Profession:
Video director

Date & place of birth:
May 31 1983; Liverpool, UK


Your first job after full-time education?
My first job after leaving university is actually my current job. I was really lucky to land on my feet and join a great company called JJ Stereo who had massive belief and confidence in my ability.


You graduated from Salford University with a first class honours degree — how important has that qualification been to your actual career to date?
Getting a 1st class degree has played a huge part in my career so far, but more from a personal point of view as opposed to other people taking notice. It is just a really good feeling to know that you have achieved something that can never be taken away from you. It’s a comforting thing to fall back on when things aren’t going too well... a real confidence boost.


What initially fuelled your interest in video?
When I was younger, my Dad owned a video shop ingeniously entitled Caslin’s Audio & Video. This meant that while I was growing up I watched a lot of films and this gradually progressed into a love of television and then music as I got older.


In a highly competitive market place, what distinguishes JJ Stereo from other production companies?
We are always looking for new and innovative ways to create great TV shows, DVDs and commercials. The team here is really ambitious and young with an average age of around 26, which helps as that’s the demographic a lot of are work is aimed at. Most projects simply begin with us sitting round and asking ourselves ‘what would I like to see?’ or ‘what do I think is cool at the moment?’. That’s the real secret — getting the same people who are watching the commercials, TV shows or DVDs to make them. It’s not rocket science!


Was directing a video shoot of Paul McCartney playing to 350,000 in Kiev as wild an experience as it sounds?
Working with Sir Paul was a dream come true. Being from Liverpool, I’ve grown up listening to The Beatles and Paul McCartney every day of my life and then to have the chance to work with him was an unforgettable experience. My whole family are huge fans, when we got the job I don’t know who was happier — me or my Mum!


You also directed a Grammy-nominated DVD for Rihanna — how did that connection come about?
It came out the blue. Rihanna’s record label, Def Jam, were looking for a fresh approach and contacted JJ Stereo, as they had worked together in the past. We all sat down and Rihanna and Def Jam really liked our ideas, and pretty much gave us the job on the spot. It was my first full DVD so to get nominated for a Grammy off the back of it was a total shock.


Is there anyone you would describe as a mentor?
My executive producers, John and Ruth Paveley, have been instrumental in my career so far. They took a chance on me when others were not convinced and we have a great working relationship. They have a real eye for talent having not only seen something in me but also the other directors and designers I work with at JJ Stereo. That is their great skill.


You’re young and the world’s your oyster, so what’s your big ambition?
My biggest ambition is to keep motivated and become the best in the world at my profession. There are a lot of other great directors out there so it will not be easy but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. There are a couple of great projects coming up that I’m really excited about. It’s a bit early to talk about them now but watch this space. I’d love to work with Michael Jackson at some point this year — Michael, if you’re reading, you know where to find me!


What occupies your free time?
Getting out and about in London; there are loads of inspiring things to see. Also, spending time with friends and playing sports and video games.

  
Your favourite record of all-time?
‘In My Life’ by The Beatles.


What would be your advice to a teenage Paul Caslin?
Just stay focused and try to shine at whatever you are doing whether it’s a three-minute short film, a low budget music video or a 30-camera live shoot. If your work is consistently good, people will eventually take notice. There has never been a better time for young people to be making videos. Editing software and video cameras are becoming more accessible and there are so many ways to get your work noticed... you just have to put a lot of time and effort in, but it’s worth it.