Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Foley.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began shooting simple run, and gun styled music videos my Sophomore year of High School in Chicago using an entry-level DSLR that had barely any video settings. I then began shooting free music videos for local artists in the hip/hop scene.
Before long, I compiled my body of work into a short reel, created a website, and a brand in which I was able to start charging for my time and work. With each new client came more of them, and with each paycheck, came new equipment as I was investing for the future.
So coming from a decent background and shooting experience, I had a bit of an edge coming into college for film. I took what I knew and eventually transitioned from the one-man-band styled shooter to a director/DP on larger film sets. I was hiring and being hired by the people I went to school with and grew with as film-makers.
After graduation, I myself continue to do what I was doing in my High School years, only on a bigger scale, and even though the journey has just really begun, I couldn’t be happier that this dream of mine has come true.
Being fully sustainable messing around with friends creating content for brands such as Sony Entertainment and artists such as Rich The Kid, Migos, Fetty Wap, Shaggy, and others. All while inspiring the viewers.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The journey has been slow and steady but absolutely rewarding and is still growing.
Anyone who’s been in the film or entertainment industry at all will tell you that it really does take blood, sweat, and tears to really make it. I’ve had to miss out on countless college experiences like partying, outings, and other social events to spend more time on the craft.
I went to an art school, so already, the party scene was presumed smaller. Which is really fine with me because it also eliminated many factors that could’ve gotten me off track.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Hued Productions / Patrick 4D – what should we know?
Up until a couple of years ago, my sole priority lied within the production company Hued Productions. My role, for the most part, consisted of Director, Director of Photography, and Producer. Doing everything from putting together the shoots, to writing treatments, to actually shooting and editing them all in one. That was really the only option when starting from nothing, and I’m glad it was because it taught me to understand a little bit of everything in the line of the film.
I would say I’m most known for my DP (Director of Photography work) as I’ve been known to get really stylistic with colors and lighting when on set. That is also why I enjoy the branded content and music videos more because you can get creative and not be limited by realistic expectations.
On a Separate Note… Towards the middle of college, I became interested in 3D visual art. I started an Instagram account in which I posted daily abstract but hyper-realistic art.
The page has since gained much traction, to the point where I started making my own online classes and even custom contracted jobs. I was also featured by Adobe, Photoshop, and the motion designers community on Instagram. This has all helped the page to grow and become followed by more than 36,000 beautiful people.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are a few people that made the journey much smoother for me.
Pat Potokar – My Digital Imaging/Video Art teacher in High School was one of the main reasons I thought to look at SCAD and even pursue any creative career. It was also in these classes that I discovered my first DSLR, which was the segway into shooting.
Michael Kinney – This man took over as my greatest mentor at SCAD, as he would spend after-class hours answering any production questions I ever had, encouraged me to submit to film festivals, and even helped with long and dreadful client/label paperwork readings I had to go over.
Nothing taught me how to be a more successful director, DP, or general crew member than his strict policies and his blunt constructive criticism. Allowing no students special treatments and extended deadlines showed me that it was truly about first impressions and work ethic in this industry.
My Parents – Joseph and Sophia Foley never questioned my creative career goals, not even once. Of course, they preferred I get a steady-paying job out the gate, but never questioned my aspirations to enter a creative industry, even knowing that they both were in more corporate settings their entire lives. Once they began to see proof that being self-employed could really pay the bills, they changed their mindset on working for someone else from the gate. Love you guys!
Christina Maloney – This woman really came out of nowhere but nevertheless, was so instrumental to my success as a 3d visual artist. Christina is a renowned motion-media professor at SCAD, and although I never actually took any of the classes SCAD offered regarding 3d, she was generous enough to help me out with a student license of Cinema 4D, the program I use now on an everyday basis to create.
So honestly, without her, I can’t say I would’ve been able to fully pursue this secondary industry I fell into. Thank you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.huedproductions.com/
- Email: Pat.james.foley@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrick_4d/?hl=en
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
