Meet Nate Sukley | Director, Cinematographer, Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nate Sukley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nate, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been interested in creating. I grew up with a passion for drawing, which led to cameras and video production. I don’t think anything took a drastic turn until I discovered music. I mean like, truly finding music that wasn’t just on the radio. Once I found my own interest in music, ideas started flooding in from the start. Artistic careers force any pressure to only be from yourself, not a boss. It can be a gift and a curse. But creating for a living never truly feels like work. It’s more of a perspective or experience you are trying to portray to an audience. It lets me tell stories without even having to say a word.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I direct, film and edit a variety of music related content. This includes music videos and concerts or performances. The brand is called Daydream Productions. We have a group album out, a collection of music videos and concert recaps as well. It was and still is a learning process. I wouldn’t even consider myself a professional because there’s always so much more to learn. Most of it, I would say, is just trial and error. You need to make the bad videos to figure out how to get better or move accordingly.

The biggest advice I could give is to just jump at every opportunity presented to you. Don’t be afraid to network with new people or step out of your comfort zone. Some of those connections may not work out in the long run, but you won’t really know until you try. I’ve met some really talented people just by offering help, hire or even free work.

I’m most excited for a music video we filmed in the desert. I don’t want to say much about it, but it will most likely be a top favorite of mine. A lot of planning and execution went into it. A great team was covering the bases and my good friend was the one that made the song too.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I film EDM and house music performances at NOVA SD, so I’d have to bring them there to see a show for sure. Downtown is always hectic and has a bunch going on. I’d have to bring over to La Jolla beach, PB for a small bar hop too. There are some great hiking areas scattered around too. Maybe tour them around the SDSU campus before I graduate. The food situation is a hard one. I like to cook. Korean BBQ or taco shops are usually the way to go. If they’re east coast friends, they definitely need some In n Out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The list of Shoutouts could go on forever.. So many people that have helped me learn and grow.

Borrupted: JP and Jrod

Makeshift: Visuals by Luke, YeahGary and EmbraceTheStrange

Dylan Bridgwater

Hookmaster & ATM Bezzal

Anyone that takes a chance on me to tell their story and visualize their ideas.

Website: https://www.youtube.com/@DaydreamProductions1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natesukley/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaydreamProductions1

Other: Daydream Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialdaydream/

Image Credits
Brian Alvarenga Emily Ho Oscar Degarza Jonathan Nunez Zane Rockhill