Meet robert meeks | Business Owner, Director, DP

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

Hi robert, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I first began thinking about what I wanted to do for a living, I was kind of all over the place. You know, when you’re a young kid you think about being a police officer, a fireman, a doctor or a lawyer. At least I did. But, at age ten, my mom recognized I spent hours on end watching movies and getting captivated by the worlds they lived in. So naturally one sunday morning at church, a bulletin was handed out and inside had a section that read “video volunteers needed.” My mom looked at me, smiled, showed me the bulletin and said, “I think you should try this. You love movies! Maybe you’ll like this!” and the rest was history. We went up to the video booth after Sunday service and I asked some questions as I watched them show us the video equipment and I was captivated. I knew from then on that I wanted to work in film and have a studio some day. That was in 2001. I spent many years volunteering at the church, learning and developing my skillset until I felt comfortable enough to start photographing and filming for clients and charging them for it. I started my freelance career at 22 years old while taking some classes at my local college and working full time, while also being in a relationship. At 27 I quit my (several) jobs and dove into my filmmaking career. By 28 I was consistently booking gigs and moved to LA to learn grip and electric in the film industry to take my film career to the next level. It worked. This year, at 30 years old, I started my production company and opened a production studio in Riverside, CA. For ten years I knew I would open something in downtown Riverside. It finally happened. I have many plans with this studio and my businesses. One of which is to provide a space for others interested in filmmaking and photography to rent the space and have access to all kinds of very high end / expensive equipment they would otherwise not have access to. I’ll be holding educational seminars and events, creator workshops, film festivals, allowing people to come see my own productions being created, the list goes on and on. I will partner with all the local high schools and colleges to let them know what their students will now be able to utilize to further their own education and careers. I’ve already been blessed to bring on a few people to join my team and I am looking forward to expanding that team very soon! One thing I am very much look forward to is bringing the film industry to the Inland Empire, not everything has to happen in Los Angeles.

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 likely take them through the best destinations of southern california. The best scenery in the mountains, the best hiking trails with views above the clouds. Down to the city and get some coffee and food before heading to the beach for some surfing, skating and bon fire. Just having a blast going around making memories. Sometimes it’s not even about the destination, just the journey and the company you have along the way.

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?
The people that helped me the most in the process of my career deserve every bit of this shoutout and so much more! First, my Mom, Connie Meeks. She saw my passion for film before anyone else, including myself. I truly believe she was inclined by God to put me on this track and it has been a success! Secondly, Ken Sanders, my mentor at the church who taught me the fundamentals. Third, Ali Mazarei, who taught me the hustle and grind of business entrepreneurship and being a business owner. Fourth, Daniel Kagle, who showed me that cameras, lenses and all those toys are worthless without lighting. Daniel taught me how and why to light and I am forever grateful for all the opportunities on set he brought me to. All of these people play vital roles in my career. But, nobody deserves as much credit as God Himself… He has blessed me tremendously and continues to show me the right path to take, all the while allowing me to try and fail at things on my own.

Instagram: @modernmeeks @meeksstudio