Meet Josiah Persad | Filmmaker & Director

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

Hi Josiah, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m currently based in Atlanta, GA, but I come from the beautiful Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. My background and upbringing in this vibrant region have significantly shaped who I am today, especially when it comes to my passion for film production and visual storytelling. Growing up amidst the rich culture, diverse landscapes, and vibrant communities of the Caribbean, I was inspired to dive into the world of art & filmmaking.

Living in the Caribbean also instilled in me a strong work ethic and resilience. Pursuing my passion in the film industry demanded dedication and perseverance, but the challenges I faced in this nurturing environment motivated me to push harder and strive for excellence.

To further enhance my knowledge in film, I moved to Atlanta and pursued a B.F.A. in Film & Television at Savannah College of Art & Design, which broadened my global perspective and allowed me to merge my Caribbean roots with international influences. This blend of cultural influences enriches my storytelling capabilities and allows me to connect with audiences from all around the world.

Currently, I am the founder and director of Twin Island Company, an award-winning production company. I’ve had the opportunity to create over 50 industry professional music videos and commercials, and I’ve been able to work on many film sets across the United States.

Looking ahead, my goal is to establish myself as one of the top creative filmmakers and entrepreneurs in the industry. I’m driven by the desire to continue delivering exceptional quality content that resonates with audiences and fulfills clients’ unique requirements. My journey as a filmmaker is deeply rooted in my Caribbean heritage, and I aim to share the beauty of diverse perspectives through the powerful medium of visual storytelling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Filmmaking can be tough, because it contains so much problem solving to get the desired shot or scene – but it’s also exciting as we get to deal with so much industries, connect with different people, and see new places. I definitely think out of all the projects I’ve worked on, my favorite type of productions are music videos.

As a music video director, I focus on understanding and capturing the energy of my subject/artist in the creative process. For me, it’s not just about producing visually appealing videos; it’s about infusing each project with a unique quality or characteristic that aligns with the artist and song. Getting to know artists from different genres around the world gives me a new perspective every time; seeing how each artist thinks and creates their music drives me to explore more into my own creativity.

One thing that stood out to me as an artist/filmmaker myself, is that there is no competition if your goal is to create what you love; competition only exists if your goal is to be better than someone else. Success becomes a personal and meaningful concept when it’s tied to creating what you love, and as artists we should determine what defines success. This mindset can surely help emphasize personal growth, improve originality, and it can even help create a friendly environment for collaborations with other creatives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely recommend going to Trinidad & Tobago!

Trinidad and Tobago is a wonderful travel destination with a unique blend of Caribbean culture, natural beauty, and vibrant experiences. Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting:

1. Rich Culture and Festivals: Trinidad and Tobago boasts a diverse cultural heritage influenced by African, Indian, European, and indigenous traditions. The country is known for its lively festivals like Carnival, one of the largest and most spectacular celebrations in the world. It’s an explosion of color, music, and dance that you won’t want to miss.

2. Stunning Beaches: Tobago, in particular, is renowned for its stunning beaches with clear blue waters, soft sand, and picturesque landscapes. Whether you want to relax by the water, go snorkeling, or even try your hand at surfing, Tobago’s beaches offer a range of activities for beach lovers.

3. Breathtaking Nature: Trinidad and Tobago are blessed with natural beauty. From lush rainforests and wildlife-rich nature reserves in Trinidad to coral reefs and untouched coastlines in Tobago, nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore and admire.

4. Delicious Cuisine: The local food in Trinidad and Tobago is a culinary delight. Don’t miss the chance to savor dishes like roti, crab & dumplings, doubles, callaloo, and bake and shark. The vibrant mix of flavors will tantalize your taste buds.

Additionally, apart from the tourist attractions, you can meet and connect with so artists and creative minds, especially around the Carnival scene! You’d definitely want to take your camera to document your trip.

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?
There’s so much people that come to mind who have helped me along my career so far, but I’d like to shoutout my wife, Rachael. She’s been a major inspiration for me to create and to stay motivated. With her also being a creative, we’ve formed an environment around us, surrounded by art and new ideas. She’s also been my number #1 supporter who celebrates my smallest achievements, and that goes a long way – especially when work gets overwhelming. Thank you Rachael!

Website: www.twinislandcompany.com

Instagram: @josiahpersadfilms