Ourselves Podcast He’s Directed HUGE Videos for Kendrick & Bieber. Here’s How Colin Tilley Stays Relevant in a Cutthroat Industry
From shaping visual masterpieces with Kendrick Lamar and Justin Bieber to redefining commercial storytelling, director Colin Tilley has done it all. In this episode, we get the full story. Colin opens up about his evolution as a filmmaker, how growing up in Berkeley influenced his aesthetic, and how trial and error on set helped him develop a signature style now sought after by the world’s biggest artists and brands.
We also talk about building longevity in a notoriously fickle industry, the role of mentorship, and how creating a healthy set environment makes all the difference. Colin doesn’t shy away from the gritty details: from the pressure of editing his own work, to managing the balance between creativity and business, to taking a conscious break from Instagram to reset his artistic mindset.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or someone fascinated by what it takes to succeed behind the camera, this conversation is full of game and rare insights from one of the industry’s most visionary directors.
00:00 Transforming on Set: Embracing the Superman Side
02:03 Full Circle: From Fan to Collaborator
03:06 The Berkeley Influence
03:56 Learning Filmmaking Through Trial and Error
19:05 Creating a Positive Set Environment
23:34 Maintaining Longevity in the Industry
35:30 Transitioning from Music Videos to Commercials
37:28 Mentorship and Learning Patience
41:09 The Art of Editing and Collaboration
44:22 Challenges of Balancing Directing and Editing
45:30 Finding the Right Team for Each Project
51:19 The Impact of Social Media on Creativity
52:31 Taking a Break from Instagram
01:02:53 Understanding Film Management vs. Agents
01:06:18 Breaking into Commercials from Music Videos
01:11:10 Funding and Creating 'Mr. Happy' with Chance The Rapper
01:15:52 Building Trust and Relationships in the Industry
01:16:20 Working with Justin Bieber: Building a Long-Term Collaboration
01:23:11 Breaking into the Industry with Tyga & Chris Brown
01:25:19 The Role of Relationships in Career Growth
01:29:42 Iconic Projects: 'Alright' with Kendrick Lamar
01:33:43 Shooting a Commercial with Steph Curry
01:36:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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