. Being creative was a huge part of my childhood. For some, it’s the only way they know how to express their feelings and emotions.
For me, it’s the freedom of transforming everyday struggles, passion, joy, and thought into a digestible creation and the thought of a story. Visions or creations influencing and shifting ways of thought are what drove me in the path of directing music videos, short films, and promos.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I had a road of least resistance. I was destined to be a filmmaker/music video director, so I had a connection in the industry already due to my doing social media marketing for artists in the music industry. I was always being approached to shoot a music video for someone. So since this kept happening, I was like maybe God is telling me this is what I should be doing. I already have experience in the film industry anyway.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
With backgrounds in design, photography, and video production, my mission was to change the game with fresh, unprecedented content that represented who I am, where I came from, and where I knew media was headed. By identifying emerging trends and unsung potential in the marketplace, I am able to outmaneuver all the old media obstacles by paving my own lane. Simply put: I work harder, faster, and smarter. And I still do.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’ve been influenced by a lot of people to follow my passion for film. I used to attend film classes at Georgia State with a friend who was enrolled there. Watching the professor dissect a film, explain the structure of a film, and how the lighting, camera movement, and angles help invoke emotions was amazing to me!
This was my introduction to the world of cinematography. Because of this, I enrolled in classes that certified me in Cinematography and NYU Tisch online for the Film and TV Industry Essentials Diploma. I soon started shooting music videos for independent artists to help add visuals to their music. I would like to thank the artist Tiara Nicole (@TiaraNicole) for introducing me to the music industry and showing me the game.
I really want to thank another entrepreneur, Monique Ireland (@headofthehouseinteriors), co-owner of Head of the House Interior Designs, for guiding me in the process of establishing my own business and motivating me to not give up. Thanks, Babe! Also, my nephews, Zaire and Darien, assisted me in the beginning as I built my portfolio.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://derricoalston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derricoalston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derricoalston
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/derricoalston
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@derricoalston
Image Credits
@BeenOxy and @Derricoalston
