Dynamic Media Maker
OVER SPRING BREAK, Isaiah Galante, a 2020 graduate of UNM–Taos returned home from Los Angeles to direct a post-apocalyptic short film.
I first met Isaiah when he started in the dual-credit college program at Taos High and continued teaching him through his Digital Media Arts Degree.
At 22, he is on an exciting career trajectory, currently working for a production company in LA shooting high profile music videos. He reached out to me in February wanting to assemble a crew of motivated students to assist with a pilot film to present to investors. His tenacity and commitment to storytelling rallied a crew to make it happen.
After three days of filming, I sat down with Isaiah to ask him how his creative life has been unfolding since he busted a move and headed to LA.
You were a first-time college student in your family. What would you tell other students in your same situation?
I sure was, and the only Galante male that I know of to graduate high school. Don’t do it for anyone, do it for yourself. Make yourself proud. Graduating gave me the confidence to say, “If I can finish this degree, I can finish anything.”
Can you describe the challenges and opportunities you got from being a student at UNM–Taos?
I struggled with math but TRIO helped me a lot! During school I got to meet filmmakers, volunteer at the Telluride Mountain Film Festival, hike the snowy mountains on a photo shoot which turned me onto mountain climbing, and I met Oprah. That changed my life.
After graduating, how was your transition to the workforce?
When I first got out of college, it was a whirlwind. I struggled in Denver doing commercial work because that’s not who I am. It’s corporate, boring videos and it wasn’t for me. One day, I realized nothing was holding me back, I said “screw it! I’m going to chase my dream.” I moved to LA and got an opportunity to work on big music video projects. Now I know my purpose and that’s the greatest feeling ever.
I noticed you ditched your smartphone and picked up a flip phone. How does that work with a busy production lifestyle?
It is the most fun, and challenging thing I’ve ever done. When you have a flip phone, there are some drawbacks, but I have a computer and a camera. I can do everything I need to. I’m not the only that does this. A lot of these big-time directors use flip phones too. Social media blocked my creativity for the longest time. When I ditched the smartphone, there was way less distraction.
What motivated your Post-Apocalyptic Storyline?
It feels like the truth. We’re poisoning our rivers and many people are facing a water crisis. I’m afraid it will get worse.
How did it feel to come back to Taos to shoot a short film with your friends, aspiring actors and students from your home university?
It hit somewhere special in my heart. To come together, to test each other, improv, and work together — was an awesome feeling. I can’t wait for the next project in Taos.