Check Out Riley Watson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley Watson.

Hi Riley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I always had an itch for creative work. When I was a freshman in high school, I started making YouTube videos out of sheer boredom. They were goofy, weird, and the epitome of being a teenager. That was my first taste of filmmaking and I never turned back.

I became enthralled with it after that and did my best to continue pushing myself and learning new things. I taught myself framing, storyboarding, editing, and even writing. When I was ready to enroll in college I knew I wanted to follow my creative instincts.

My senior year at college rolled around and I had an opportunity to finally make something of quality – something that stood out amongst my peers and pushed the limits of no-budget filmmaking. That short film was centered around a talking dog named Stinky… it won “Best screenplay” and “Best Comedy” that year at the University’s film awards.

Since the genesis of my creative journey at the age of 13, I’ve taken a liking to other forms of media. I’ve released over 100 songs spanning different genres and musical identities, I’ve worked as a graphic designer and photographer, and scored a couple of short films.

I love developing something new – every project is something exciting and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon!

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?
It hasn’t been the smoothest road. For the last few years, I’ve been working dead-end jobs and saw little light for myself in any creative field. I kept pushing myself to try new things and to get recognized in some professional capacity but it always led to nothing.

There was always a thought in my head of: “Someone is better than you” and that self-doubt led me to some not-so-fun spots and eventually took away any desire I had to pursue any passion of mine.

One day, I woke up and decided that I was no longer satisfied pretending to be happy with what I was doing in my life and started fighting for what I actually wanted – which leads us here to today!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What I love about the term “media production” is the fact that it is such a broad term. I love filmmaking because it has so many details that go into it.

If you want to be a one-man-band you have to know how to light, record sound, film, edit, color grade, sound design, graphic design – it’s a whole ecosystem to make sure what you’re making is of quality! My favorite projects were the cocktail videos I made this last year with J. Rieger & Co. It was fun developing a unique spin on something like cocktails.

Outside of filmmaking, I’ve been a music producer for over a decade. I started off heavily influenced by bass-driven styles but as the years have gone by I’ve begun to explore more sample-driven hip-hop. the thing I’m most proud of would be an EP I released back in 2020 called Sunset Rider.

It was influenced by the heavy metal I was listening to at the time while sticking with a theme of a revenge western. Exploring a narrative through music was a new challenge for me and I loved every minute of crafting this world in my head.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve learned to always keep trying. It is such a simple lesson that can get lost in the noise time and time again but it’s true! You have to keep pushing yourself.

The other lesson I have learned is to be a bright light when working with others; no one likes working with someone who takes themselves too seriously. You’re creating something new!

It’s a thrilling experience! You’re allowed to smile and enjoy yourself!

Contact Info:

• Email: therileywatson@gmail.com
• Website: rileyjwatson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_doubleuu/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/_doubleuu
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/doubleuudoubleuu