Presenting the kick ass class of Young Guns 22
It’s a kick-ass class. Young Guns 22 is topping the charts in creativity. But are you even surprised? Of course, not. If you’re new here, let me catch you up. Young Guns is a community of incredibly talented individuals – think amazing cinematographers, animators, illustrators, photographers, designers, and directors – and a new class of winners is chosen by an expert jury every year. This year we have 33 winners and among them, we have some very new, very exciting titles to unveil – an Architectural Designer, Composer, Stage & Show Designer, and Colorist.
We interviewed the winners so we could share their prowess with you. And if you’re a NYC local you can snag a ticket to the official YG22 Party at Sony Hall on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, where you will have the chance to meet and greet them.
Young Guns continue to dominate the creative industry, so we’re happily presenting you with the kick-ass class of Young Guns 22.
Bradley Credit
Cinematographer, Bradley Credit Ltd.
Based:
Brooklyn, NY
Hometown:
Washington, DC
What were your original impressions of the Young Guns competition, award, and community?
I first learned about Young Guns a few years ago after seeing a couple past winners post about it on Instagram. I didn’t know much about what it was or what it meant. What I did recognize, however, was that each of the artists who were honored with the award were people I looked up to, and that it was an incredible selection of some of the best young creatives working today.
How did you end up in the creative field anyways?
I was probably always meant to end up in the creative field, even though I didn’t always realize it. For as long as I can remember I’ve experimented with different forms of storytelling, whether it was writing, drawing cartoons, making music, or filmmaking. However, one of my not-so-inspirational traits is my tendency to obsess over something for a stretch of time and then get bored of it, and move onto the next thing to obsess over and get bored of. Films and filmmaking, however, remained a constant passion of mine, so toward the end of college, I picked up a camera again, moved to New York City, and tried to figure out how to become a cinematographer. I’d like to think all the other creative pursuits that I didn’t quite see through were sort of trial runs for the one that stuck.
Congrats on the YG win! Why did you decide to enter this year?
I decided to enter this year after my friend and former YG winner Cam Robert (YG21) nominated me to apply. As someone who entered into the world of cinematography with no formal introductions, I was grateful that a friend and colleague of mine nominated me. I felt the best way to honor his recognition was to see it through.
You only get to submit six projects that embody you and your talent. So, how did you decide which pieces were good enough to make the cut?
Considering that YG has mostly championed great creative work in the advertising industry, I sifted through some of the short form and commercial work that I’m the most proud of. I wanted to make sure there was a great deal of variety that also maintained my voice while being visually compelling.
What was your reaction when you discovered that you won?
Frankly, I was a bit surprised. I feel strongly about my work, but Young Guns always selects incredible talent. I was still excited about having been shortlisted, and figured it would be a while longer before I got any news about whether or not I would go a step further. It was a bit ironic as right when I received the email I was internally debating when I wanted to publicly share that I’d been shortlisted. I frantically texted my girlfriend a jumble of excited words while letting out a muffled scream so that my neighbors didn’t think I was being attacked.
How does your current home inspire your creativity as an artist?
I think that life and all of its complexities inspires me more than anything else. Living in New York City, there’s obviously a story in any direction I turn. It might be the gritty light of the underground subway, or the way that sunlight bouncing off a building hits a certain part of a room that inspires the shot I want to create. I’m more inspired though by the feelings that I have around people I love and the different places I’m lucky enough to visit.
“Living in New York City, there’s obviously a story in any direction I turn. It might be the gritty light of the underground subway, or the way that sunlight bouncing off a building hits a certain part of a room that inspires the shot I want to create.”
Name a dream project that you have yet to fulfill — maybe Young Guns will propel you in that direction!
Being mostly a narrative cinematographer, my most immediate ultimate dream is to shoot a feature film or television series. Commercially, I’d absolutely love to shoot a car commercial. Brands like Audi, Mercedes, and Volvo have always inspired me the most with their car spots. However, if the phone ever rang to shoot an Ikea commercial I’d be in dreamland. Quirky and emotional storytelling in beautiful spaces? I literally dream about it every night.
Will we see you at the YG22 party in NYC in November?
Yes!
Come party with us and celebrate the class of Young Guns 22 on Wednesday, November 13, 6:30 PM, at Sony Hall in NYC!
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