Meet Jonathan Bain

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jonathan Bain. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jonathan, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Damn, now this is a question I struggle with on and off, especially with the monster that is social media! As a creative, imposter syndrome is always lurking somewhere in my mind. It’s not easy to ignore. I’m always looking for creative inspiration, whether it be from other Directors, painters, books, or magazines; you can’t turn around without finding some inspiration. But that same inspiration can allow me to get deep in thought of “Why doesn’t my work look like that?” or “Why don’t I get booked the same as these people over here?”

At the end of the day, my art should express who I am and what I like, telling the visual story I want to tell! That’s the key to getting over imposter syndrome. These other creatives have had different life journeys, and they like different things. What I may love, someone else might hate, and that’s ok.

Do I love it? Did I do it the way I wanted to? Thats all that matters. Learn. I accept other’s art and take what I like as a base of reference, but I always make sure to put my own feel to it. At the end of the day, no one will shoot something the same way I do. Its a part of me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I work as a music video, commercial, and narrative Director and DoP (Director of Photography). I started as a photographer in 2016 when I found my mom’s old camera doing some cleaning, and I instantly fell in love with it. Fast forward to 2018, I joined the radio station at my college and started covering events on and around my campus. Here, I found a love for making videos and started by shooting music videos for friends. Once the pandemic hit, I jumped into making videos full-time. Over the years, I have learned from many talented individuals from different production backgrounds. I’ve enjoyed working on Emmy-nominated projects for CBS Sports, Ethika, One Championship, Paper Planes, and many more.

This field of work always excites me. I can get up any day of the year and feel excited to work a 12-hour day on set! I need to create; without that art of making something new, I don’t feel accomplished. Whether its a documentary or a branded commercial, the feeling of being able to come in with a sense of “how do we bring this to life” excites me everyday.

Recently, I have been looking to get into more narrative work. Looking to write a film of my own as well.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I’ll be honest: I can’t think of any specific three qualities that were more impactful than just one thing… F****** up. I mean it. Mess up! I have learned more from messing up than any other course, schooling, or anything really. The scene isn’t lit the way I want. Why? Actors are not taking direction well. Why? What can I do better to achieve the desired look I want?

The number of times I messed up has gotten me to the level I am now as a Director.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My girl. My queen. My emotional support from the moment she came into my life. She has always been with me on the journey, watching my films, telling me what stood out to her, and motivating me when I didn’t have the energy to get to the goal line. She is the best manager I didn’t know I needed.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bainvision/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-bain-23b45814b/