Click on the image below to see Reuben’s work featured on Creative Humans
Reuben Hernandez, director and cinematographer, is featured on Creative Humans
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Her Favorite Patient nominated for Best Comedy Short and Best Ensemble - Narrative Short /
We’re excited to announce that Her Favorite Patient is nominated for Best Comedy Short and Best Ensemble - Narrative Short at the 11th annual Queens World Film Festival! Congrats to our cast Barbara Miluski, Isabelle Pierre, Clay Russell, our writer/producer Brady Evan Walker, and our entire crew! I’m honored to share this recognition with our cast and crew and grateful that Queens World Film Festival has selected our film to screen live at their festival this year.
Thanks to everyone that came out to our live screening in Long Island City on Saturday. It’s nice to have the collective experience of sharing our work in person on the big screen once again, and it feels like we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Her Favorite Patient, a film by Reuben Hernandez, is nominated for Best Comedy Short and Best Ensemble - Narrative Short at the 11th annual Queens World Film Festival
Her Favorite Patient, a film by Reuben Hernandez, is nominated for Best Comedy Short
Her Favorite Patient, a film by Reuben Hernandez, is nominated for Best Ensemble - Narrative Short
Her Favorite Patient screening at Queens World Film Festival /
Her Favorite Patient is screening both live and virtually at the 11th annual Queens World Film Festival, one of MovieMaker’s 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee. The live screening will be at The Local in Long Island City, NYC on Saturday, June 26th at 7 pm and tickets can be purchased here. The virtual screening will be part of the Therapy This short film block from 6/23 to 7/3 and tickets can be purchased here. We’re excited to screen at QWFF and thank you for your support!
Her Favorite Patient, a film by Reuben Hernandez and written by Brady Evan Walker, screens at Queens World Film Festival
Queens World Film Festival is one of MovieMaker’s 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee in 2021
Settling Up screening at Malarkey Film Festival /
My short film, Settling Up, will screen at the Malarkey Film Festival in the Malarkey X Blackmagic: Introductory Micro Shorts competition on June 17th at 6 pm EST. This is a FREE virtual event, with a $10 Suggested Donation. All donations for this event go directly to Public Assistants and you can RSVP here.
Settling Up, a film by Reuben Hernandez and written by Brady Evan Walker
Malarkey Film Festival
Malarkey Film Festival Malarkey X Blackmagic: Introductory Micro Shorts
Settling Up film director Reuben Hernandez
Reuben Hernandez Studios 10 Year Anniversary /
Photo by Evan Burgher, March 2010
Today marks the 10 year anniversary of Reuben Hernandez Studios and being independent/self-employed. Ten years ago I quit my full time job at Oakley, Inc., hopped on a plane bound for Mozambique, and never looked back. It has been a wild journey with a lot of unexpected turns including the current crisis were are all living.
I dedicate the past 10 years of my business to my dear friend and mentor Brian Robbins, who sadly and unexpectedly lost his life to cancer on February 2, 2020. I had known Brian and his family for nearly 16 years, and he believed in me, took a chance on me, and gave me my first real job at Oakley Inc. We continued to be friends and I considered him a mentor and guiding light to this day. Brian showed me a tremendous amount of courage when he quit his job to start his creative journey. Little did I know that I would soon follow in his footsteps four years later, quit the job that he gave me, and embark on my own creative journey. There is a piece of Brian in every business and creative decision I've made over the past 10 years. He showed me what it looks like to be a loving father and husband well before I became one myself. Thank you Brian for shaping and molding me into the person I am today, both personally and professionally.
As I reflect over the last ten years, I have a lot of memories, feelings, and emotions. I'm so grateful that my family and I are healthy and safe in the midst of the current COVID-19 epidemic. We live in New York City, now considered the US epicenter. I have to admit we sometimes suffer from moral fatigue, and I get anxiety when I leave the apartment to buy groceries or mail a package. Taking my daughter outside for walks feels like human frogger trying to maintain a safe social distance from all other humans. My daughter seems to be doing ok, is happy, and joyful. It's been beautiful and absolutely wonderful watching her grow up. I love my family dearly and couldn't imagine having to survive this without them by my side. Today Leuca turns 18 months old, which means she is officially a toddler.
Below are some discoveries and key learnings I’ve taken to heart over the past decade.
"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed."
- Naval Admiral William H. McRaven, The University of Texas at Austin, May 17, 2014
Ever since I watched this commencement speech, I have made my bed every single day. "If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another... Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that the little things in life matter." I've extended my morning ritual to include grinding coffee beans and making pour over coffee. This morning ritual gives me a small sense of pride and accomplishment. Making and drinking my morning coffee is my moment of peace and calm, before I start the day. Yesterday I made chocolate chip banana bread from scratch with a lot of love that my daughter thoroughly enjoyed. While I made this bread, I got lost in the process and the moment and completely forgot that we are in the middle of a crisis. It was a therapeutic moment of joy and peace. Keep creating and making stuff. Make things out of love. It's a form of therapy and will get you through a crisis. My family and I celebrated my 10 year anniversary by breaking and eating banana bread together. The little things and the little victories in life do matter. Here’s the banana bread recipe if you’d like to make it.
Family First
Being self-employed has afforded a flexible schedule and allowed me to spend more quality time with my family. At the end of the day, I want to be remembered as a loving father and husband, someone that loved my family dearly. As much as I love my work, I love my family more. If Reuben Hernandez Studios does not survive me, my family will. And they also love me back (as far as I know).
Motherhood, Antarctica © 2015 Reuben Hernandez
Motherhood, Arctic Norway © 2014 Reuben Hernandez
Be Kind And Respect Everyone
Kindness goes a long way and you never know who will hire you next. My friend Evan Burgher took the jumping tank photo of me at the top. We met at Oakley, Inc. and have been friends for over thirteen years. Even is also independent and we’ve worked together hiring each other numerous times over the past decade. Evan flew me out to Dallas last month for a job.
Get A Mentor
Find someone to help you get through life and succeed. Shoutout to Brian Robbins, Greg Harvey, and the mentors and leaders I have had and learned from in my life.
The Train Is Moving Forward. Get On or Off.
I embraced this concept when I directed and produced my narrative short film "Maddie". People will come and go; however, the project is moving forward regardless. There were so many lessons learned on that set. You can accomplish anything with a great team, heart, and dedication. People will come and go in business and in life. Never give up.
In closing, I will share some COVID-19 resources that may be of interest to you. The NYC Department of Small Businesses is offering employee retention grants and zero interest loans for NYC businesses. More info here. Adobe, Squarespace, Quickbooks, and other companies are offering COVID-19 relief. Delta has been incredibly flexible with their cancellation and flight change policy (we cancelled our flight to Aruba last week). Local restaurants Anella and Jimmy’s Diner have offered pay what you can takeout meals. Yoga With Adrienne is helping me survive. You can watch 75 SXSW 2020 short films online for free and here are 15 Short Films Now Streaming From Great Directors: Nolan, Waititi, and More (including Waititi’s Oscar winner). Individuals and businesses are doing beautiful things for the community. I’m hopeful and confident we will flatten the curve and get through this.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my family, friends, collaborators, casts, crews, and clients that have supported and believed in me over the past decade. I wouldn’t be here without you.
Stay healthy and safe. Sending lots of love and virtual banana bread.
Best Thoughts,
Reuben
New York State Certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise /
Reuben Hernandez Studios is now a New York State certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE), as well as a NYC and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey certified MBE. We are looking forward to doing business with New York State.
Settling Up Screens at the Williamsburg Independent Film Festival /
Excited to screen Settling Up as the opening film at the 10th annual Williamsburg Film Festival at the Wythe Cinema (80 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249) on Thursday 11/21 at 7 pm. This is one of my favorite film festivals and where it all began for Settling Up. Tickets: https://bpt.me/4429873 and full schedule.
We hope to see you there!
Directed by Reuben Hernandez
Written by Brady Evan Walker
Starring Jonathan Randell Silver, Jessica Frey, and Kristen Adele
Produced by Reuben Hernandez, Maryann Alspaugh, and Brady Evan Walker
Sound Mixer and Sound Design by Ash Knowlton / Silver Sound
Edited and colored by Patrice D. Bowman
Made in collaboration with the Filmshop collective
Director's Reel /
Reuben Hernandez | 2019 Director’s Reel
I’m excited to share my new director’s reel featuring some of my film work over the last five years. A huge shoutout to my cast, crews, supporters, and collaborators that have helped bring these projects to life. Thanks for watching.
Filmed on location in NYC, Antarctica, Arctic Norway, Chile, and Yellowknife
Airbnb Sketch NYC /
New work for Airbnb
Airbnb Sketch Your Way Around NYC
Director Andrew Klein
Director of Photography Reuben Hernandez
Sound mixer Nick Heppding
Post production Airbnb
Produced by Reflector
Lighthouse International Film Festival /
Lighthouse International Film Festival was an incredible experience and is hands down one of my favorite film festivals. I had the opportunity to meet and learn from Guy Nattiv, Oscar winning director of Skin, and numerous other talented filmmakers and industry people. Some friends and fellow Filmshop members screened at LIFF and it was fun seeing so many familiar faces. My family also enjoyed attending the festival and my 8 month old daughter ate lobster for the first time, thanks to Charlotte and the rest of the crew at the hospitality house. I highly recommend the festival and will definitely be coming back. Thanks to the entire team at Lighthouse Intl FF for such a memorable and wonderful experience!
Q&A with Guy Nattiv, writer/director of the opening feature film, Skin, and some cast members
I met Guy Nattiv and attended his filmmaking masterclass. Guy won the Oscar this year for best live action short film for his short, Skin.
My 8 month old daughter Leuca enjoying the view and lobster at the filmmaker hospitality house
Q&A following the screening of my short film, Settling Up. Photo by Clayton Dean Smith
Lisa and I in front of the Long Beach Island Historical Museum
Congrats to all of my fellow Filmshop members that screened at LIFF!
Settling Up Film Premiere Sunday June 9th /
My narrative short film Settling Up will premiere Sunday, June 9th, at 1:30 pm at Long Beach Island Historical Museum (129 Engleside Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, USA) in competition at Lighthouse International Film Festival, one of MovieMaker’s “Coolest 25 Film Festivals in the World”. Settling Up will also screen alongside Filmshop short films If the Shoe Fits by Cinder Chou and Self(Ish) by Dani Tennenbaum. Oscar winner Guy Nattiv will open the festival with his narrative feature film, Skin, and Sundance documentary American Factory will close the festival.
Check out the full program here and schedule here. We are so excited to screen at LIFF and hope to see you there!
Settling Up Film Festival Premiere at Lighthouse International Film Festival /
I’m excited to announce my latest short film, Settling Up, will have its film festival premiere at Lighthouse International Film Festival, one of MovieMaker’s “Coolest 25 Film Festivals in the World.” The festival will take place June 6-9 on Long Beach Island and stay tuned for screening info. Thanks to our cast and crew for all of your hard work and we hope to see you there!
Directed by Reuben Hernandez
Written by Brady Evan Walker
Produced by Reuben Hernandez, Maryann Alspaugh, and Brady Evan Walker
Production Sound Mixer and Sound Design by Ash Knowlton / Silver Sound
Edited and colored by Patrice D. Bowman
Made in collaboration with the Filmshop collective
WAVE. PARTICLE. DUPLEX. BY STUDIO SWINE /
I was a DP for these short videos directed by Adam Sjöberg showcasing the making of WAVE. PARTICLE. DUPLEX. by Studio SWINE at A/D/O by MINI. It was challenging lighting the red and yellow rooms, while maintaining the integrity of the exhibit.
”From August 2018 through January 2019, acclaimed designers Alexander Groves + Azusa Murakami -- aka Studio SWINE -- participated in a design residency at A/D/O by MINI. This film by director, Adam Sjöberg, documents their research and exploration that culminated in a site-specific exhibition of their works entitled Wave. Particle. Duplex. at A/D/O in Brooklyn, NY.”
Read more about the making of WAVE. PARTICLE. DUPLEX. here and here.
Directed by Adam Sjöberg
Cinematography by Adam Sjöberg and Reuben Hernandez
Gaffer John Hudak
G&E Swing Milton De La Cruz
Produced by Loose Luggage Media
New Studio Cart /
Who needs a studio cart when you have a baby stroller
Maddie Online Premiere /
I’m excited to announce my short film Maddie premieres online today on Film Shortage! Huge thanks to our cast and crew that worked so hard to bring this project to life, and to all of you that supported our film. Please consider sharing, leaving a comment, and/or liking on Vimeo. After watching the film, you can read my director’s statement to learn more about the inspiration and backstory. I recommend watching the film with good sound if possible.
There once was a time when I thought making this film would be impossible. I learned so much through the process and that ultimately anything is possible with the right team, hard work, and dedication. To my talented cast and crew, it was an honor working with you and making this film together.
Thanks for watching.
All My Best,
Reuben
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa - Brand Video /
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa - Brand Video
Director - Andrew Klein
Director of Photography - Reuben Hernandez
Underwater Photography - Andrew Klein & Reuben Hernandez
Editor - William Zitser
Color - Jenny Montgomery, Company 3
2017 A Year in Review /
According to the Weather Channel, it feels like 2°F outside in Brooklyn right now! Mamma mia! After living in NYC for nearly seven years, it still feels like a foreign concept to have to check the weather every single day. No one ever talked about the weather where I grew up in SoCal. Despite the cold, I still love it here and enjoy experiencing seasons and continual change.
And so 2017 ends on a very cold note. 2017 is also the end of American made denim; today the Cone Mills White Oak plant, the last American selvedge denim mill, sadly closes it's doors after 112 years in operation. Cone Mills White Oak denim is my favorite denim fabric, and I ordered one last pair before White Oak shuts down for good.
As 2017 comes to a close, I look back with gratitude. My narrative short film, Maddie, premiered at the Landmark Sunshine Cinema in NYC (sadly also closing it's doors for good next month) earlier this year. Maddie screened at a handful of film festivals and unexpectedly took home a few awards, including the Best Williamsburg Short Award at the Williamsburg Independent Film Festival in Brooklyn last month. Maddie will screen at a few more festivals in 2018. Big thanks to everyone that came out and supported our film this year.
Another project I enjoyed working on this year was This Is Our New York, a short spot I directed for the New York Immigration Coalition, that was broadcasted on the big screen in Times Square.
On a personal note, the major highlight of 2017 was marrying my best friend Lisa in Puglia, Italy last summer alongside our dear friends and family members. We hosted a three day celebration and were intentional about spending quality time together with our loved ones over the course of several days. Afterwards, Lisa and I road tripped, swam, and ate our way around Southern Italy for a month. It was a memorable summer to say the least!
Photo by Nathan Smith
Grotta del Soffio, Italy
Grotta della Poesia Grande, Italy. One of our favorite spots.
Matera, Italy
This year I really had to learn not to sweat the small things in life. Life is too short to focus on little things that really don't matter in the end. I definitely want to continue working on this in 2018 and beyond.
Next year, I will also dance much more.
I also launched a brand new website that you're looking at right now (thanks to my web guru Katherine).
Last but not least, I moved my business into a new studio this year with my friends at Skypie Studio, and have been much more productive and happier. It has been really great and invaluable to move my work life outside of the house, and constantly be surrounded by a community of creatives. I have some exciting projects that I'm looking forward to working on next year.
Much love, peace, and Happy New Year to you all.
All My Best,
Reuben
Maddie Wins Best Williamsburg Short Award /
Maddie wins the Best Williamsburg Short Award
The audience at the 11/16 screening of Maddie at the Wythe Hotel Cinema
Neil LaBute and Gia Crovatin both won awards for their short film, Good Luck (in Farsi)
Maddie won the Best Williamsburg Short Award at the 8th Annual Williamsburg Independent Film Festival in Brooklyn, NY last week. This was a total shock and completely unexpected.
I want to thank my talented cast and crew for your tremendous hard work and dedication. Without you, this film never would have been possible. It has been quite a journey ever since we started production back in the summer of 2016. I'm so honored and grateful to share this award with you.
Overall I was really impressed with WillFilm. The programming was strong and the organizers did a wonderful job of making us feel welcome. It was also great to meet Neil LaBute, who won the Best Screenplay Award for his short film, Good Luck (in Farsi). I would highly recommend this film festival and look forward to coming back.
Maddie Premieres in Brooklyn Tonight /
Maddie premieres tonight in Brooklyn, in competition at the Williamsburg Independent Film Festival, where it all began for this project. Come out and support our talented cast and crew and share a drink with us. We hope to see you there!
Much Love,
Reuben
Thursday, 11/16, at 9:15 PM
Williamsburg Independent Film Festival
Wythe Hotel Cinema
80 Wythe Ave. at N. 11th Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here: https://willfilmtickets.brownpapertickets.com/
Interview with The Day Collective /
Check out the full interview here
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT MADDIE AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS PROJECT?
Maddie is a narrative short film inspired by a life-altering personal experience I had in NYC, that I wrote, directed, and produced.
WITHOUT GIVING TOO MUCH AWAY, WHAT IS MADDIE ABOUT?
Maddie shows how certain events can alter the course of the rest of your life. It’s a very real, raw, and honest human story. The central protagonist in Maddie is a strong, yet complex female character.
WHAT IS PERSONALLY MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU ABOUT THIS FILM?
The film is a very personal story that is close to my heart, and was inspired by actual events that I witnessed firsthand. The process of creating the film has been very therapeutic and taught me that anything is possible because making this film was an uphill battle most of the time. Bringing this project to life has really empowered me as a storyteller and filmmaker.