Just a guy doing what he loves.
DeSean Motley
About Me.
It all began in fifth grade when I stumbled upon my lifelong passion for art. This discovery inspired me to design a logo that represented my dreams and aspirations, with the hope that one day I could share my artistic vision with the world and create something truly meaningful and timeless. I didn't fully grasp the extent of my passion at young age so I spent my high school years and start of college exploring fields like engineering and psychology.
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However, after facing some challenging experiences with teachers, I lost confidence in my ability to succeed in the sciences. This pivotal moment led me to take a leap of faith into the world of filmmaking. To my surprise, I found that film was not only a creative outlet but also a powerful tool for helping others. For the next few years, I dedicated myself entirely to film education and investing every dime I earned in the necessary gear, determined to pursue my passion wholeheartedly. I didn't buy a new pair of shoes for 3 years until I had all my camera equipment in order to keep overhead cost low for potential clients.
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After years of hard work, gaining invaluable experience, and earning numerous awards, I have finally reached a point in my journey where I want to share that same dedication and passion with you. I invite you to join me as we delve into the captivating world of film and storytelling together!
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EMAIL ME:
DeSean Motley
Director, DP, AC, Gaffer, Colorist, Student
Age 22
EXPERIENCE
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UAB GRADUATE
2024 - Narrative Filmmaking
Film Office Specialist - Film Birmingham
2022 - Current
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Managing Productions
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Managing Film based events
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Corresponding with state film office
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Managing Reelscout for crew
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Sidewalk Film Festival - (Programming)
May 2024
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Recommendating Films for lineup
World Games Videographer
July 2022
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Creating Visuals for promotion
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Creating Short videos for commercial use
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Interviewing
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Cinematography
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Location Scouting
USFL Videographer
July 2022
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Creating Visuals for promotion
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Creating Short videos for commercial use
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Cinematography
Creative Director - (UAB Black Focus Film Festival)
August 2021 - Current
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Creating Visuals for promotion
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Managing Social Media
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Graphic Design
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Managing Graphic Design
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Leading Creative team and Direction
Videography intern - (UAB Recreational Center)
August 2020 - Current
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Managing Social Media posts
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Creating Social Media posts
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Creating Sets
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Managing film shoots
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Maintaining Audience
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Sidewalk Film Festival - (Videographer)
October 2020
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Documentation of film
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Managing Audio
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Programming Board - (UAB Black Focus Film Festival)
August 2021 - Current
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Selection of films
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Studying film process
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Creation of Criteria to critique film
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1st AD - “the case” (2020)
March 2020 - April 2020
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Managing Schedule
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Creating Call sheets
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Leading meetings
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Set Design
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Managing Craft services
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Managing Actors
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Reading Screenplay and storyboard
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Calling roles
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Fish films camp - (Counselor)
June 2020 -july 2020
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Managing Children
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Explanation of FIlm set protocol
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Explanation of camera operation
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Assisting in documentation projects
Programming Board - (UAB film’s ABLAZE festival)
August 2020 - December 2020
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Selection of films
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Studying film process
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Creation of Criteria to critique film
BTS Photographer - 1504 Productions
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Background Photos
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Reference
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Bts photos
EDUCATION
University of Alabama at Birmingham, (Birmingham, AL) — Major in Film, minor in Spanish
2020-Current
Directed PROJECTS
2 Submissions to sidewalk Film Festival Student Catagory to be released!
Hero’s Journey — Narrative (Black Focus Film Festival Select)
Toy Story — Narrative (short) (Blaze on FIlm’s Festival Select)
The Stalker— Horror Narrative (Short)
H3nny Live! — Documentary
Everyone Loves their Children — Documentary
(205) 913-6656
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SKILLS
Adobe premiere Pro
Da Vinci resolve studio
Ability to read Call sheets
Ability to work well under stressful situations
Knowledge of Camera Functions
Grip and Gaff
Communication
Set up and Take down set
Certified PA by Film Birmingham
AWARDS
Featured in UAB’s Film’s A Blaze film Festival
Featured in UAB’s Black focus film festival (x2)
PA Ettiquette Certified
LANGUAGES
Fluent in English
Intermediate in Spanish
