Atlanta based director Play Pendergrass (@PlayPendergrass) has been one of the busiest people in today’s music scene. Just one year of picking up a camera he has worked with several superstars such as 2 Chainz, Young Dolph, Boosie Badazz; to name a few. We caught up with the photograhper/director to get some insight on how he got so far so fast, and what his future plans are.
How long have you been into the cinematography industry, and what inspired you to make the transition from a recording artist to focusing on visuals full-time?
I would a say little over a year as far as me being a photographer and shooting videos. Long-story-short I co-owned an independent label and one of artists couldn’t find someone to shoot his video. So I decided to get a camera and do it myself, and it did amazingly well. It premiered on All Def Digital, got recognized by Russell Simmons, so that type of feedback on my first video I feel like that was God telling me that this was my purpose.
What is your go-to camera and lens, and why?
A Canon 5D Mark III for the simple fact that it’s efficient at both video and photography. And as far as my lens my go-to is the 50mm, it gives you more natural point of view, it captures what the human eye sees. Having something that transitions between the two is very important because in the moment you don’t have much time to swap out your equipment when you wanna capture something.
You just recently got off your first major tour working with Young Dolph and CAP 1 on the #RoyaltyTour, what was your favorite part of the experience?
It was lit *laughs*. It definitely has me ready for the next one. Cap 1 and Dolph are really down to earth, and they made me feel welcome the entire time. My favorite part was the fact that they gave me full creative control of the content and allowed me to create the look of the tour.
Who is one artist whose image you are a fan of and would love to work with in the future?
21, 21. *Laughs* I come from the same environment that he did so I feel like he really lived what he speaks about. I know I could paint that image as well as his director because I’ve seen a lot of the same things.
What are some of the current projects you’re working on at the moment?
I have some projects coming soon with Reese LaFlare, me and Bishop Fontaine are about to launch an urban clothing brand called Can’t Trap Forever. I also have some dope work coming with @moM, he’s a multi-milionaire internet marketing genius, he has a few new ventures I’m helping him out with. I’m also in talks to become the official photographer and videographer for Onyx and Magic City, two of the most famous strip-clubs in the United States.
For aspiring photographers and videographers what is some advice you can give to help them get to where you are?
Be yourself, know your worth.
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