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Life & Work with Joseph Quick of Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Quick.

Hi Joseph, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started acting in theater at age 10 or so. This lead to a life long love of performance and entertaining. I have been drawn to the film and television industry since that bug bit me. I pursued acting from that young age, throughout my schooling and into adulthood. After high-school I moved to central Florida to continue following my calling to act. This led me to start learning what other skills I could earn a living off of while still working on sets and stages. With a background in construction and carpentry, that was taught to me by my father, I found my way onto set construction and the art department. It was there that I used my knowledge of electrical engineering to learn how film and stage lighting works. Which led to my career in film lighting as a Gaffer. I still act whenever I get the chance. However, my goals have changed over the tenure of my career. I love acting, but im obsessed with lighting and shot composition. In the Spring of 2026 I had the privilege of Directing my first feature film, lighting and shooting it myself with a very minimal crew. This has awakened a desire to Direct more often. I love this industry and am excited to learn more with every project the future holds. I am certainly still a professional gaffer and a dedicated actor, but I am also now a skilled and trustworthy Director. Here’s to the next one. Follow your dreams and do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. I am the proof, it is possible.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
First off, a ton of people want to work in film. You have to make it in the door on your own. This looks different for everyone involved. I worked my way up through crew positions. Being undeniable and showcasing professionalism. Bring a hunger for greatness and compassion towards the art and for the team involved. This and many industries run on who you know and what people have to say about you. Make a good impression on everyone involved. Be yourself and have that be a pleasure to work with. No matter where you want to be in this industry, say yes to the job and give it your all. That will open doors for you.

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?
As a professional filmmaker, I have worked in many positions on set. I specialize in film lighting, meaning that I usually lead the lighting team as the Gaffer. However, I do often take on projects where I am a Key Grip or Best Boy Electric. These are other positions in the lighting department that work alongside the Gaffer. I am known for hyperealism, horror, and high contrast lighting. Being a performer as well, I bring an interesting perspective to being a lighting engineer. Because I strive to learn more with every project and grow as a filmmaker each day. I tend to have a staying quality that keeps me prevalent in my network.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I prefer to have it happen as organically as possible. By making connections and working with others, sometimes you become or find a mentor without even truly looking. This industry is about art and creativity. It can be difficult to force a connection or the project is too demanding to make a good connection. Just be yourself and remain professional. Your people will find you.

Contact Info:

  • Instagram: Chaotic_Artisan@instagram
  • Youtube: @unorthodoxfilmoutcastsstudio

Studio set with curved orange-and-white graphics, cameras, lighting equipment, and a small table.

People stand beside a camera setup beneath a canopy on a grassy lawn, with trees and a house behind them.

Two people stand behind a camera in a cluttered room, with a caption printed across the bottom.

Cartoon spaceship with two characters above a beam reading “Paramount Film Studios,” against a starry background.

Group of people standing in front of a black backdrop with repeated white lettering.

People stand near a swing set in a dimly lit park at night.

Promotional graphic with a man gesturing in front of a black-and-white television, and text advertising The Agency.

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