J. Andrew
Moving pictures since 1997
My Philosophy
Do good work.
For more than two decades, I’ve helped brands and organizations tell their stories.
As my career has evolved, my passion for delivering for clients remains unchanged. I started my first video production company in 1997, and I’ve built three ad agencies from the ground up—including the first-ever inside of a national political committee. As an award-winning film director, and producer, I’m excited to continue delivering for my clients and the communities my clients serve.
Film & Video Production
Crafting the Future
From the early days of my childhood, a VHS camera hung from my father's shoulder, capturing moments that unfolded before my eyes. The mesmerizing streaks of light on the film ignited a surreal wonder within me. Through old family videos, I searched for traces of my father, only to realize that he was always there behind the lens—showing us the family he loved. This is the spark that ignited my passion for storytelling through movies.
As a teenager, I embarked on my creative path as a photographer's assistant. At the age of 16, I was given the chance to document a client's bar mitzvah with a more advanced VHS-C camcorder, marking the beginning of my captivating journey in videography. This craft became my primary profession well into my early twenties, until I took a temporary break from the camera. Nevertheless, my fascination with the creative potential of videos remained unyielding.
As a professional photographer and graphic designer, I reveled in the art of storytelling through portraiture and graphic works. Yet, the allure of the cinematic world persisted. Determined to pursue my lifelong dream, I made the decision to return to school where I first earned an Associate’s degree in Film, Television and Electronic media from City College of San Francisco, before transferring to San Francisco State University’s School of Cinema—where I had earned my Bachelor of Arts. Embarking on a new chapter of growth, I am pursuing my Master of Fine Arts in Cinema Production. To me, filmmaking is the most captivating medium for weaving narratives, a passion that has flowed within me since before I could even walk.
Throughout my filmmaking journey, I feel fortunate to witness the warm reception of my work, which continues to spur me forward in this magnificent realm of collaboration and creation. In 2020, I founded Liberty Lane Films with a mission to craft
thought-provoking narrative and documentary films through the power of impactful visual storytelling. Our films have exhibited all over the world, and won awards in Europe and the United States. Whether is a story-driven narrative film, or documentary work for nonprofit clients, we partner with our clients to deliver above and beyond.
With each project, I embrace the opportunity to push the boundaries of storytelling, to venture into the unexplored frontiers of narrative. Today, as an award-winning movie director and producer, I am committed to crafting powerful stories that resonate deeply with audiences, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds. The cinematic universe is my canvas, and I am thrilled to continue evolving as an artist in this wondrous, collaborative art form.
If you want to leverage my cinematic powers for your project or idea, say hello.
Branding + Design + Digital Strategy
Design. Inspire. Transform.
Good design is easy to spot. Great design is invisible.
When it comes to branding and website design, the transformative power of exceptional design becomes evident. It goes beyond mere aesthetics, creating an immersive experience that captures attention, evokes emotion, and communicates the essence of a brand. The seamless integration of visuals, typography, and user experience results in a cohesive and impactful brand identity that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
By embracing design thinking and servant leadership principles, organizations can unlock the full potential of design to make a profound impact.
Design thinking encourages a human-centered approach, focusing on understanding the needs and desires of the target audience. This enables organizations to create meaningful connections, tailor experiences, and build trust. Simultaneously, servant leadership principles foster collaboration, empathy, and a deep understanding of the end-users. When applied to design, they inspire a purpose-driven mindset that places the audience at the heart of the creative process, resulting in designs that resonate and empower.
Great design is accessible and empathetic, becoming not merely visually appealing, but rather tools that drive positive change. A well-crafted brand identity communicates the organization's values, builds credibility, and establishes a strong connection with the audience. This is what we do.
Websites are transformed into intuitive and engaging platforms, enhancing user satisfaction, and driving conversions. Through design, organizations can create memorable experiences, foster brand loyalty, and differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape.
Great design goes beyond what the eye can see, and touches something more elemental. Coupled with a comprehensive visual identity system, video and photography has the power to elevate brands, captivate audiences, and drive organizations forward.
If you want to engage us to design, inspire and transform your organization, say hello.
Photography
A Visual Odyssey
I grew up with photography in my blood. My father was an avid amateur, and my godfather is an extremely talented professional photographer. Growing up, my parent’s couldn’t afford fine art, but we did surround ourselves with pictures of our family life. The photograph serves as a historical record, and, through its visuals, it poses a question to its spectator. The question is unique to the individual because their specific context informs their interpretation of the image.
I started working for my godfather in January of 1995. It was my first job, and one I truly enjoyed. Even as my responsibilities primarily consisted of taking out the trash, filing, and taping packages of photographs for clients, I enjoyed being surrounded by so much creativity.
My nickname became “Señor Tape-Waste-A-Lot” because I effectively laminated envelopes in clear packing tape. (I got to channel this skill in my film, Dream Upon Waking.) I don’t think anyone can be around that many creative people and not feel inspired.
Photography will always be my first love. Learning to make a living as a freelance photographer was a challenge, and I didn’t always have stability in my career, but having a camera in my hands has always felt most natural. Like my father, I may not be in terribly many photos, but I like to think that I am there through the lens. You see what I see. My professional photography ranged from portrait photography and events to architectural photography and reportage.
But, as an artist, my work has been transformed by a desire to create work that is both haunting and beautiful in support of social causes. Through my exploration of time, space and color, I developed a proprietary method of photography that simulates an augmented reality. Out of this process the Anonymous Invisible Project was born. All of the images in this series were created as original images in-camera. Absolutely no adjustments have been made from the original image. Through this surrealist visual odyssey, I work to bring beauty and a deeper sense of humanity to the experience of homelessness. Though I have less time for photography, it remains an art form very dear to my heart.
I am very selective about the types of photography clients I take on. If you want to hire me as a photographer, say hello.
Let’s tell a story together!
“We are all made of stories. The cinematic art form serves its highest purpose when the audience walks away learning something about the nature of their own humanity. ”
— J. Andrew
