Recently we have seen so many beautiful wedding videos and social media commercials play out over so many platforms. Sometimes, when we see them, we do not get a chance to learn about the person behind the camera. My Touch Films came on the scene a couple of years ago and has been setting these platforms on fire with his amazing visuals. Recently rolling out got a chance to sit down with him Desmond Touchstone behind the scenes of one of his upcoming projects, Weight the Movie.
What is My Touch Films?
On the surface, My Touch Films is a film company that strives on bringing ideas and thoughts to life but in a cinematic way. From weddings, commercials, music videos, documentaries and now movies. To me personally, My Touch Films is everything. Its “my baby” so to speak. One day about 7-8 years ago I picked up a camera and just wanted to shoot dope things. Not really even knowing the logistics of it or how much work really went into it. But once I started I couldn’t stop. The passion, the drive, the determination I had and continuously have to grow and to prosper My Touch Films, as not just as a company but also as a brand, is necessary in order to continue bringing dope visuals to life. My Touch Films is not just a company, it’s a lifestyle. And soon it’ll become a household name.
How did you get your start in the industry?
My first year into filming I was just shooting anything I could get my hands on. From behind the scenes footage at photo shoots, events, fashion shows, pretty much anything someone asked me to do. I wasn’t even charging at the time because for me it was more about getting the experience than it was to make some money. I knew that would come later down the line when people started to really take notice of my work and what I was capable of. With my first wedding, a couple approached me and asked how much I’d charge to shoot their wedding and I really didn’t know what to tell them. After that wedding and the visuals I released, it just became a snowball effect. The weddings just started to roll in one after another. Which was a wonderful feeling.
What sets your visuals apart from any other videographer?
More than anything, the passion. The ability I have not only to capture phenomenal footage but also capturing the emotions that go along with it. I aim to make all my videos feel like you’re watching a movie. I’m very cinematic and big on color so I always reflect that within my work.
What’s your favorite type of project to shoot?
Weddings. I love to capture love. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences ever. And to know that I’m capturing footage that’ll last a lifetime and always be something special for those people is such a great feeling to have. Which is why one of my main goals is to film a love story one day.
What inspires you?
Truthfully, I’m inspired by everyday life. From my family to the movies I watch, places I visit, it’s easy for me to find inspiration in everything. I know I want no two days to be the same therefore each day I’m working harder so that won’t happen. I’m inspired by my son because I know he’s watching my every move and mimicking everything I do therefore I always want to lead a great example. I want him to believe and feel that he can do anything and everything he wants to do in life.
Who do you look to in your industry for motivation?
Off the top of my head, Steven McQueen, David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino and Mike Scorsese all contribute so much to the film industry, [so] it’s easy for me to be motivated to do even more. Two of my absolute favorites would be Hype Williams and Spike Lee. Hype Williams and the way he’s able to exert the use of colors and emotion is mind blowing. His movie Belly alone is what made me want to get into film. Spike Lee, the rawness and edginess that comes through in all of his projects, is motivation in itself.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Firstly, you have to be passionate and dedicated in order to make it in this business. It’s a lot of long hours and sleepless days. You can’t be easily discouraged because that alone will stop you before you really even get your chance to start. But also, just have fun with it. Don’t be afraid to do something you love. Don’t be afraid to try. Life is about chances. The best thing I did was follow my dreams. I thank God every day for giving me this gift. I wouldn’t change it for anything. I love it!
Do you have one project that you feel truly put you on the map?
Wow. That’s a hard question to answer. A music video I shot appeared on MTV Jams. To me, that was a really big deal. Also, a wedding video I did that received over 20,000 views and shared on multiple sites. Those two alone had me just like “wow, people really like me.” Soon to be added to this list is a movie I’m working on with some really creative people which will be out this October. It’s my first movie so I’m super excited and I can’t wait to share it with you all. Filming movies is my dream and my goal, so being able to accomplish that is a great feeling. It’s only the beginning.
So the world wants to know — if you ever get married, who will shoot your wedding day?
The funny thing about that is me and my lady talk about this all the time. That’s a question we still don’t have to answer to. I guess we’ll all find out soon.
You can find out more information on My Touch Films by visiting their website at: https://www.mytouchfilms.com/weddings/
Also, follow them on Instagram at Mytouchfilms and Weddingsshotbymytouchfilms.
