Life & Work with Robert La Mantia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert La Mantia.

Hi Robert, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi, my name is Robert La Mantia (La Man-tea-uh), but you can call me Rob. I’m a filmmaker and content creator who loves telling stories. I’ve been making videos and photos that wow my clients and their audiences for ten years. My specialty is crafting engaging content for social media that reflects your brand’s unique personality. I enjoy jogging, playing video games, hanging out with my family at the Jersey Shore, and taking nature photos when not creating. And I love a good restaurant recommendation.

My filmmaking and video creation journey began in Kennett Square, a quaint town near Philadelphia, PA. I enjoyed making short films with my friends and trying different storytelling and cinematography techniques. We made mistakes but also improved our skills. Our hard work and creativity paid off when we won a local film festival award. I followed my dream of becoming a filmmaker at Full Sail University in Orlando, FL. I learned how to create engaging and compelling content for marketing, social media, and branding there. I also learned how to run a professional film set. One of my proudest achievements was making a video that helped the Bellefonte Brewing Company reach its Kickstarter goal. They surpassed their $18,000 goal and raised over $20,000 with my video’s help. They have grown into one of Delaware’s leading craft breweries with two locations and a loyal fan base.

After finishing my studies, I relocated to Los Angeles and pursued my passion for creating engaging social media videos that enhance various brands’ online presence and impact. One of the most rewarding projects I worked on was Project Mermaids. This photography initiative raises awareness and funds for ocean conservation by capturing people in mermaid costumes in different locations worldwide, such as New York City, London, and Hawaii. I produced stunning B2C Instagram ads for this project that attracted millions of views and interactions from audiences fascinated by the mermaid concept. I also had the chance to collaborate with some fantastic influencers like Victoria Justice, Marlin Ramsey Chan, and Harvey Guillen. They were very friendly and supportive of the mission. In addition, I assisted the head producer with some B2B cross-promotion ventures, such as a video partnership with Disney’s Pop Sugar and Freeform. Project Mermaids was a great client; I had many opportunities to expand my abilities and creativity while contributing to a good cause.

Since 2019, I’ve been splitting my time between Scottsdale and Ocala, FL. I’m the Senior Digital Creator at RideNow Powersports. I create videos for social media platforms for 11 dealerships of RideNow Powersports, Indian Motorcycle, and Harley-Davidson in north and central Florida. I also cover events like Bike Week and Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, FL. My videos have a quirky, offbeat style that attracts customers to local dealerships. I have worked with over 60 famous brands, such as Harley-Davidson, Dave & Buster’s, Polaris, Ducati, Kawasaki, Vanderhall, and Honda Powersports. I also work with WEDU PBS, a public television station in Tampa, FL. I produce videos for their PBS Sustain Series covering environmental issues and solutions. I manage the whole process from research to delivery, and my videos aim to engage and inform the viewers. Recently, I co-directed and produced 13 Knots, a short film that won Best Thriller and Audience Choice Awards at The Bridgeport Film Festival.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a content creator, I have faced many challenges in my ten years of experience, but I have also learned a lot from them. One of them is keeping up with the changing trends and preferences of the audience. I must constantly research and learn new skills and tools to create engaging and relevant content for different platforms and niches. The ever-changing trends keep me updated and motivated to explore new possibilities and opportunities. I enjoy discovering new things and experimenting with different styles and formats. Another challenge I face as a content creator is dealing with feedback and criticism. I understand feedback is essential for improving my work and satisfying my clients. I listen to constructive feedback that helps refine my content and make it more effective and appealing. I also respect different opinions and perspectives that may challenge or inspire me. However, I also trust my instincts and expertise to create content that meets clients’ needs and goals. I have the skills and experience to deliver quality results that reflect my vision and style. I know that not everyone will like or agree with my work, but I also know that I have the confidence and competence to do right by the client. I use feedback as a way to learn and grow, not as a way to doubt or limit myself.

A third challenge is managing time and resources. I have to plan and prioritize my projects and tasks, set realistic deadlines and expectations, and allocate enough time for editing and quality control. I also have to budget and invest in the equipment and software that I need for my work. This challenge teaches me to be organized, efficient, flexible, and adaptable. I value my time and resources and use them wisely and effectively. I also realize limitations can be good because they force me to be creative and find new solutions. These are some challenges I have faced as a content creator, but they are also why I love what I do. They make me grow and learn as a professional and as a person. I have learned that necessity is the mother of invention.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an award-winning content creator, videographer, and independent filmmaker, I help corporate and nonprofit clients reach their marketing goals with captivating videos and photos. I combine proven marketing strategies with cutting-edge trends and customize my content to fit each client’s brand identity and voice. Whether it’s a product launch, a social media campaign, or a documentary, I can create content that stands out and connects with the target audience.

My portfolio showcases my versatility and creativity in producing content for different industries and niches. I have worked with nearly a hundred renowned brands, such as Harley-Davidson, Dave & Buster’s, Polaris, PBS, and Honda Powersports. I have collaborated with influential personalities and celebrities like Harvey Guillén, Shark Girl Madison, Marlin Ramsey Chan, and Victoria Justice.

My passion is to turn a client’s marketing vision into reality or to surprise them with something they didn’t know they wanted. I love to challenge expectations and create something that makes an impact. I deliver high-quality content on time and within budget, and I always aim to produce engaging and fun content that sparks interest and curiosity in the viewer. Some of my videos have been called “quirky,” but I take that as a compliment.

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
I have a couple of random tips that saved me grief and started my career in the first place.

Focus on what you love to do. If you dream of becoming a renowned horror author like Stephen King, don’t waste all your energy writing blogs about plants. Your time is precious; use it to chase your dreams. Of course, take care of your obligations and mental health first, but following your passion will always require effort.

No one cares; it’s up to you to make them care! Stand up for yourself, promote yourself, and cheer yourself on in public, like on social media or networking events. Being your number one fan doesn’t give you carte blanche to only talk about yourself or ignore social cues, but you must share your passions with others if you want them to care or know.

Balance your work and your play. Ultimately, as fulfilling as my work can be, it doesn’t beat watching a sunset from the top of a mountain or watching the Big Game with my family. Although it took missing quite a few sunsets and several Big Games to get there, one of the keys to my success was to stop working too much and only concentrate on the projects that mattered to me.

Don’t listen to advice, including mine! This may seem crazy, but everyone has a unique perspective based on their life, and their advice may not suit your situation. You should only take what makes sense to you and ignore what doesn’t. Don’t let anyone impose their views on you. Trust your intuition; you know what’s best for you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://RobertLaMantia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rideofthevalkyries/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-la-mantia/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rideofthevalkyrie
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rideofthevalkyrie?_t=8bd8TduIBi7&_r=1