Daily Inspiration: Meet Read Lucas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Read Lucas

Hi Read, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been a storyteller and a humorist. My earliest childhood memory was setting up a joke. Whenever I gulped down a glass of juice my mom would ask “Were you thirsty or what?” and one day the punchline struck my three-year-old self. I eagerly asked mom for a drink, downed it in front of her and when she asked that question I boldly replied, “I was the what!” I’ve been writing and making shorts since I was nine years old. Originally, Read2Reel was my photography brand and I started by shooting grad pics for my classmates at University of West Georgia. I love building and supporting my friends and fellow creatives with roles that will be vehicles for them and their careers. At the height of our success, I want us to be able to look back on a long, mutually beneficial relationship. I founded Read2Reel Productions five years ago to produce my short films and now do everything from music videos to wedding videos and professional storyboarding to independent commercials.

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?
It’s been a winding uphill drive. Sometimes there’s a brick on the gas pedal. Other times I’ve had to get out and push. But I’m always going forward. The path is scenic and one of the many bends I discovered a new passion. A few gigs with Cindy Lucas Photography during school picture day led to me finding a job in education. I’m entering my third year as a 3rd grade interrelated teacher. I love equiping my students with skills and knowledge that will help them academically, socially and mentally. It can be frustrating often but it’s highly rewarding. My students have taught me a lot about myself and helped me grow more patience. I’m a few credits away from earning a Masters Degree in Special Education!

It’s a long road too and sometimes I start a project unable to see over the next hill. I’ve had several short films that got stuck in post-production/editing limbo. “Kickbackers” was the first major short film I attempted and one of my biggest learning experiences. In September 2021, my best friend Michael Minor passed away and “Kickbackers” was one of the few movies he acted prominently in. Rewatching his scenes led to me revisiting others and resume editing a project I hadn’t touched in three years. A mix of grief and growth as a filmmaker helped me to complete scenes, tie vignettes together and in a few instances reconstruct the audio track.s In December 2021, the completed “Kickbackers” was released with 98% original footage. It was dedicated to the beloved memory of Mike.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Whether it’s a photoshoot or a music video, I work with all budgets to create something unique and imaginative. If my name is on it, I’m going to make you look good so we look good. My latest film “Anticupid” is a personal favorite. It illustrates the beginning of the end of a new couple, as fate conspires to break up the two. However fate is an omniprescent, crossbow-wielding, malevolent Fury that breaks up couples with orchestrated situationships and flings. This was another project that got pulled from limbo after scheduling conflicts, illnesses and even anxiety. Location scouting was tricky since a large portion of the film is set on a rooftop ledge. Much of this visually-striking short was captured on green screen. This experience made me level up my keying and masking skills.

From planning to execution to editing, I’m a jack of all trades. I have an eclectic taste in music, movies and books and draw inspiration from everything. I would love to immortalize your vision with a visual.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
A little bit of luck, but a whole lot of God. It’s God’s blessings that allowed me to grow and prosper and hone my talents into skills. I am thankful for all my family and friends and everyone who supports me. I am highly appreciative of everyone who has been in the cast or crew of a Read2Reel film, modeled for my lens and trusted me to bring a vision to life.

Pricing:

• Photoshoots start at $333
• Music Videos start at $444

Contact Info:

• Website: https://read2reelproductio.wixsite.com/read2reel-production
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/read2reel/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@readlucas1643

Image Credits
BosaLaNova