Respect. Interview: Marko Steez Talks His Come up in the Music Video Game and Breaks down the Difference between Video Directing and Videography

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Marko Steez is on his way to becoming a household name. His video credits consist of Boosie, Lil Baby, Future, and a lot more. Aside from just his directing, I really wanted to highlight his natural entrepreneurial spirit. Check out the resonating interview below!

RESPECT.: What is your definition of a film director?

To me there is a huge difference between a videographer and a film director. To me, the difference is somebody who can be behind the camera and they have that strong ability to direct the scene and command the talents. They direct what’s going on and everything in the scene. The director creates the overall vision. You could also be both though. For example, if you are shooting the music video and came up with the whole concept for the video shoot and edited it I will call you a director at that point. You can also be a videographer and just go to an event and get a video of it. You didn’t have any creative control over the event so that wouldn’t be considered a director.

RESPECT.: So what is everything you do when it comes to being a film director?

I do everything. I basically do whatever comes my way. I do a lot of stuff myself and I take a lot of roles over. I build my own set and I have built my own production company. I have assistants, interns, and all that of course.

RESPECT.: Yeah I see you have the film truck and you have Capital Media under your belt.

Yes and eventually I want to do movies and future films.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tjBldH6x5/

RESPECT.: Does shooting music videos always fulfill you or is that something that gets repetitive sometimes?

No, music videos are fun. This is the thing people skip with music videos. If you’re a good music video director there’s a lot of money to be made and from music videos I built a whole platform. People over look that music videos are open for expression and you can do anything. You can be a lot more creative. Movies are more strict.

RESPECT.: You have videos for Future, Lil Baby, Gunna, Boosie, and so much more. Do you remember your first time picking up a camera?

I never thought about doing photography but I always had cameras around me. It was recording music first and then I picked up a camera to do photography.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7SEpvGnn5h/

RESPECT.: You seem like you’re a real businessman. Have you been like this all your life?

I always had ways of making money. Even in elementary school I used to draw comics print them in books and sell them for 50 cents in school. I was always doing something.

RESPECT.: How did you adjust with the move from your hometown to Atlanta, Georgia?

People in Atlanta are more ahead. People are little more smarter. The people here were teaching me about things that I didn’t even know. It was all just learning and getting used to the city.

RESPECT.: How quick was it to get that clientele when you got to Atlanta?

Ive been in ATL for three years. Three years ago I had nothing. No equipment or business. In three years I have evolved. It is really life changing and it was just destined to happen. It was the move that really made it all happen.

RESPECT.: Whats next?

I am looking at buying a building this year or land. I want to build a studio on it because Atlanta is moving so fast. If you don’t jump on it now you’re going to miss it.

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RESPECT.: I was blown away with the truck idea.

I realized that I should buy the stuff, own it, and rent to other people. I can own these things and not have to ask if something is available.

RESPECT.: What is your end goal with all of this?

The team I have right now, I want to grow with them and I want us all to win. I want to get them more opportunities. ITs not just about me and I want to leave a good legacy on the industry. I am not here to brag on who I am, I want to motivate and let people know it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from because I’m from the middle of no where. I want to leave a legacy and impact people.