Meet Darryl “D.Rey” Reynolds | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darryl “D.Rey” Reynolds and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darryl “D.Rey”, what are you inspired by?
I’m inspired by a little bit of everything. I think like a lot of kids in my generation, I saw a lot through TV and video games from an early age. Unlike generations before us, cable allowed us to see so much so naturally, our palate was broader. Like when you ask someone what they listen to, now a’days, almost everyone answers “a little bit of everything” before naming the genres they never dabble in. So to go from watching shows like Martin to movies like Ocean’s 12 and listening to everything from Sam Cooke to Sade, I grew up pulling inspiration from every culture I could see and hear.

These days, I’m inspired the most by people who’ve found ways to integrate different eras, genres, cultures, etc into one project seamlessly. Like the music in Baby Driver or the costume choices in Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe what sets me apart in my artistic work is my approach. Being an athlete for so many years taught me how to approach things with a certain discipline and collaborative mindset. As a basketball player, I don’t care how much you work on your game, you’re going to need teammates to win in the end. So I understood from the jump that no matter how good I think an idea is or how much I’ve worked on it in my own time, to see it executed properly, I’m going to have to work with others. In basketball, one of my favorite things to do is help others shine and for the team I’m a part of to be completely in sync. So in the arts, I seek out people that compliment my talents and work style.

As far as how I got to where I am today, it’s been a chiseling process. When I jumped into the arts, I didn’t know what direction I wanted to go in, I just knew I had so many talents I wanted to show off and bring to the light. What I’ve discovered is, just like in athletics, there’s a space for fluidity and adaptive behavior, then there’s a time for being grounded and immovable. So through all the projects I’ve taken on and all the things I want to do, these first couple years have been about learning what’s really worth locking in on and what ideas are rightfully fleeting.

My advice to any new creative is to find the balance that allows them to pivot without getting knocked off that central theme that you want your work to be defined as.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
From the jump, I’d say Lake Pleasant because the contrast may be one of the most refreshing things out there, especially this time of year. As far as food goes, I’d first take them to some of the lesser known areas for authentic Mexican food, like Tacos Huicho. It’s hard to top the vibes of those places because of the people and the care they put into their communities and food. Then, maybe Char’s Live for good drinks and music and I definitely couldn’t let them leave without trying out of the steak houses in Scottsdale.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
His entrepreneurial ways inspired me since I was kid because I saw how someone can just will themselves to a win. Coming up, we only heard people like him referred to as ‘hustlers’ but over the years, I realized they’re one and the same. He owns a barbershop in the 40 Palms plaza and seeing him come out here, build himself up with no prior foundation is still inspiring to this day.

Website: staytunednetwork.com

Instagram: d.reythedirector

Linkedin: Darryl “D.Rey” Reynolds

Image Credits:
Chase Freezman