Meet Trey Terpeluk | Founder of Yo Productions

We had the good fortune of connecting with Trey Terpeluk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trey, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
As a filmmaker and creative, one word sticks out to me and our work at Yo Productions – authenticity. Authenticity is a powerful value and principle in the world of art and creativity. It allows for the creation of meaningful and impactful works that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Authenticity is about being true to oneself and expressing one’s unique perspective and voice in a genuine way. I lost my father as a teen and having to deal with that grief and being diagnosed with Grand Mal Epilepsy at 18 was no easy feat. Cinema has been there for me since a young age – I remember having many birthday parties at the movie theater leading to later in life feeling I found what I loved most – genuine and authentic art. The filmmakers behind the scene, the writing that gives life to characters, the musical stories within each film that grip emotions, and the powerful acting making audiences laugh or cry, create this beautiful and poetic dance that, to me, is the highest form of art. When artists create from a place of authenticity, it allows for a level of emotional depth and resonance that cannot be achieved through superficial trends or gimmicks.

Reflecting back, I found myself identifying with those authentic moments in film and correlated them to moments in my life. That’s authenticity. It’s the tonal stories – the books, documentaries, music, and films, that are pure and original that have always resonated with me. It’s not about what’s trending right now, it’s the passion behind each moment in that process.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Yo Productions is all about full authenticity, negative corniness, and optimizing audience resonation. We’re here for the story, we’re story-serving in whatever way that might call for – a documentary, a film, a tv series, you name it. We’re not pigeonholed to one form of storytelling, it’s whatever form of art it calls for. We don’t aim for the most trending thing at the time, we are creating real and passionate stories. Starting Yo was an internal challenge too, but thankfully, I had a wonderful support system around me (Thank you, Mom!). I also have to credit my mentor, David Carmen, he taught me never to forget to ‘operate at the speed of change.’ If I wasn’t doing that, then I’m not staying within culture and connecting with the authentic stories that deserve to be told. That’s why I’m so moved by the novels, and the music, it’s the genuineness that is so inspirational. I have to say it also took a lot of self-realization and overcoming doubt. As funny as this sounds, I had to think, if Justin Bieber and all these other great young artists can write songs at 14, then why can’t I become a filmmaker in my early 20s? I had to believe in myself first. To take the leap and just bite the bullet.

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.
To be honest, I’m a bit of a homebody. It’s this whole rock and a hard place, I’m energized by the creative people around me, but I also love to just breathe at home. But, some places you could find me are at the Laurel Canyon Country Store every morning or at Pause trying to keep my mind & body together. I’d also recommend The Comedy Store after dinner or The Hobbyist on Melrose any day – they have some great finds. If you want a real cocktail, a nice bite, and some Led Zeppelin go to the Alibi Room. You’ll likely find me there often too. However, one of my absolute favorite places to go is Lake Shrine in the Palisades. It’s where I go to Zen out and just reconnect with myself – I highly recommend it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
​​Lou Reed was a pioneering musician and songwriter who helped shape the sound of rock and roll. He was known for his raw and honest lyrics, which explored themes of love, loss, addiction, and urban life in a way that was equally as gritty as it was poetic. His work with the Velvet Underground, as well as his solo career, has influenced countless musicians and artists over the years, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of creatives. What I can say is that Lou Reed’s artistry and creativity serve as a testament to the power of expressing oneself authentically and fearlessly. His willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventions, both musically and lyrically, has paved the way for countless artists who have followed in his footsteps. Reed showed me through his writings a path to opening up, how to find my passion, and how to realize self-acceptance. His music also serves as a reminder of the ways in which art can serve as a means of self-expression and as a reflection of the world around us.
I have to mention Garry Shandling whose work and life story has had a profound impact on me. As a comedian and writer, he was known for his innovative and self-aware approach to humor. His gift was his ability to connect with audiences.
Garry’s outlook on life and his Zen mindset are certainly inspiring, and his ability to find humor in even the most challenging situations is a testament to his resilience and creativity. His work on “The Larry Sanders Show” is a true masterpiece, and his ability to create complex and fully realized characters that were both funny and relatable is a testament to his talent as a writer and performer. When I watched the documentary on Gary, I was 15 minutes into it and saw that he went to my alma mater, the University of Arizona, I pushed pause and called my Mom and said I had to move to LA.

Website: https://www.yo.productions/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treyterp/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trey-terpeluk-74a597208 & https://www.linkedin.com/company/yoproductions/

Image Credits
Still 1 – Tyler Ford Still 2 – Max Loeb Still 3 – Tyler Ford Still 4 – Tyler Ford Still 5 – Lens Media House Still 6 – Tyler Ford Still 8 – Tyler Ford Headshot – Courtesy of Yo Productions