Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Paulet.
Hi Joe, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I got my start in high school shooting snowboard videos. I love shooting and editing and everything that has to do with filmmaking, so I decided to go to film school, and then, after that, I was fortunate to be in Portland at the right time when Grimm and Leverage and Portlandia were happening, and Nike and Adidas were shooting commercials. I worked on those and got to see how a proper set works and learn everyone’s job, and get to work with some amazing people and make some good friends. After a couple of years, I took an opportunity to go to Montana and work for a small production company and learned a lot, and then we decided we had enough of the snow and mountains and wanted to see the ocean, so we took a pretty extensive road trip and looked up and down the Oregon Coast until we came to the South Coast and really loved it down here, so we decided to put down some roots. It didn’t take long to realize that the skill set that I had wasn’t really transferable here at the time, and I had a pretty hard time finding work. I remember talking to my grandfather on the phone and told him, “You know, I just can’t find any decent job down here. What should I do?” and he said, “This happened to me one time in the 70s. I know exactly what you should do, and I was like, ‘What is it?’ What is it?” and he said, “Start your own business, do what you’re good at, and make a market for yourself.” I took his advice and put all the chips on the table, and I’m still down here doing it, so it worked out.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been challenging for sure. COVID hit us hard; I don’t think I worked more than a few days that year. Our work really ebbs and flows from year to year. We make sure to reinvest in new skills and explore creative outlets when were not getting swamped. It’s what keeps us evolving and moving the needle forward.
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?
Neptune Birch is a boutique marketing agency based out of the Southern Oregon Coast. We provide media and marketing services to small and large businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. We believe nothing resonates more with people than a truly good story, and telling that story boldly and engagingly is our passion. We are focused on making content and messaging that stands out, gets attention, and
connects with people on a personal level. I’d say we’re most known for our storytelling and cinematography. I think I’m most proud of being able to evolve and learn new skills to push the boundaries of our work. We hear that we’re easy to work with, and we definitely try to have fun on every shoot. I think our greatest asset is connecting with people on a personal level, and trying to make the process the least intimidating as possible.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is not to chase trends and be true to your vision. Sometimes, as a creative, you forget people are hiring you for your taste or your eye. They saw something in your reel or portfolio that resonated with them, and they want that for them. Also, I’ve learned its a ok to try things that don’t work and start over. Not getting attached to a concept or edit is crucial in getting something you never saw coming.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.neptunebirch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neptunebirch
- Other: https://vimeo.com/neptunebirch
