We had the good fortune of connecting with Jayden Braley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jayden, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Honestly it would have to be just how time consuming filmmaking is. It takes a lot of planning, a lot of communicating, and a lot of patience.
Every person I work with is totally different from the last person. Not in a negative way by any means, but in regards to personality, tastes in videos/music, and just their overall style of music.
Also I think that a lot of people don’t realize that every videographer has their own style, and not all of them can offer the same kind of videos. Some videographers love to use lots of effects, some like to keep it more on the simple side. Neither style is bad at all, but sometimes you have to talk with a few different videographers to see if their style would match your vision.
I feel that it is sometimes expected that every videographer can do the same exact things, and that’s just not the case. That’s what makes it such a beautiful thing and I absolutely love seeing all the different styles.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The music video industry is a VERY competitive industry to be in. There are new and amazing videographers popping up all the time, and it’s so easy to get lost in the crowd. I feel what makes me stand out just little bit is the fact that I focus more on the cinematic aspect of a music video. I like slowing down the feel of the video just a little bit more instead of it being BANG BANG BANG super fast paced. I really enjoy finding the perfect locations and making the video very visually appealing. Basically, I like adding storytelling to a video if I’m given the chance to.
How I got to where I am today was not easy at all. I live in LA County so if you’re gonna be a videographer, you better be freaking good enough to stand out at least a little bit. Even now, I’m not exactly where I’d like to be, but you can bet your butt that I am way further than I was 2 years ago.
One thing I’ve learned along the way is to be able to just say no to certain projects. Whether it be that you don’t have the time to take it on, it’s not something you can really put your all in it, or whatever the case may be, just buck up and say no. Yes, sometimes people will get mad at you for it, but as long as you turn something down in a respectful way, you can’t be expected to please everybody all the time.
I want people to know that Greys Multimedia is coming up. I feel that I can offer something different, something new. I’m really excited to see what will happen in the coming years.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well the beautiful thing about my town (Altadena) is that it’s far enough away from all the noise of downtown LA, but it’s really not far at all.
Here’s my list of fun activities:
1. Any hiking trails in Altadena. All of them are truly amazing.
2. Pasadena City Hall. Just because Parks & Recreation was filmed there haha!
3. Fair Oaks Burger (AMAZING food)
4. The historic working payphone. Need I say more? Look it up on google maps! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, BIG shoutout to my wonderful wife Kierstyn. She has stood by my side through all the ups and downs of my career. She’s always been super supportive of me and helps snap me out of it when I feel like giving up.
Secondly I would love to give a huge shout out to my parents. They have always been so supportive of my endeavors and are always the first ones to give me the advice that I NEED to hear, even if it’s not always what I want to hear.
And lastly I would like to give a shout out to my friends, the ones who have always stood by my side no matter what, who have listened to my rambling BS on many occasions, and who never gave up on me. I’m not always the easiest person to be around, but there have been a good handful of people that have been in my life for many many years, and I am so grateful for you guys.
Website: jaybraley.wixsite.com/greysmultimedia
Instagram: @greysmultimedia
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjn3xjFrUNu6srWLVUn58ZA
Image Credits
Jason Lindley