With limited resources and time to finish his final short film for his Digital Media class at the University of North Carolina, Damian Apunte’s passion for film came into fruition.
“I remember feeling like a maestro conducting an orchestra for the first time and everything just clicked…and I knew this is what I had to do with my life,” Apunte said.
Knowing there was more opportunity to film in the west, Damian moved to California to study more of the fundamental techniques of his craft and enrolled in Long Beach City College to study film.
“I am in this for good,” the filmmaker said who was aware of the hardships he may incur during his journey to hone his craft.
“I could die poor, but making movies and still be happy.”
The Florida native would eventually become the president of the student film association at LBCC. “I did not feel like I was trying too hard because I was doing what I love to do,” Apunte said.
‘An Evening of the Arts,’ which showcased live student performances, exhibits and films art department came from Damian.
“Even though I was working with faculty twice my age they really listened and trusted my decisions,” Apunte said.
Looking to start his own business, Apunte lacked some of the resources that would help when starting a video production company. “Starting a business without a car and a camera was quite the mountain to climb.”
Apunte would ask to borrow cameras and other gear from his friends and required his clients to cover the cost of an assistant that would drive Damian to the set and haul the loaned equipment.
4th Street Productions pays homage to the street Apunte resides and has been inspired by for the past 13 years. The amateur tapestries and vintage ambiance of the city remind the 37-year-old of his own zeal to pursue happiness through kindness, dedication and hard work.
4th street in Long Beach is lined with a plethora of artistic expression and raw emotion. The old and weathered walls of the retro street are made aesthetically pleasing by the artistry and passion from the community who were inspired to share their craft.
Instead of reveling in his own riches, Apunte makes each production an opportunity to enhance his craft for the betterment of his community.
“One of the biggest components of 4th Street is we work with local non-profits, campaigns and organizations,” Apunte said.
The production company is currently working on a project on educational programs for at-risk youths. Damian contributes his commercial success for the opportunity to help his community.
10 years removed from being a student at LBCC, 4th Street Productions has become a successful production company working with businesses including eBay, KIA and Telemundo.
Their current direction of producing commercials has been financially beneficial for the company and has allowed Apunte to extend his accomplishments to assist students in their future endeavors.
“We have interns from LBCC and after they have completed their internships and I am able to hire them,” Apunte said.
Robert Hersh, a professor of radio and TV at LBCC, has known Apunte since he was a student. “It is always great to see a former student be successful in the field they were studying,” Hersh said.
Hersh admired Damian’s entrepreneurial ambition and was excited to work with his former student.
The program chooses 3–4 students to intern for the company, which provides hands-on work experience that transitions the in-class instruction into the film production setting.
Taius Greenridge, a film major at LBCC, was a former intern and was hired to be a production assistant for 4th Street Productions. “Damian encourages you to get involved and will let you get your hands dirty,” the film major said.
“I have learned about the financial aspects along with handling permits and contract agreements.”
As an inspiring filmmaker, Greenridge is grateful for the opportunity 4th Street Production has provided. “They definitely do a lot to ensure that you leave a better filmmaker.”
Damian is thankful for what his company has attained during its inception and the voice he now has in the profession he loves.
“It is exciting to know that I can utilize my talents to impact local, national and international industries.”
4th Street Productions was created in the hopes to educate local filmmakers and help them gain experience to work in the film industry. However, Damian has built the foundation to inspire and influence change in his community.
“I recommend every student to dream big, but to also be malleable and willing to change.”