top of page
Island Director

 

About Me!

 

Hey Filmmakers & Creators!

​

My name is Philip Richards and I go by Island Director but you can call me iD. I am a music video director, filmmaker, and creator from the breathtaking Virgin Islands. I'm devoted to the creative discipline of filmmaking along with providing streamlined learning for the disoriented filmmaker I once was. With a lifetime dedicated to perfecting the craft of filmmaking and over four years deeply immersed in the fast-paced world of professional broadcasting, I've been fortunate to film, direct, and edit a wide array of captivating music videos throughout my journey. I've also crafted a diverse portfolio of compelling commercial and corporate productions.

​

As for noteworthy achievements, I've spearheaded the transformation of an empty basement, armed only with a basic concept, into the thriving broadcasting hub known as 284 Media, a subsidiary of CCT BVI. Expanding my horizons onto the global stage, I briefly collaborated with the acclaimed 'Below Deck' reality series during its time in the British Virgin Islands. Following those endeavors, I've embarked on various filmmaking ventures for international clients, both within and beyond the borders of the BVI. If by chance you dig my vibe and would like to connect with me, you can do so via my exclusive community, creative services, FREE monthly newsletter and social platforms.

Island Director
Island Director

My Story!

​

In 1 Take!

 

My venture into the realm of filmmaking proved to be quite the challenge for me. I decided to take an unconventional route, steering clear of pricey film schools and the closed-off world of Hollywood, which seemed guarded by industry insiders and gatekeepers. Instead, I delved into physical bookstores like Barnes & Noble and later explored online platforms such as Amazon in search of knowledge. Progressing through YouTube University then embracing emerging online courses. I gathered valuable yet scattered information, though it demanded a tremendous amount of time and effort. I still found myself craving more.

​

Despite honing my filmmaking skills, I found myself stuck in a mundane paralegal job until an unexpected opportunity came my way. I was assigned to build a state-of-the-art broadcast studio and channel, my success skyrocketed momentarily, only to come crashing down with an abrupt unceremonious dismissal. This setback ignited my entrepreneurial spirit. Fueled by faith, and a powerful quote by Yogi Bhajan that said, "If you want to learn something, read about it. If you want to understand something, write about it. If you want to master something, teach it. So I ventured into the education space, igniting my path as an entrepreneur.

 

Equipped with fresh perspectives, I envisioned a structured method to simplify and accelerate the journey of emerging filmmakers, reducing the burden of the time and effort I had once painstakingly endured. Regrettably, the dedication required to build such a platform exacted a toll on both my health and finances, necessitating a well-deserved break for self-care in order to navigate life's ebbs and flows. Nevertheless, despite the hurdles, I persisted, driven by faith over months and years, leading me to the present moment. In the end, perseverance prevailed, unveiling the beauty of resilience and the reward of mastery.

A Few Interesting Facts!

​

  1. I’m obsessed with the color black and no it’s not a race thing nor am I gothic!

  2. I’m a proud mama’s boy even to this day; god knows how much I love my mama.

  3. Some might assume I favor tropical climates due to my location, but in reality, I'm more inclined towards colder regions.

  4. The only pastime I have outside of filmmaking is jet skiing and dismantling feature films, sad but true.

  5. I’m actually quite the comedian, however only those in my immediate circle would see that side of me unfortunately.

  6. Seeing people from the islands, like myself, succeed fills me with immense joy. Opportunities for us are rare, so when they arise, I'm absolutely elated.

  7. I absolutely despise flying and interesting fact #8 only reinforces that feeling.

  8. If we ever happen to meet in person you can ask me what the eight fact is! It’s quite ridiculous I’ve been told.

bottom of page