Meet Tim Cruz | Feature Film Director & Photographer

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

Hi Tim, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Moving from Manila to New York at the age of eight marked the beginning of a journey that profoundly shaped both my personal and professional identity. In the bustle of the city, my family, like many immigrants, embraced the ethos of hard work and resilience. My mother, a dedicated nurse, and my father, a wedding photographer, instilled in me the essence of the grind—the relentless pursuit of dreams against all odds.

Growing up, I quickly learned the value of contributing to my family’s collective dream. Assisting my father at weddings, I was not just loading film into cameras or setting up lights; I was absorbing the art of storytelling through the lens of a camera. This early exposure to photography and videography laid the groundwork for my creative aspirations.

As I grew older, my father’s mentorship evolved into a partnership where I became a second shooter, and eventually, he entrusted me with a video camera. It propelled me into exploring my creative boundaries, leading me to craft short films with friends and delve into the intricacies of video editing during my free time.

My journey took a significant turn when I joined the Future Filmmakers program at NYU. It provided mentorship from accomplished filmmakers and introducing me to a community of underrepresented students. It was here that I honed my craft and solidified my resolve to forge a career in production.

The transition from assisting in wedding shoots to producing music videos and commercials, and eventually directing, was fueled by the immigrant ethos of perseverance and the desire to prove my belonging in the competitive world of filmmaking. Each step forward was a testament to the hard work and sacrifices of my family, and a reflection of my commitment to pursuing excellence in my craft.
They taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. They have been my guiding light, pushing me to continually evolve as a storyteller and as an individual in the film industry.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As I wrap up the spotting session for my sixth feature film, ‘What Happens in Miami,’ I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. This journey as a director, started fifteen years ago in the world of music videos. Transitioning through commercials and short-form content, my directorial debut in feature films in 2018 marked the beginning of a specialized career in genre filmmaking. My style—focusing on atmospheric suspense, grounded performances, dynamic blocking, and the meticulous crafting of tension—has become a testament to the evolution of my craft.

What’s fascinating about this journey is the continuous learning curve; every day is an opportunity to refine and add to my repertoire of skills. Embracing a posture of discovery has been pivotal in my development as an artist. I’ve learned the value of collaboration and the power of sourcing creativity not solely from within but from the rich tapestry of stories and perspectives that surround us. This approach has helped mitigate the often self-imposed pressures of creating ex nihilo, reminding me that we, as artists, are also interpreters and narrators of the human experience.

The journey hasn’t been devoid of challenges. Beyond the financial uncertainties inherent in a creative profession, I’ve grappled with imposter syndrome, frequently questioning my choices and capabilities. However, overcoming these doubts has been a development of personal acceptance and learning to trust in the uniqueness of my story and vision. Central to this journey has been my wife, Stephanie Wagner, whose unwavering support and creative insight have significantly enriched my work. Her perspective on visual composition and design has challenged me to explore new dimensions in storytelling.

Looking ahead, my aspirations stretch beyond directing feature films. I aim to venture into episodic television, with the ultimate goal of helming my own series.

My films, are available on platforms like Tubi and various VOD services. Hope you check them out.

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.
Id most likely take you to pickleball at Plummer park in West Hollywood or Allendale in Pasadena. LA has some of my fav eats I’m sure we’d take a trip for some sushi at Sugarfish, or bagels at Courage. I love the Lacma Museum and the Broad and we’d def catch a movie at The Vista.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Producers Guild of America’s Power of Diversity Scholarship was an incredible mentorship that helped shape so much of how I pitch, present and finish a project. It was a game changing experience the helped level up my career. Led at the time by Julie Janata, Christina Lee Storm and Sasheen Artis

Website: https://timcruzlovesyou.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timcruzlovesyou/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcruzlovesyou/