Meet Raphael Pier

We recently connected with Raphael Pier and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Raphael, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
To be honest I’m still not sure if I found my purpose, but I hope the path I took 6 years ago will bring me closer to answering this question. In 2018, I decided to move from Germany to New York. From the moment I saw all the various movies and TV shows located around the US, I always dreamed of living there one day, especially in NYC. I went through a series of various jobs and careers to find my footing in life before even thinking of making this move to America. These jobs ranged from hospital worker to car mechanic and from journalism to assembly line work at a brick manufacturer. While searching for my purpose in a (any) career and life, I studied business administration and economics and worked briefly in marketing, just to realize that my purpose might actually be in the arts. More specifically, in the entertainment and filmmaking world which eventually lead me to New York City. I avoid the term “filmmaking business”, because I don’t want to exclude my passion to just freely capture moments in life, noticing human stories and how people’s lives might cross with my own path, or celebrating the sheer beauty that the world still holds, all while still searching my life’s purpose. So ultimately, my search for different jobs, places to live, and generally my own understanding of my interests/passions has brought me closer to my purpose. Or at least what I think it is.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a filmmaker and almost 3 years ago I founded my own production company, ‘thepostLAB’, with a focus on post-production. I try to provide the best service for anyone who wants to make their artistic vision come true, ranging from everything from feature films, short films, commercials, music videos, and dance films. In addition to catering to my clients’ vision, I like to offer my own style and creative input to the final product as well. Especially in post-production – for example in a film – the original material shot and directed can sometimes benefit from seeing a second light of direction or a second perspective in post-production to enhance the material and message. My creative input, ideas, style, direction, and suggestions can help make the final product on screen something that feels like a true collaboration. Seeing ideas on paper and then finalized on screen can be a truly magical thing. I want to be part of that journey, and to help bring those ideas to life in the best way I can, so therefore I also provide producing and filming. I worked in different positions on different projects which includes work for Disney, A24, Hulu and more. While working in the industry and especially in New York, I have also built up a strong network of fellow artists and filmmakers that I can always rely on to help facilitate any project.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Sociability, Interest in creativity and technical aspects, and a good work ethic. These are the main things that jump into my mind that will not only be helpful but are essential to work in this industry. Sociability, because you will be overwhelmed and frustrated at times, especially if your mindset is to make it happen all by yourself. But filmmaking is a truly collaborative field, plus you need to be able to follow directions and/or give them yourself. This and the focus on working from small to something big or in a specialized niche will take time and determination. Not one single production is made by a singular person and the more voices and input you get the more you can filter through them and find the right angle for your work. On that journey you will find that creativity is the common interest for everyone working in the film industry, but no matter if you’re working in pre, production or post, you need technical skills to make any job happen. These technical skills can range from work on all kinds of technical equipment and software as well as specific languages and terms or with set procedure. And lastly, having a good work ethic is generally a good trait to have and is very important, because being on time and doing your job to the upmost, highest standards, while being friendly to your clients, coworkers and everyone involved in the process is a must-have for your own brand. Because at the end of the day, people working in film are often freelancers, and we represent ourselves as a brand. Those with good work ethics will be respected and valued.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

One of the biggest challenges to me is to validate and organize myself and my time for each and every subject and topic that comes across my day-to-day work life. Since I’m not reporting or working for anyone but myself as the owner of my company, it can be difficult to prioritize tasks and time. As much as I can be very flexible with my time off, work is always present, and unlike a regular 9 to 5 job, there is not necessarily an off switch for work. Every day has to be organized and structured, especially for projects that do not involve working on sets. Otherwise, certain tasks can carve too much time out your day, and you can set yourself under too much pressure, and workdays can become a late-night thing. Another important aspect is setting time aside for your own creative projects or artwork. That not only helps to keep your creative mind progressing but can also give you a new confidence boost if it’s needed.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Jaden Rich Work Photos: private

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