Rising Stars: Meet Deonté Hayes of Detroit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deonté Hayes. 

Hi Deonté, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Growing up, my grandparents had a movie library. They had an entire room filled with VHS tapes that had about two to three movies on each tape. they also had a thick binder with each movie numbered and organized. When I would visit them, I’d binge-watch as many movies as I could, mind you I was only 6yrs old consuming this cinema. My love of film began there, then I’d go on to 8th grade and during math class (my least favorite subject at the time) I would write stories that I could see in detail in my mind each class. My first year of High school I chose creative writing as one of my electives and the class was filled by upperclassman, but my work helped me fit in with them, but also stand out from them. In 12th grade, I took Digital Media Arts through a career tech school. There I learned acting, filming, photography, storyboarding, and editing, all things that I benefit from today. The funny thing though, is that I was rarely behind the camera like I wanted. I went to Wayne State as a film major and they weren’t teaching me enough and I felt drowned by all the liberal arts and simply wanted to focus on filming only so I dropped out. I had no plan, but a friend of mine offered me his camera and said “you’ll do more with it than I will.” Since that day I focused on growth from having fun creating art, networking with people, purchasing courses, and overall strengthening my skills. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not smooth at all. the film industry has a lot of secret techniques that utilize specific equipment and teams and isn’t taught in courses. That makes it a bit challenging to pull of some my visions as well as Detroit not having many film sets that are beyond decent. I’m a visionary and as creative as I can be with utilizing what I have, I’ve had to lower my visions for some projects in order to make them work in this state. The other thing is budgeting for music videos. Many artists have other financial responsibilities and have to focus on making ends meet which slows down how often I can film with them. The last challenge I’d say I’m growing through would be expansion. learning to promote my work and grow clientele is a lot when I simply just want to create. I love business, but doing it alone isn’t fun, but I am excited for the team of creatives I’ll be working with soon to work on projects with! 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do? 

I am a filmmaker. I film just about everything! I specialize in Directing, Filming, and Editing. I’ve been developing an audience through the visuals I create for music. I’m most proud of my growth. Looking back at where I started up until now is impressive and I love seeing my own progress. Honestly, my clients would tell me they love the vision! they love how I listen and incorporate their ideas, how I give direction, how I help bring their art to life through my art. 

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played a pivotal role in my life. It’s allowed me to find my twin flame through filmmaking, work with artists that value my work and myself as an individual. Encouraged to grow with me and build together and has helped me understand finances, running a business, and balancing work with health, family/friends, and overall discipline. 

Pricing:

• Music Videos and commercials depend on the individuals budget for the project
• Wedding Film packages start at $2,300 – $4,500
• Photography starts at $300 for 2hrs
• Studio Photography is about $400 (depends on the price of studio too)

Contact Info:

• Email: Filmsbydeonte@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.filmsbydeonte.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deontejhayes/
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/té-talks-a-deonté-j-hayes-podcast/id1588401218