We’re looking forward to introducing you to Luke Ring. Check out our conversation below.
Luke, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I am chasing emotionally driven storytelling and cinematic excellence as a filmmaker, director, and cinematographer based in Southwest Michigan. Through my filmmaking brand, Sukavision, I create visually rich narrative short films and cinematic vlogs that explore authentic storytelling with powerful imagery and minimal dialogue. My recent short film Little Library premiered at the Cleveland International Film Festival, and I am currently developing XELA, a psychological sci-fi drama short that delves into themes of memory loss, emotional detachment, and personal identity. Collaborating closely with producer Sam Bredeweg at Sukavision enables me to bring these emotionally impactful stories to life, ensuring each project resonates deeply with audiences.
Additionally, I’m a creative team member at JV Studios, a dynamic Chicago-based production company led by CEO Tim Zwartz. At JV Studios, I collaborate closely with Johnny Pinto, our producer, and Vince Pinto, the lead creative, to deliver compelling video content for brands and commercial projects. This role has further developed my skills as a filmmaker, expanded my technical expertise, and provided new opportunities to grow as a storyteller.
My technical experience includes shooting on the Sony FX6 cinema camera, editing in DaVinci Resolve, and creating authentic film looks using tools like Dehancer for film emulation. These skills allow me to consistently produce high-quality films and branded video content recognized for strong emotional storytelling and cinematic aesthetics.
My ultimate goal is to grow Sukavision into a respected filmmaking brand known for meaningful, visually captivating, and emotionally resonant narratives. If I were to stop pursuing filmmaking and visual storytelling, I would lose the foundational purpose that drives my creativity, ambition, and professional growth. It would also diminish my opportunity to inspire audiences, mentor emerging filmmakers, and create a lasting legacy through impactful cinematic experiences. Continuing to chase these storytelling goals is essential to who I am as a filmmaker and creative entrepreneur.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Luke Ring, and I’m a filmmaker, director, and cinematographer based in Southwest Michigan. I founded Sukavision, my filmmaking brand dedicated to producing narrative short films, cinematic vlogs, and emotionally driven visual storytelling. My work focuses heavily on sensory-rich visuals and powerful narratives told with minimal dialogue, inspired by filmmakers such as Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, and Casey Neistat.
At Sukavision, I collaborate closely with producer Sam Bredeweg, and together we’ve created meaningful, emotionally resonant films. Our recent short film, Little Library, premiered at the Cleveland International Film Festival, and we are currently working on XELA, a psychological sci-fi drama exploring complex themes of memory, emotional detachment, and personal identity. This film is an example of my passion for tackling challenging emotional subjects through visually compelling storytelling.
Alongside running Sukavision, I’m also a creative team member at JV Studios, a vibrant production company based in Chicago, led by CEO Tim Zwartz. At JV Studios, I collaborate closely with producer Johnny Pinto and lead creative Vince Pinto on diverse commercial projects, allowing me to refine my skills and expand my creativity as a filmmaker.
My distinctive style includes shooting on the Sony FX6 cinema camera, editing in DaVinci Resolve, and using specialized tools like Dehancer to achieve authentic film aesthetics. What makes my work unique is my commitment to storytelling that resonates emotionally, visually, and narratively with audiences, paired with a disciplined and entrepreneurial approach to filmmaking.
Looking ahead, my goal is to build Sukavision into a recognizable brand known for cinematic excellence, emotional authenticity, and meaningful storytelling that inspires and connects deeply with viewers. Through my films and ongoing projects, I hope to leave a lasting creative legacy and positively influence the next generation of filmmakers.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was stepping onto the set of XELA, my psychological sci-fi short film, and experiencing the moment when an entire professional film crew came together under my direction. As the director, I was responsible for leading an amazing team including cinematographer Tommy Oldham, producer Sam Bredeweg, writer and script supervisor Mark Ring, gaffer Jackson Storm, and a talented cast featuring Brady West, Dale Dobson, and Halle Beversluis. Each of these professionals brought immense creativity and expertise, empowering me to fully realize my creative vision in ways I had never experienced before.
On set, I vividly recall producer Sam Bredeweg encouraging me to trust in expanding our team, allowing me to focus purely on story, narrative tone, and performance, rather than technical details. Working closely with Tommy Oldham, who expertly shot on my Sony FX6 cinema camera and used a Dana Dolly for cinematic camera movements, elevated the visuals far beyond what I’d previously achieved. I realized then the true power of professional collaboration. Empowering every crew member, clearly communicating my directorial vision, and trusting their expertise enhanced the storytelling immensely.
XELA was not just a short film; it represented a significant growth milestone for me as a young filmmaker. Typically, I’ve served simultaneously as cinematographer and director, juggling multiple roles and rarely having the luxury of communicating deeply with actors. On XELA, for the first time, I was able to truly engage with the actors and crew, collaborating with Brady West, Dale Dobson, and Halle Beversluis to craft emotionally nuanced performances. Having a dedicated cinematographer in Tommy Oldham, producer Sam Bredeweg handling production logistics and audio, and my father Mark Ring serving as writer and script supervisor, allowed me to elevate my directing and achieve a new level of cinematic quality.
Reflecting on this experience, I understood that feeling powerful as a director came not from dominating a set, but from empowering others, trusting them, clearly communicating, and working collaboratively toward a shared vision. Managing tight schedules, communicating confidently, and inspiring trust among the entire cast and crew proved essential to the film’s success. Ultimately, directing XELA reinforced my passion for cinematic storytelling and highlighted the importance of strong, confident leadership combined with humility, trust, and professional collaboration.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was definitely a moment during filming of my Indiana Jones-inspired short film, The Great Escape, when I nearly gave up. On the morning of our shoot, after weeks of meticulous preparation, scouting, and planning, I received a call informing us we’d lost our primary filming location. The county sheriff had initially granted permission, repeatedly reassuring our team. Particularly producer Sam Bredeweg, that no permits were necessary. Then, at the last minute, he reversed course, warning us that state troopers would intervene if we proceeded without the proper permits. In that moment, my heart sank, and it genuinely felt like the entire project was collapsing. I was anxious that our cast and crew would see this setback as a sign of disorganization or unprofessionalism, risking their trust in me and the vision I’d worked so hard to communicate.
However, rather than giving in, I immediately pivoted. I told the crew confidently, “Good thing we have a backup location,” even though I didn’t officially have one secured. I merely knew of a nearby spot close to home. Trusting my instincts, we quickly shifted gears, moving all our equipment and actors to the new site. As it turned out, this second location was a blessing in disguise: it was easier to access, minimized logistical hurdles, and ultimately elevated our film’s action sequences. My amazing production assistant Adrien, along with actors Brady, Mark, and Scott, rallied around the change with enthusiasm, helping move gear, set up quickly, and maintain morale.
This challenging experience taught me valuable lessons as a young director: resilience, adaptability, and the power of creative problem-solving under pressure. By embracing unexpected hurdles, I realized that filmmaking—particularly action and adventure filmmaking inspired by classics like Indiana Jones is not just about precise planning; it’s about being resourceful, responsive, and tenacious in the face of uncertainty. The final results we captured that day reaffirmed my passion and vision, and I’m proud we pushed through when it would have been easy to quit.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends, especially my producer and collaborator Sam Bredeweg, would say what really matters to me is authenticity, collaboration, and creating emotionally meaningful stories through filmmaking. Sam has seen firsthand my passion for storytelling, my dedication to getting every detail right, and my genuine care for each person involved on set. He would highlight how much I value clear communication, empowering my crew, and fostering a creative environment where everyone feels confident, valued, and inspired to do their best work.
Sam has often encouraged me to trust in a bigger team and has seen how important it is to me to let go of micro-managing technical details, instead focusing deeply on narrative and emotional resonance. He knows how much I value preparation always coming onto set with detailed shot lists, clear visions, and strong creative conviction. But he would also mention my willingness to pivot and adapt quickly, maintaining positivity and composure even during challenging moments on set, such as when we unexpectedly lost our filming location for The Great Escape and had to swiftly find a new one.
Additionally, Sam knows that family and close relationships deeply matter to me. My collaborations with my dad, Mark Ring, demonstrate my belief in using filmmaking to honor relationships and build meaningful legacies. Above all, Sam and my closest friends would agree that I value integrity, creative excellence, and the personal connections forged through the collaborative art of filmmaking, which truly drive everything I do.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am absolutely doing what I was born to do. Ever since I was young, storytelling through filmmaking has been my passion and purpose. My earliest influences, such as watching films like Indiana Jones and studying directors like Christopher Nolan and Steven Spielberg, ignited a deep desire within me to create visually powerful and emotionally resonant narratives. No one pushed me into filmmaking; rather, I naturally gravitated toward it as my chosen path, guided by genuine curiosity, creative instinct, and an unshakable drive to make meaningful work.
My family, particularly my father Mark Ring, who is also a writer and filmmaker, has inspired and supported my journey, but never dictated it. My collaboration with him on films like The Great Escape and XELA is evidence of a shared passion, not pressure or obligation. Similarly, my close creative partnerships with producer Sam Bredeweg and my team at JV Studios in Chicago, including Tim Zwartz, Johnny Pinto, and Vince Pint,o are built upon mutual respect, creative alignment, and genuine enthusiasm for storytelling.
Every film project I undertake through Sukavision is a reflection of who I truly am, what moves me emotionally, and the stories I feel compelled to share. The hours I spend crafting each shot, writing scripts, directing actors, and editing in DaVinci Resolve aren’t simply tasks I was told to perform they are expressions of the purpose I discovered for myself early on and have passionately pursued ever since. Filmmaking is not just my profession; it’s my identity, my legacy, and my chosen calling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lukering.com
- Instagram: luker1ng
- Youtube: luker1ng
