Diamond Visuals

Yes🕸️ @bigsean Nerves are always present when going into any shoot. During bigger productions, as you can imagine, they are even more prominent. Despite feeling well-prepared for this shoot, I’ve realized that being too prepared can sometimes make you rigid. When the shots don’t match the vision, or when time constraints demand a shift in direction, you gotta adjust. Finding the balance between being well-prepared and staying open to entirely abandoning an idea is most def a skill I’m still working on. Fortunately, I had an incredible team through this. It’s only gonna get better. Mental notes 💭 • Back like the 08 redeem team iykyk •Just shoot the full song EVERYTIME. PLEASE. •AD’s are so useful •My computer crashed while I was creating the intro’s collage. •If you ever create a collage, be sure to adjust the color of all the clips before finalizing it. •Shout out Dima, Vinny, and aylo •Breakfast on set is crazy Directed By @_diamondvisuals Creative Director + Executive Producer: @colebennett Co-Executive Producer: @liljake Head of Production: @kristaworby Director of Photography: @dima.shorin 1st AD: @rickydula Post Supervisor: @josephlrocha Production Designer: @codyfusina Color Grade by:@viniciusgnali VFX Supervisor: @aylo_edit VFX by @sideye.mov Paper Animation: @goood.dylan Collage: @galzxys Titles: @danielkeoghart Production Manager: @kayteerae 2nd AD: Juan Garcia Quintero 1st AC: @mikescottjustin 2nd AC: @ryanmage Steadicam: @pintoproduction Chief Lighting Technician: @mikewilliamsoncinema Key Grip: @mylesmystery Best Boy Electric: @seemejia Best Boy Grip: Valfrie Tabian Jr. Art Director: @mitchdillon1 Prop Master: @banchisimo Extras Wardrobe: @princessaunna Wardrobe Assistant: @vanessaarturet Vanessa Arturet Key Production Assistant: @afolakeakingba Production Assistant: @wheresrocco Production Assistant: @spencer.campbell

Bad Time⏰ @liltecca   I didn’t plan on writing about this, but I think it’s important because many other directors are going through a similar experience and may not realize that it’s quite common. It’s never a great feeling to think you drop the ball on a project, especially when it’s a big one. This time, things didn’t come together the way I had hoped. I captured some solid frames, but they didn’t tell the story I had envisioned. Feeling like you could have done better is always a tough weight to bear, but not every project will turn out exactly as you envisioned. Some will be stronger, while others will simply take on a life of their own, as this one did for me. Needless to say, still give your all to every project, but remember that L’s are a part of the journey. Take accountability and note the lessons from each shoot, whether good or bad and apply them to the next project. The point is, things happen. It’s not the end of the world. Don’t be so dam tough on yourself. Get tf up & get back to it. It always works out. Bad time out now. Mental Notes 💭 • Too much coverage can be an issue   • Great ideas come from a calm mind • Stop being so dam tough on yourself • You won’t hit every pitch • We’re our worst critics • Sometimes it’s all in your head • Don’t judge a project too early • I may have switched to Davinci • Shout out @noahsocold & @galzxys fr • Bandanna shorts weren’t my best choice Directed by @_diamondvisuals Creative Director: @noahsocold Executive Producer: @colebennett Co-Executive Producer: @liljake Head of Production: @kristaworby Producer: @josephlrocha Edited by @_diamondvisuals  @noahsocold Color Grade: @_diamondvisuals Vfx: @noahsocold   3D: @Galzxys AC/Gaffer: @jacobfrost_21 Key Grip: @meredithsmithcinema G&E Swing: @the.nev Production Designer: @dredrerichville Set Dresser: Nausha Turner Production Assistant: @anthonyalvarado Production Assistant: @parkerabsent BTS: @kaiixvvs Cars: @danny.leno + @stopthehype.jp

One of those shoots where I was behind the camera, fully in the moment. Shooting in awe. Witnessing two worlds I’ve worked in cross paths was special. This Chicagoooooooooooooo. Plans shifted, timing moved, but that’s where the magic happens. You adapt, you pivot, you capture shots you never expected. Part of the game. Forever learning. Mental Notes 💭 •Scouting with the whole team is vital (If the budget allows) • Being the last one off set is a big thing to me • Taking home crafty lowkey one of the best feelings • Swerve reading some of my six years worth of my DMs was a moment •Bro….just eat at lunch •Me & Cap - 15 videos in rn •Lowkey the ronin on the suction cup upside down worked flawlessly •So much room to grow still •Grateful asllllllllll PRODUCER // @kristaworby & @anthonyalvarado PM // @_oliviawolf AD // @complexcaptures PA // @gabbytookthese & @irissamc HELP OFN // @rick_dawg23 G&E // @v.broda_ @emmsquare ART // @allcreativeswelcome CRT & Blood Collage // @cruelntentlons TITLE // @akcugfx SECURITY // @diamondvisuals FASTEST MEMBER ON SET // @diamondvisuals POTENTIALLY THE STRONGEST ON SET // @diamondvisuals

Hood Poet Black Heart Edition ✍🏼🖤 W/ @polo.capalot I remember trynna hit Cap back in 2021 about doing something for the album (last slide). I’ve always trusted God’s timing though so when it didn’t unfold then, I kept working until it did. You can’t lack patience in this game, but on the flip side, you can’t lack hustle either. For this project, one video turned into two… then three… then I stopped counting. Without even realizing it, I almost shot the entire album. Probably one of the first projects I’ve ever been this visually involved in. Some videos more complex than others, but every one of them holds a moment frozen in time. Point is whatever you’re pursuing, keep at that sh*t until you get there. ✍🏼🖤 @ midnightttt Mental Notes 💭 •Shoot the shot - then forget about it •Patience is just as important as hustle •S3 is king •New Computer, New Diamond •Do people do the cha cha slide outside of Chicago? Location ••••• @luvcitychi Thorn VFX ••••• @sovann.sk @yusufkicanoglu @_x9nder_

Hood Poet Album Teaser ✍🏼 🖤 w/ @polo.capalot One of my first small, dialogue-driven pieces. First of many to come, fashoo. This is just the beginning. Felt a lot like shooting a music video minus a reference track. The kids crushed it, especially considering they didn’t even know their roles before arriving. Turned out better than expected. Hella lessons, hella blessings all that good stuff. SHORT FILM COMING… IDK WHEN, BUT ONE DAY. Mental Notes 💭 •Maybe don’t shoot in DT during the Chicago Marathon • if you can get the same shot in a simpler way PIVOT •I will “one last shot” you into tomorrow. •Why does it feel like I’m about to fight before every shoot???? •Tell sound to roll before hitting record my bad 🅱️ •I printed and cut out 50 tape covers that didn’t properly fit & weren’t ready to pick up until 30 mins before the shoot. Almost crashed out. •Im legitimately proud asl of these shorties •Everything I stressed about never happened or did but worked out anyways. Be smooth bruh •AI Voice couldn’t be Dj Louie V

On Display w/ @complex + @colebennett Got the opportunity recently to shoot an episode of On Display alongside @rick_dawg23 & @cnsincaglia We’ve shot over 25 Lunch Break Freestyles together, so this felt no different just in a new format. Big thanks to @anthonyalvarado for putting it together, and shoutout to our lighting crew and audio team for locking it in with us. Actually really happy with how it turned out. New On Display episode out now. Mental Notes 💭 •ahhhhhhhhh •Triple check the gear list •Actually look up the fancy gear that you’re not familiar with •On everything I ate some Fritos and Big A told me my breath was hot asl 😭😭😭😭 •I should probably be editing rn but I’m typing this •Krista is so raw for this fr THANK YOUUUU •Shout out C Brady for giving the approval

The DV story continues 🎂🎈 This year went by quicker than any before it. While that’s kind of nerve-wracking, it also serves as a reminder to run after all the cool sh*t I want to do. Gotta dance while the music’s playing. Win or lose, every day is a blessing. I’m grateful. Grateful to be me, to have my family, to be healthy, to have my talent, to live off art. The list goes on. Today marks my gratitude entry #2,335. I’m counting my blessings, and I’m just getting started. Forbes 30 under 30 // Loading VMA Award // Loading Mental Notes 💭 • Detach from the outcome  • Always be the first to applaud others • Be where your feet are  • Health needs to be prioritized • Most the time, its all in your head • Nature Heals • It’s ok to celebrate YOU • Energy is contagious • Just accept the compliment • Learn how to ask for help • Trust GOD during turbulent times • Sometimes the LOSS is the WIN • I spent half the year trying to hit a 360 jump shot  • Half the time I without a doubt feel 6’3 • Saying “no” 85% of the time isn’t enough. Say it more. • Tuna ain’t that bad after all • #2335 with no repeats

Summer Smash weekend always flies by, but this year I made it a priority to stay as present as possible. I was THERE. EXACTLY WHERE MY FEET WERE. Reuniting with familiar faces and connecting with some new ones. Some of the best creators out. Whole weekend really felt like summer camp frfr. Incredible team. Incredible weekend. Until next year🫡 Mental Notes💭 • Shoutout to the fest workers fr • I fr seen Soulja boy • Told @wakaflocka about all the noise complaints I caused my mom screaming his adlibs as a kid • Sunscreen actually works • If we flicked up send thattttt • Took 75,237 steps this weekend • Blew asl I didn’t spin back for the churro s’more sandwich • Don’t call someone by name unless you’re 1000% sure that’s actually their name • Inspired by the great @owenschatz

NEVER NEED 💋 @anyciaaaaaa + @glorillapimp + @karrahbooo Truly a blessing to be BACK in Atlanta and working with Anycia AGAIN. I aimed to make this piece memorable, Something that stood apart from everything Anycia and I have done before. Whether I achieved that or not, I’m leaving up to the viewer. I’m learning to embrace my creative efforts without being overly critical of the outcome. Letting go of the pressure of the final product and just f*cking creating. Breaking that OLD habit of saying what went wrong just as someone is ready to offer a compliment. Gotta let that sh*t go. Nonetheless, grateful. Another one for the books. Thank you GOD. Thank you to all the amazing folks that played a role in this one. Mental Notes 💭 • You’re the leader of the pack..so LEAD • Smooth seas don’t make skillful sailors • Printing out your shot list shot by shot is a game-changer. S/o @hidjiworld •Always shoot the full song, no matter how much time is left (lesson finally learned again) • Don’t beat yourself up about a choice that felt right in the moment • So Joe was right, we really do have breakfast on EVERY set. • Coffee is lowkey fire • @magnolia.arthouse is the best art crew on earth Crew list loading

Wok Sauce @jorjiana219 Spent an hour and a half running around the city with Jorjiana just having fun. Wok Sauce Out now. Mental Notes 💭 •When time is tight, slow down! The end result is always better. •The pressure of your first release of the year serves the wrong people •The forecast said rain. I ignored it. It rained. •More locations doesn’t always mean a better video. •The day I get a new computer setup, we’re all celebrating. • If I didn’t have to turn this in 24hrs later I would have had galzxy jump on the project.

The longer you sit on an idea, the more obstacles seem to appear. This year, the timing just wasn’t right. I wasn’t ready to start in early November like I’d originally planned, and for a moment, I almost scratched off the idea altogether. && as time passed, old doubts started creeping back in. Thoughts about how small my gesture might be, just like during my first blanket drive. But the cold temperatures served as a reminder that no matter how bad my timing was, someone was still out there, facing the elements while I walked into my warm apartment. Delilah checked in with me at the top of the year, and I said, “Let’s do this.” We put together the flyer and got to work. I want everyone who helped to know that they’re just as much a part of this as anyone else. Whether it was sharing a flyer, sending a Zelle contribution, or donating a blanket, every bit of support meant just as much. Every blanket was hand-delivered, one by one fr. Sometimes that meant driving around aimlessly for hours, looking for someone in need, but we made it happen. This year, we were able to get more, bigger, and better-quality blankets, thanks to all of you. The gratitude and reactions from the people we met made it all worth it. Blankets alone won’t change anyone’s circumstances, but if it makes their situation just a little bit easier, then it was all worth it. But as I write this, I realize your donation also serves as a small reminder that someone out there cared enough to help. And in times of emotional need, we all know how uplifting that feeling can be. The first year, it was a car packed. This year, it was a cargo van with the flyer taped to the side. Next year, it’ll be a moving truck. Trust. This is a WIN for all of us. A huge shoutout to our drop-off zones this year: @vaultgallerie 
@60647market Mental Notes 💭 • The mission is bigger than your worries • DD’s Discount got it • Ask people their names, & say it • Detach from the outcome • Choose drop zones wisely • It’s ok to allow people in • Actually have backup locations (RIP tent city by Roosevelt) • Next time don’t get a UHaul (Paying by the mile is not it) • Shout out Delilah, Rick Dawg, & Steve too

What a year. Truly grateful, to say the least. 🚶🏻‍♂️