ABOUT
© Melian Photo
As far back as I can remember, I was making art. From drawing made up movie posters and reimagining sports logos as a kid, to short stories and screenplays in my early teens, to painting in my late teens, to composing music throughout my twenties, it was only a matter of time before all of that experience converged at the perfect intersection: filmmaking. Storytelling, color theory, music theory, sound design, framing, the use of space; all things that prepared me to do this.
Eight years into this journey, I’ve realized something: all of this experience and skill is just the price of admission. I believe what’s made me successful is the gratitude I feel that I’m able to do this for the amazing people who trust me with their story, with the incredible creatives I work alongside. I—no, we!—get to experience the most joyful thing possible for a living. Outstanding.
© Patty Leonor LLC
To behold love—earth shaking, yet gentle as a whisper; as powerful as it is tender and quiet—is one of the great gifts of my life, and it has made me a better father, husband, friend, and creative.
Southeast Michigan has been home for most of my life, and I currently live outside of Detroit with my amazing wife Jess, our adorable kids, Ellie & John—named after my dad—and our beloved pets: our absolute goofball yellow lab Noodle, and our adorable but crazy black cat, Professor Beans.
I never thought I’d have the life I do. None of it. Working for myself as a creative? Having an amazing family, home, and friends? No chance I would’ve believed it. But here I am: grateful. It is that gratitude that fuels this company. I’ve never filmed a wedding that felt like “work.”
© Patty Leonor LLC
Each and every wedding has felt like what it is: a miracle, a triumph of love, the convergence of family and friends for maybe the only time ever…
…and it is my vocation to remember it for you, because as time carries you further from that day, the memories will fade. You’ll say goodbye to some who were there, and hello to some who weren’t, and you will cherish the record of that day more and more with each passing year.
WHY “TENTHIRTY”?
Despite losing my dad in a car accident on October 30th, I found joy in marrying my wife on that same date decades later.
TENTHIRTY FILMS was founded in honor of my dad, and as a reminder to myself:
Joy and gratitude are always an option.
© Jesse Speelman Photography