top of page
Island Director

Island Filmmaker!

 

The Platform!

​

Hi, I’m Philip Richards Jr., also known as the Island Director. I’m the creator and CEO of Island Filmmaker, a platform where I create innovative solutions for everyday productions and empower solo filmmakers through streamlined filmmaking education. Whether you want to learn at your own pace, connect with a creative community, enhance your skills with expert guidance, or bring your vision to life with professional support, Island Filmmaker is here to help you succeed.

​

In today’s digital age, information is everywhere, buried in a maze of noise, confusion, and misinformation. I know firsthand how overwhelming that can be. As a self-taught filmmaker, I faced the same challenges, struggling to navigate the chaos. That’s why I created this platform: to provide simplified, insightful, and comprehensive filmmaking education for the disoriented solo filmmaker I once was. My mission is to cut through the noise and empower you with the clarity and tools you need to succeed.

​

We also live in a time where technological literacy is less widespread than you might think, with only about 10% of people being producers, a striking statistic that highlights the urgent need for creative platforms like Island Filmmaker. My goal is to assist and empower the struggling 90% of those who aren't producers to achieve real world results and help them bring their visions to life so they too can thrive in this new economy.

 

Under the Island Filmmaker umbrella, I’ve had the privilege of producing, filming, directing, and editing a wide range of captivating music videos, as well as an extensive portfolio of commercial and corporate productions, all locally within the British Virgin Islands. Expanding onto the global stage, I’ve had the honor of collaborating briefly with the acclaimed reality series Below Deck during its time in the BVI. Additionally, I’ve undertaken various filmmaking ventures for international clients, both within and beyond the borders of the British Virgin Islands.

 

Island Director
Island Director

How it all started!

​Ruff Beginnings!

 

My journey into filmmaking was anything but easy. I chose an unconventional path, bypassing expensive film schools and the exclusive Hollywood scene, which at the time was dominated by gatekeepers and industry insiders. Instead, I sought knowledge in physical bookstores like Barnes & Noble and later through online platforms like Amazon. From there, I progressed through "YouTube University" and eventually immersed myself in the rising trend of online courses. While I gained valuable insights along the way, the information was scattered and required an immense amount of time and effort to piece together. Despite this, I still found myself wanting more.

​​

Despite honing my filmmaking skills, I found myself stuck in a mundane paralegal job, until an unexpected opportunity came my way. I was recruited to spearhead the transformation of an empty basement, with only a basic idea, into what became the thriving broadcast hub, 284 Media, a subsidiary of CCT BVI. Its success soared, but while the company flourished, my emotional well-being plummeted following an abrupt and unceremonious dismissal.

​

Equipped with a fresh perspective, I created the Island Filmmaker Platform. Regrettably, the dedication required to build such a platform exacted a toll on both my health and finances, necessitating a well-deserved break for self-care in order to navigate life's ebbs and flows. In the end, perseverance prevailed, unveiling the beauty of resilience, which was ultimately rewarded with success.

Interesting Insights!

 

I'm a Virgo and definitely an Omnivert

​

  1. I’m obsessed with the color black and no it’s not a race thing nor am I gothic!

  2. I’m a proud mama’s boy even to this day; god knows how much I love my mama.

  3. Some might assume I favor tropical climates due to my location, but in reality, I'm more inclined towards colder regions.

  4. The only pastime I have outside of filmmaking is jet skiing and dismantling feature films, sad but true.

  5. I’m actually quite the comedian, however only those in my immediate circle would see that side of me unfortunately.

  6. Seeing people from the islands, like myself, succeed fills me with immense joy. Opportunities for us are rare, so when they arise, I'm absolutely elated.

  7. I absolutely despise flying, the reason lies in insight #8.

  8. If we ever happen to meet you can ask me about insight #8. It’s quite a ridiculous reason I’ve been told.

bottom of page