Filmmaker supports clients through Bright Spark Media
Helping seven- and eight- figure businesses grow with high-impact video production and marketing, Bright Spark Media works with clients nationwide, transforming YouTube channels into revenue machines for growth and retention. His credentials include certifications from the University of Arizona (UofA) Digital Marketing Science, Google Ads Search and HubSpot Academy Email Marketing.
“We do a lot of marketing, but our main clients are retainer-based, long-term partnerships. We establish trust so we can work with the same clients for a long period of time,” said Hawkins, whose accent carries that distinct charm of his heritage.
In addition, Hawkins is directing a Western called El Ranchero. “I’ve been wanting to direct a movie for several years. This Western/Mexican gangster movie will be a classic hero-meets-villain type of movie with a lot of fun, action and meaningful dialogue.”
Using local talent and Camp Verde’s Western personality, the film will be less than 12 minutes long. “I live in a cowboy culture and have access to ranches and saloons and Western themes, so the script kind of wrote itself. I hope to enter it into the Sedona International Film Festival’s short film category,” he said.
Approaching its 32nd year and named among the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” and one of the “50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee”by MovieMaker Magazine, the Sedona International Film Festival runs for nine days and features more than 150 films. “Our workshops and filmmaker conversation bring award-winning industry professionals to Sedona to teach, inspire and share their knowledge with the next generation of filmmakers, like Reuben,” said Sedona International Film Festival Director Patrick Schweiss.
Hawkins says he is hoping to wrap up the movie by the end of the month. “Camp Verde offers everything I need to complete my dream: the landscape, the people and the weather.”
Hawkins began his career working with his brother, who owned a media company in New Zealand. “I’ve been immersed in video production and marketing since 2008. My career started behind a camera and evolved into leading, branding and content strategy for a $170 million company. I’ve taken that experience and poured it into Bright Spark Media.”
When Hawkins was offered a job in North Phoenix, he left Washington and moved his family to Arizona. “We wanted to move to a rural town, so we chose Camp Verde, which was one of the closest places north that had the lifestyle balance we were looking for.”
Working alongside Hawkins at Bright Spark Media is Production Assistant Wes Castillo. “It’s really great working here. It’s really high production work, lots of lighting and set up. We spent two days working 14 hours setting up equipment for a two-minute film.” Castillo’s former position was an executive producer for the Lea Show in Denver, Colorado.
Outside of work Hawkins loves spending time with his family, hiking and being outdoors and near water in the summer.
To learn more about Bright Spark Media, visit their website at www.brightsparkmediallc.com.
Last Moment of Nostalgia
There were moments recently that I felt how proud I am of the business and how far we’ve come. Recently, we filmed a product video for a paint sprayer that shoots out in every direction. I emptied the studio and covered everything with tarps, brought in the paint sprayer inside to control the lighting and the video came out awesome. I couldn’t have done this a year ago, and now we have the facilities to do this. The client loved it and from that video they have had major orders.
My Guilty Pleasure
I’m a bit of a nerd. I like modeling, painting and building miniature stuff with my son – it’s a bonding thing – with battling figures, glue and paint, miniature houses and set designs.
Where I Feel Most Alive
On stage doing worship for my church, I feel the greatest sense of purpose. We travel a lot because we have family that live around the world, so we have to travel if we want our kids to see our family regularly. I like going to places we’ve never been before.
What I do for Fun
I like playing soccer, music, board games and like hanging out with friends.
How I Stay Centered
I find connection on a spiritual level and my family keeps me grounded. Having a mental check really helps me remind myself of the big picture and what I’m doing and why I’m doing it.
My Favorite Season
Summer. But in Arizona I do like fall a lot, especially that three-week period when it’s just gorgeous and beautiful. Fall is pretty short here, which makes it special. VVBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, VVBN
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Bright Spark Media owner Reuben Hawkins and Production Assistant Wes Castillo work with clients around the country to transform YouTube channels into revenue generators.
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