Today we’d like to introduce you to Maurice Victor Ii
Hi Maurice, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey started before I knew it did – as a child I always captured family photos and put together slideshows of our trips, etc. Fast forward, in high school I took an extra credit class for TV Production and fell in love with video editing & film. After that I learned as much as I could and got certified in editing in Premiere Pro. From there I got my first camera in time for college and shot as much as I could (including sports videography, event, wedding, fashion, etc.). I interned with gospel music group Maverick City Music & worked for an agency before moving to Pittsburgh and working as the Director of Creative Content for Pittsburgh Women’s Basketball. In all three positions, I was able to capture photos, videos and manage social media which encountered growth. After Pittsburgh, I moved to Charlotte after launching my production company MV2 CREATIVE. From there I continued to grow with clients and other creatives that taught me lots. Now I specialize in directing brand films and commercials for brands and businesses in the fashion, fitness/sports and music space.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As with anything in life, it wasn’t a perfectly smooth or straight course. Some of the struggles that I went through were normal things like finances and stability. Freelancing isn’t guaranteed money – there are high moments and low moments, so learning to forecast and prepare for those – that was a tough journey. Additionally, I struggled with the fear of freelancing for a while before deciding to go into it. No one wants to fail, so I believe I put it off for a while because of that fear of failing. Moving to a new city can also be challenging, but thankfully I did have some friends that pulled me into projects, introduced me to people & helped me grow the business. One of my best friends also constantly hired me for projects in Atlanta, so it felt like a second home throughout the entire process.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Narrowing down what I specialize in and love to do was another difficult part of the journey. People always used to ask what kind of videographer I am and what I like to shoot and it was a hard question for the first year. Because year one is just grinding and trying to grow, so you take everything.
As I’ve shot more and learned more about what I enjoy, I’ve found that fashion/beauty is one of my favorite industries to create commercials and brand films for, along with other industries like fitness/sports brands. I also specialize in high-budget music video productions.
One of the brands that I have worked with for a long time on their campaign films is Selah Clothing Co. a (now former) ATL-based clothing/fashion brand. The work that I’ve produced with them makes me very proud because you can see the growth from the beginning to where we are now and where we continue to go. Some of my favorite videos came from campaigns with them.
Currently I am most proud of a self-funded commercial shot for a women’s sneaker-head community company called Kicks and Fros. We took 1 day to film and a few months to put together this 30 second ad that I believe is some of my best work.
I think what sets me apart is my passion for people, I love getting to know the people on set whether they are in front of or behind the camera. I like creating real community and meeting creatives that are on any part of journey. Whether they are just starting out, where I’m at, or far beyond where I am currently. It keeps me interested, learning & growing.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My best advice for networking is to not just focus on networking opportunities, but see every day and every step you take as an opportunity to meet someone that could make a big impact on your career. It’s not always the networking events where you meet the coolest people. Sometimes its just people you see on your everyday walk, or at the gym or at church. I would suggest to say yes to hangs, get togethers and things that may not relate to film or photography.
I also would say to just reach out to people! I constantly will DM creators that I find cool through IG and sometimes it leads to serious friendships, cool projects or just a great mentor to be connected with. So don’t be afraid to shoot your shot–and DON’T always lead with something they can do for you. Offer them coffee, connect and leave it there before you ask for favors, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mv2creative.co
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mv2creative
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mv2creative
Image Credits
Chris Lomartire, The Lip Bar, The W Entertainment, Hannah Walker, Kicks and Fros, Nate Diaz, Kayla Thompson, Rosco Spears, Michaela Renae, Julian Green
