We had the good fortune of connecting with Timothy Kline and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Timothy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The way I treat the people, clients, crew and everyone in my life on a daily basis is by far the most important factor behind my success as a person as well as the Hilo Motion Pictures brand. I used to measure my success on how much money I had, car I drove and the “usual suspects” of the old 80’s and 90’s perception of success. Those unrealistic expectations especially as a young first time business owner proved to be a long spiral down to a bottomless pit of humility and self realization.
My new perception of success started with a lot of personal internal work, meditation and learning the true meaning behind listening and communication. Being grounded in kindness, compassion and empathy has allowed me to connect with clients and partners on levels I had never experienced. “They” say business isn’t personal but I disagree. I think everything is personal in my life when it comes to human connections.
Our video production sets are fun! They are positive vibes, laughter and smiles. Im not saying we dont work hard, but the biggest success is when a client calls me directly after the filming day and tells me how wonderful of an experience they had. This happens on the majority of every video production project we shoot where a client or partner is present. They elaborate on the positive experience they had and often times single out individual Hilo crew members to communicate the actions they took to make them feel safe, valued and how that lead to such a positive experience for them and their team.
Its an Inside job! My truth is that when I change my insides… the external world changes to match. This holds true in every aspect of business as well. Constant work on myself allows the leadership skills to create the most positive work environment for everyone to flourish, create and have memorable life experiences. The people in my life are everything to me and the amount of love you feel on the Hilo Motion Picture sets is by far the true meaning of success in my humble opinion.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Making everything a cinematic experience is really at the core of my vision. Being inside the and getting to experience the same feelings as whats going on in the scene is a big driver for me. I humbly cannot claim my vision on projects as I feel it comes from another place. Like a gift. It comes when I need it and am creating and allows me to see a film production from start to finish with every detail down to the final edit in a quick flash. I never set out to be in the video production industry. It just kinda chose me one day and I never was the same. I had a camera in my hand every day for the first 5 years and would edit anything I could everyday. I was in love with the whole production side and wanted to learn everything. Along the way I learned every side and aspect of a production. Lighting, sound, editing, CGI, directing, producing….you name it I was passionate about learning it. Its made directing our film sets much easier with the ability to empathize with everyone and their particular job. It also allows me to trouble shoot and supply the proper tools for our teams success. Ive learned patience and staying humble on set with kindness and compassion at the core makes for a smooth day. I go up to everyone on the set when it starts and make sure they know Im here if they need anything first and foremost. Keeping everyone on a positive connected level while laying proper boundaries and structure. There is a unique balance while I am on a set and it can go sideways at any second. A little peace and serenity when a challenge and problem arises turns an issue into a solution so much faster.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is no question that Fashion Island Circle would kick off the day! Besides the shopping which is super unique, the people watching is incredible. Quick stop at Reborn coffee for an Ethiopia cold brew and a drive down PCH through Crystal Cove to Laguna Beach! Dinner at Mastros is the the cliche thing to say but Its the best spot in town next To Red O which is my favorite spot for the Tablita for 2! Paddle boarding at NAC on the back bay and from there, back home for a nice walk through the Port streets green belt to kick in the zen vibes. Night life since the recent changes has usually lead me to Rothschilds where the vibe is always super upbeat or the Port for live music!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Everyone along my journey in life has made me who I am today. Wether it be failure or success, they are all the same to me as they have molded me into the best version of myself. That said, my mentor Bart has been such a game changer in my life. I learned that I could be a creative filmmaker and a business owner simultaneously. He helped me step into the CEO roll of Hilo Motion Pictures and create a proper structure for success. My Crew has really made such a monumental difference in my life on a personal and business level. They set the tone on our sets and their interaction with the client has lead to so much new projects and expanded levels of connection with our partners. My childhood friend Wes who expanded my horizons creatively into the video production field and helped me understand a lot of aspects of epic filmmaking.
Last but never least, our clients and partners that keep our wheels spinning and constantly challenge us creatively!
Website: https://hilomotionpictures.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilomotionpictures/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hilo-motion-pictures
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hilomotionpictures/
Youtube: https://vimeo.com/hilomotionpictures