Otis has worked with our team on several projects and is now pursuing his dream of becoming a director. His passion for film and storytelling shines through in everything he does. We’re excited to see him grow and evolve as a filmmaker, and can’t wait to watch his journey unfold.
How would you describe yourself, and what drives you?
I’m a storyteller at heart, with an obsessive love for film in all its weird, wonderful forms. Now, I’m channelling that passion into building a production company called Studio Sekoia with the goal of mastering every step of video creation—from concept to delivery. For me, it’s all about helping people and brands find their voice through film, crafting work that resonates, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression.
What pivotal moments have shaped your journey so far?
One of my biggest turning points was ditching university to work for Tyrone at DoBeDo—a crash course in DIY creativity and pure chaos that I loved every second of. Running London Experimental was next; taking over the festival at 18 taught me a ton about connecting with audiences and handling things on the fly. Then came my first attempt at a feature film, with no budget, no time, and a cascade of things going hilariously wrong; everything I’d learned was put to the test. But each of these experiences added fuel to the fire, pushing me to keep creating.
What is your relationship with Rosie Lee, Unorthodox Blend, and/or Mark & Russell?
I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with Rosie Lee on a few projects, and I’ve always admired their work. Rosie Lee’s way of blending bold ideas with culture in fashion and streetwear has really shaped how I approach my work, they’ve definitely shown me the power of pushing boundaries and thinking big.
What has come out of any relationship and collaborations?
Catching up with Mark and getting advice on starting Studio Sekoia led to me being part of this list! It’s a great reminder of the value in seeking wisdom from people who’ve already been through the grind. His guidance has opened up opportunities I didn’t even see coming, and it’s exciting to see where these conversations take me next!
What does being unorthodox mean to you in your work?
Being unorthodox means challenging myself to think differently and trust the process, even when things get messy. Art school taught me to find inspiration where others might not look, and running a film festival that celebrates boundary-pushing filmmakers has helped me understand what “unorthodox” truly means—it’s about breaking the rules, embracing experimentation, and creating something that stands out.
What beliefs have guided you through tough decisions?
Honestly, it sounds cheesy, but treating everyone with kindness and respect is how I get through tough patches on set. I try not to let the stress of my role rub off on anyone else. Keeping a calm, positive vibe helps the whole team stay focused, and it makes the work smoother. When everyone feels supported, the chaos is a little easier to handle.
What challenge in your field of work is often overlooked?
A challenge, particularly right now, is staying inspired in such an oversaturated landscape. With endless content everywhere, it can feel like everything has already been done. It’s easy to lose track of your own creative voice and get swept up in the noise.
How do you balance creativity with structure / order with chaos?
Chaos is a crucial part of creativity, and I try to let it flow during brainstorming and early stages. But on set, it’s all about structure—clear roles, timing, and organization. Too much chaos there can derail everything, so I aim to find a balance: nurture the creative energy, but keep things organized enough to stay on track. It’s all about knowing when to embrace the chaos and when to rein it in.
What cultural shifts are you noticing in your field of work?
The rise of AI has been a big shift in the industry, especially in content creation. It’s exploding, and I’m seeing more clients opting for these tools over hiring artists like me, which can feel like a challenge. But at the same time, we’re in a golden age for visual storytelling. With no real limitations to what can be done with a camera, filmmakers are truly pushing boundaries. The work out there right now is some of the most visually stunning and innovative stuff I’ve ever seen, and it’s exciting to be part of a time where so much is possible.
If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be?
Definitely piano, I’ve always been so jealous of the musical process, being able to go from an idea to the final product in complete isolation seems so appealing sometimes.
What’s one experience everyone should have at least once?
Pure and utter humiliation. It can’t kill you but it teaches you a lot.
What has inspired you lately? ( book, podcast, music, news, articles, … ).
I’ve been revisiting Gorillaz a lot lately, particularly their early Kong Studios web designs. There’s something about how they built a world through layers of storytelling and interactivity. It’s been inspiring as I start shaping Studio Sekoia, where I hope to bring some of that same creativity and intrigue into the way I present my work.
I worked as a location marshall on a TV show in summer 2021 and spent a few 14 hour days in a lift waiting to take the crew up and down. I don’t read much but I was so bored I spent the whole time reading Cannery Row by John Steinbeck which was great.
What has inspired you lately?
Gorillaz Kong Studios Website|all rooms+games (2008)
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
What advice would you give to young people starting out in their career?
Well, as I am only at the beginning of my career I wouldn’t know what to say. Probably get advice from someone else.
Bonus Question from Chris: If you could start over and switch careers, what would you be doing now?
If I could start over, I’d run a food truck. Cooking is my happy place. I’d wake up in a different spot every day, decide what I felt like making, and roll with it. No rules, no set menu, just me winging it and feeding people whatever weird and wonderful ideas came to me that morning. It’d be chaos, but the good kind.
Bonus Question
What question would you like us to ask the next person?
If you could only bring one item to a desert island, what would it be?
Would it help you escape or start a new life on the island?
How can people connect with you, get involved or take part in any of the projects you’ve highlighted above?
You can check out my website www.otistree.com
and my film festival www.londonexperimental.com
Or follow me on instagram @otistree