Meet Marques (Keese) Mosley | Cinematographer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marques (Keese) Mosley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marques (Keese), we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my own company because I felt trapped. After graduating from college I applied to many jobs in the creative field, and after months of applications and interviews I had no luck with a job offer. I was discouraged and unsure what to do with my life. I felt embarrassed about the possibility of working a job that didn’t utilize my degree, but I needed a way to support myself. A classic story, I turned to selling weed to make ends meet. I ended up receiving a felony and putting myself in a worse position than I was in in the first place. I was then forced to work manual labor jobs in order to survive. It weighed heavy on me physically but more so mentally. I felt like I was losing myself, battling depression. I desperately wanted freedom. I quit my job not knowing what I was going to do, but knowing I was going to do something. After a year or so of trying out any and everything that could lead me to freedom, I eventually found myself with a camera in my hands, and felt the pull of the universe urging me to capitalize on the opportunity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey has involved playing D-1 football, graduating from college, becoming a felon, working in a warehouse, then starting my own company, feeling passionate about what I do everyday, and becoming financially stable. It’s been anything but easy, but one thing I know for sure is that anything’s possible. Even if you find yourself in a situation where it feels like there’s no hope, with tenacity and consistency you can find the light again. My company is the outcome of many days of heartache and tears but also drive and desire that allowed me to remain persistent through any and all of the obstacles. The one thing I’d like people to take from my story is that you are not defined by your past – everyday you wake up is a day you get to choose who you want to be.

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?
A list of things I would suggest doing while staying in LA

Visit Mr Brainwash Art Museum
Hike to Griffith Observatory
Bowl at Highland Park Bowl
Watch a movie in Highland Park Theater
Go eat at For the Win burger
Pick up some tacos from Viva Taco Azteca Taco Truck in Highland Park

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?
First I want to shout out my brother Dominique. He’s a big part of why I started learning more about cameras, and played a pivotal role in the early stages of starting the company by being a resource and lending a hand wherever he can. Secondly, I want to give thanks to my wife, Leigh, who encouraged me to go all in on starting my own production company.

Website: orangetreevisionz@gmail.com

Instagram: instagram.com/otv.prod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marques-mosley-5b5395198/

Youtube: youtube.com/@orangetreevisionz

Image Credits
Carlos Esquer, Enrique Batist