New York City is one of the most colorful cities in the United States, with creative individuals showcasing their talent, whether it’s music, dance, or the visual arts. While street art has been the favored medium for visual artists, the digital era has paved the way for a new breed of platform for creatives to take advantage of. JLShotThat is a music video director whose works have allowed him to gain a strong following.
Born in Hollis, Queens, Jeremi Thi Lam, best known as JLShotThat, grew up with a diverse background that allowed him to experience multiple cultures. He would later pursue a career in the music industry, taking the name Nemesis with the group Castle Boyz. However, the group disbanded following a dispute in their label. While it was a huge blow, the would-be filmmaker started to learn about other aspects of the music business.
JLShotThat’s journey into the visual art space started around four to five years ago when a close friend reached out with a proposal to collaborate. His friend sponsored a camera of his choice, leading to a deal that would eventually allow him to start his umbrella company Visionary Vision LLC. Initially, he delved into photography but soon saw a need for high-quality, conceptual videos. JL began to shoot music videos for Brooklyn-based artists while outsourcing the editing process. He would settle into the software, combining his music experience and a natural eye for composition to build his reputation. It didn’t take long for him to find his passion for shooting music videos.
While it isn’t uncommon for rising musicians to shift their careers, JL’s drive to switch lanes came from a need to provide for his family. “It wasn’t an easy road for us,” he revealed. “My mother, being a single mom of three and working most of the time, took a toll on her health, so I had to step up.” JLShotThat has described his mother as a role model, saying that she showed him to never give up and work hard for what he wanted.
As a filmmaker, JL cites the movies and videos he grew up with as major influences, naming Quentin Tarantino, Spike Lee, and Hype Williams, among many others. With so many aspiring content creators in the creative space, the filmmaker is aware that he has to stand out. JLShotThat utilized his experience, both in his career and in life, to adapt to any situation he faced, taking on whatever challenges came his way. “The ability to never give up is a skill of its own, in my opinion,” he shared. JL has also credited the visuals he and his team produce as a factor that has helped them thrive.
JLShotThat is set to direct his first YouTube series soon with a casting call. With his goal of becoming a filmmaker on a grander stage, JL also hopes to release Visionary Vision Studios very soon as he fulfills his ambition of running a successful production studio.
Learn more about JLShotThat by visiting his official website. You can also find clips of his works by following him on Instagram.
