Meet Douglas Proce | Filmmaker / Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Douglas Proce and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Douglas, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to combine my love of film with an outlet that could give voice to those who feel unheard.

I found I could also take that approach with businesses for their video needs.

We’re living in a time where businesses want to make a mark, and a carefully thought out, well crafted video will give them a broad reach.

Since expanding into photography, I’ve found opportunities to stretch my creativity and provide another way for others to be seen.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always been a creative. First as a musician, then becoming a filmmaker and photographer.

I don’t think any artist will tell you dedicating yourself to your art is ever “easy.” You find out pretty quickly who celebrates the best parts of you, and who doesn’t.

My hope for anyone watching one of my films, or looking at one of my photos is that they feel something. Maybe my film or photographer gave them a brief escape from their lives and held the space for them to just be in the moment. I don’t interfere with someones experience. I’d rather they just let it sit there and be with it.

That can be a really challenging thing for an artist to overcome. The hours of isolation, perfecting your art, but never quite getting there, so you are always learning.

There are many lesson an artist will learn over the course of their career. The most valuable one I can pass along is a quote by Andy Warhol that has become my mantra:

“Don’t worry whether or not your art is good, that’s for others to decide. While they are deciding, make more art.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Locally, I’d take them to Carly’s on Roosevelt. There’s so many places for great Mexican food here, hard to name just one, but Los Dos Molinos is a solid choice.

Would have to drive up north to see Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Antelope Canyon.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a few people:

Tray Goodman of GCM Media. He opened the door and facilitated the distribution deal for my first documentary, “Angels of our better nature.” He’s always been honest, kind, supportive, and I consider it a source of pride that he considers me a talented colleague and a friend.

Jon Linton of the “I Have a Name Project,” and “Let’s Be Better Humans.” He’s been a good friend an avid supporter, and he is one of the most genuinely unselfish people I’ve ever met in my life.

Wayne Rainey, who used to own The Monorchid Gallery in Phoenix. He granted me a space where I could focus on being a better filmmaker. We did some great work together, and I felt lucky to get that opportunity. I’ll always be grateful to him.

There are many more close friends, and others who have all been kind to me, and believe in my ability as a filmmaker.

Website: https://www.connectedfilms.org/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonerwiththecamera/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectedfilms

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DouglasProce/videos

Image Credits
All images (c) Douglas J. Proce @lonerwiththecamera