Our team at Glyph had the pleasure of sitting down with Jordan Taylor Wright of Taylor Cut Films. Jordan is a Los Angeles based creative storyteller and filmmaker specializing in music videos, commercials, films and more. He's worked with an array of music industry giants, from Usher, Justin Bieber, Wyclef Jean and more. We loved speaking with him about his beginnings, signature creative style and what it's like collaborating with some of the biggest names in the game.
Thanks for joining us, Jordan! Can you tell us about your background in filmmaking?
Jordan: I fell in love with filmmaking in high school during my freshman year video production class. In college, I majored in film and have been pursuing my career ever since. After I graduated, I began touring with musicians which taught me so much. I created my own production company here in Los Angeles which is what I’m fortunate enough to do now full time.
You’ve worked with some incredible, high-profile musicians. Can you talk about what it’s like collaborating with these artists and how you approach creating their visuals?
Jordan: It's been an amazing process working with artists such as Usher, Bieber etc. For someone like Usher (who I've collaborated with for close to 10 years), you get to understand the artist’s voice and their way of seeing the world. It's always a unique experience finding a way to bring your vision / style and shape it into something that expresses who they are as a person & brand. Stepping outside of my comfort zone, and working with an individual who is established in their own identity is always so special.
Did you have a background in photography? If so, how did it influence your filmmaking style?
Jordan: I actually learned photography through filmmaking. I first learned how to shoot video before taking photos. I think this allows me to see each still image as a potential moving frame or story. I try to make each photo I take as impactful as possible. Either with the colors, things happening in it, or enticing visuals to make you feel you're looking at a larger story.
Can you talk about the role that travel and exploration has played in your creative process?
Jordan: Traveling is definitely my greatest source of inspiration. I love breaking my regular routine at home and getting to see and experience new places, cultures, and environments. One of my favorite quotes that reflects this feeling to me is: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
What do you consider to be your signature Jordan Taylor Wright style?
Jordan: I believe my signature style is a suspension of reality that brings the viewer into a more surreal / magical state of being. A lot of comments I get on my videos are, "I feel like I was meditating watching this" or "I forgot time existed for a moment" which I take as a huge compliment. My favorite movies are like that as well. I enjoy being teleported into a completely different world that feels immersive.
What are some of your challenges as a filmmaker?
Jordan: My main challenges as a filmmaker are balancing art vs. commerce. Meaning, making stuff for the love of it, while still earning a living and creating income. Secondly, I would say a big challenge is finding balance. There’s this constant need to be capturing and filming new content and then editing that content at home. Each requires its own specific energy and it’s important to have a healthy balance between those elements. That can be the difference between feeling burnt out vs. inspired.
What message do you hope your work conveys and what impact do you hope to have on viewers through your creative output?
Jordan: I hope my work conveys the feeling of hope and imagination. I really aim to deliver a level of inspiration that can allow people to dream big without fear of judgment or regret. The world is a magical place, and I hope that people can see that through the lens of my work and art.
What advice would you give to aspiring creatives?
Jordan: The advice I would give to anyone is don't compare yourself to others. Don’t judge others or yourself as well. Comparison is the thief of joy. There are plenty of opportunities to go around for everyone. Create because you love it. Never create from a place of wanting fame or fortune. Success will always follow passion,do it because you have a desire. You can only be the best at something you love.
You’ve been using Glyph products in your workflow for some time now. Can you tell us how they've supported your work as a filmmaker?
Jordan: Glyph products offer a level of ease, speed, and reliability that's honestly unmatched in my opinion. Ever since I first purchased the Atom 4TB rugged SSD, it's been my main travel drive. The fact that I can use that, and now an 8TB portable SSD + the 40TB Blackbox PRO RAID at home is a game changer. It’s a relief to know I have all of my storage and editing needs covered.
*Be sure to check out Jordan x Glyph's recent IG collab!*
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers, or any upcoming projects or collaborations that you are excited about?
Jordan: I’m starting to work on my own music now, which I'm excited to share. I’m also working on a feature film which should hopefully be done within the next year or two, so definitely keep an eye out for that!
