Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Stoker.
Hi Joshua, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was born in Panama City, Panama to a Panamanian mother and an American Father. Growing up under such a duality shaped my identity and expanded my perception of life. As I look back on my journey, I am able to recognize a constant (yet subconscious) awareness of the opportunities my dual citizenship provided.
My childhood was defined by absolutes; like every other country, Panama has a specific way of seeing life. I grew up under the notion that there’s a set of careers to choose from – Engineering, Medicine, Finances, and Law. Out of these options, I considered myself fit to be a Lawyer. It didn’t take long for me to realize, though, I had made a mistake; an internship at a prestigious law firm showed me the truth: I yearned for a life that resembles that of a child’s – endless wonder and curiosity, vivid imagination and creativity; and collaborations that feel like play. For this reason, I quit the internship after only three months.
Around this time, one of my sisters was swimming against the current and pursuing an artistic career at the Savannah College of Art & Design. To see her creativity bloom deeply inspired me; it showed me that if I desired it, I could live that life too. I had no background in the arts, though; the closest thing I did to ”art” was videos, but it was just a hobby, never more than that. I wondered if there was potential for me in the world of cinema. If the answer was yes, then where should I start? The obvious answer, to me, was film school.
Due to financial hardships, I was not able to attend film school for three years after High School. While some may see it as an inconvenience, for me, it was an opportunity to explore filmmaking without the financial commitment. My parents gifted me an entry-level camera, and I took off. I learned all the skills and technicalities of video-making and explored different styles and genres. It wasn’t flattering work, though – it was tamed and uninspired: short films that lacked creative compass; commercials for brands that were bland and generic; and videography services for banks, construction sites, and companies that specialized in manual labor. It wasn’t the creative life that I wanted, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Out of the blue, a potential client reached out to inquire about my interest in Music Videos. I had never done anything like it, so I agreed to meet with the artist. Our first meetings were drastically different from those I’d had with previous clients. Our afternoons were consumed by philosophical conversations that not only shaped the concept of the project but also my perception of the art form. What he showed me was that, through the medium, you can communicate and express ideas, concepts, emotions, and so much more. I was incredibly inspired – this was what I was looking for. The production was incredibly fun and refreshing; it showed me the true potential of the medium and the joys of artistic collaborations.
From there on, I only worked on Music Videos. I became a fan of the genre and the incredible artists I would meet. Our ”Work Meetings” were characterized by thoughtful discussions about the world, our lives, and our emotions. I became an addict – I sought knowledge and developed an affinity for Psychology and Philosophy. Each Music Video became more abstract, and the themes became more personal. Sometime in the process, I came to the realization that I had to study more than just film; I read about drawing, painting, contemporary dance, and music production. Slowly but surely, these elements made their way into my films, with architecture and dance being the predominant ones.
In 2019, I got to enroll in the Film & Television program of the Savannah College of Art & Design. Ironically, the classes I loved the most were not related to film, but rather Art History. I became obsessed with the mindsets of artists such as Da Vinci and Jacques-Louis David, who thought the role of the artist is to be a philosopher. Throughout my time here, I’ve made sure to surround myself with creatives who are as equally as or more driven than myself. I scout for people whose talent leaves me in awe and try to learn from them. My expressive lens has been recognized by respectable institutions and received accolades from Adobe, MTV, the Global Music Awards, and SCAD.
My academic journey at SCAD concludes with INDIVIDU, my Undergraduate Thesis Film. INDIVIDU, French for ”individual”, is an Experimental Dance Film that captures the battle between The Ego, The Shadow, and The Anima through contemporary dance. Heavily inspired by Carl Jung’s Theories of the Psyche, this film serves as a reminder that there is no coming to consciousness without pain. Production took place in May of 2022 over the course of five days. To say it was a challenging experience would be an understatement; it taught me the true meaning of support, collaboration, leadership, and community. I cannot thank the incredible cast & crew of this project enough for helping me bring this vision to the screen. I can’t wait to share with everyone the fascinating project we all did together.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
While the artistic journey is full of torment and self-criticism, I would say my hardships are not as tough as that of others. Due to our financial situation, I was not able to attend film school until three years after graduating High School. As mentioned before, I did not consider this to be a setback, as it allowed me to explore the art form at my own pace. Anything that has happened since then has shaped my perspective to such a degree that I could never consider it a regret.
To be lost is a blessing in disguise, as it invites you to explore your inner and outer worlds. While that journey may be hard, it builds your character and clarifies your likes, dislikes, interests, and passions. As scary as it was (and still is), it’s a process I face with courage and enthusiasm.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Film Director who specializes in Experimental Commercial Work. My passion for Psychology, Philosophy, and Art History drives me to create Avant-Garde Music Videos, Fashion Films, and Commercials. In a medium that has been used to manipulate and sell, I aim to spark empathy and self-reflection. I am known for blending cinema with dance and architecture, as well as the abstract themes I cover in my projects. I am particularly proud of how blending dance with film has strengthened my bond with my sister, a contemporary dancer I’ve collaborated countless times with.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The Western World is seeing an exponential rise in Experimental Commercials. With Directors such as Salomon Lighthelm, Valentin Petit, and Roger Guàrdia at the forefront of this movement, the world of Branded Content is shifting from sales to spiritually rich and cinematic productions. The best part in all of this is the support this new wave of commercials is receiving from big corporations – brands such as Nike, Puma, Lexus, and Alfa Romeo to name a few.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://josh-stoker.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jxshstoker/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuastoker/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/joshstoker
