Conversations with James Castaneda

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Castaneda.

Hi James, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
At a young age, I was always drawn to art. I felt this was my identity growing up, and it allowed me to be as expressive as I needed to be. This art turned into a deep passion for music in my teenage years. My mom always pointed out how passionate I would become about something, and that’s all I would care about. I pursued music for most of my life and was lucky enough to perform at my hometown NFL stadium with other phenomenal musicians. I believed this was my purpose in life.

A few years later, I moved to Arizona with my wife and planted a church campus with my family and best friends. I could practically lift my life and move everything to the state next door. Music was still a part of my life but began to collect dust as my family grew.

A couple of years into Arizona, the world went up in flames due to the infamous phrase: Covid-19. Along with the majority, fear began to settle. We were stopped as we were growing our small campus and rolling with momentum. We now had to figure out how to record and live stream our church and develop what we do digitally. After many moving pieces, this new task fell into my hands, and like before, a new passion was awoken. I had to enter this whole new world blindly and learn how to adapt and perform very, very quickly. With music, it was easy. I could have a minimal idea of a single instrument and then craft a whole song around it. I learned very quickly video production was quite the opposite. From lighting, audio, composition, coloring, etc., everything was practically a trade itself. I look at my original projects in absolute embarrassment, often asking, “What on Earth was I thinking?”

Like most artists, striving and pursuing excellence is a never-ending chapter. I understood this new animal I was discovering would be a challenge, but never have I been more fascinated by such a form of art. After much research alongside trial and error, I began to find my stride. I did some free work, landed my 1st paying job and thought, “I can make a living pursuing my passion.” This mindset changed everything in me.

I found that this all is much, much more than a camera. The idea of telling a story or capturing a moment to relive it is surreal. This became my new zeal, and I love everything about it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If obstacles were easy, we would never grow. This isn’t a new revelation, but something needs to be part of the foundation in the mindset of someone looking to further themselves in what they believe in. Knowing I have a stunning family that depends on my share of the income has often put fear in what I do. This opens a Kirkland-sized jar of doubts and insecurities questioning whether I’m good enough. But it knows how to capture my thoughts before they capture me. I understand and believe I will never be the best in this industry. I have already met and worked with other artists that inspire me constantly. But instead of comparing myself, I know that I still sell an excellent product at the end of the day. This product has opened many doors, allowing me even more time to invest with my family. I couldn’t be more thankful for all the obstacles that became part of my story.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a freelancer, I offer many services, but nothing compares to telling someone’s story. As a videographer and photographer, I find so much joy behind a lens, capturing moments to be relived and creating a digital “time machine,” if you will. Whether it’s a couple’s love story on the biggest day of their lives, the happiest pup on the beach as the sun meets the sea, or the testimony of a strong human who walked away from a previous lifestyle to be set free, stories need to be told, and everyone has one. I want to move people with the stories I tell.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Growing up, I was secretly insecure and wanted nothing more than others’ approval. I tried very hard to be the class clown or often dressed a certain way. I would adopt their personalities even when meeting new people rather than express mine. It was when I started dating my now wife. We knew each other many years before being romantic, so once we were, it was easy. We were great friends before. I knew her, and she knew me. This was a fundamental, yet simple, mindset: Just be yourself. Doing so has brought much attention to my craft and business. If you work with me, you get to know me and find that I am irreplaceable, just as you are yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: zealproductionsaz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zealpro.az/ 

Image Credits
David Weibel, Annie Shumway