Ramos Smith

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

Hi! My name is Ramos Smith. I originally hail from San Pedro, California, a wonderful coastal community in the South Bay, but I now call Burbank, California, home. Although I've since relocated to the other side of the Los Angeles area, I still appreciate my roots in San Pedro and the experiences that shaped me growing up there. These days, I'm enjoying life in Burbank, a city with a fascinating connection to the entertainment industry, a rich Hollywood history, and a wonderful sense of community. It's been exciting getting to call two very different but equally special Southern California communities home!

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

For me, I absolutely love living in Burbank because it has this unmistakable sense of movie magic. So many iconic studios are based here, and the city has such a rich history in film and television that you can really feel its connection to the entertainment industry. I always like to say that Hollywood proper is where they put on the show and sell the Hollywood lifestyle, but Burbank is where the movies are actually made! It's the creative, behind-the-scenes heart of the industry, and I love being surrounded by that history.

I also really appreciate how walkable Burbank is compared to so many other parts of Los Angeles. You can stroll through downtown, grab a coffee, visit local shops, catch a movie, or go out to dinner without constantly having to rely on your car. It has a genuine small-town, neighborhood feel while still being part of the greater Los Angeles area. I think that combination of Hollywood history, movie magic, walkability, and a comfortable community atmosphere is what makes Burbank such a special place to call home.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

My company is called Uncut Films, an independent production company based here in Los Angeles. We originally started out producing short films, with a focus on telling rich, unique, and diverse stories from emerging and established storytellers throughout the Los Angeles community. Our goal is to bring original voices and fresh perspectives to the screen through meaningful, engaging storytelling.

Our primary focus is producing the films and music videos that I personally direct, giving me a creative outlet to develop and bring my own projects to life. We're also beginning to collaborate on projects with other filmmakers.

One exciting project we're currently helping produce is a documentary titled Decolonizing Joy, directed by my friend Bailey Pauze, which we're hoping to premiere within the next two years.

Another project I'm really excited about is my ongoing collaboration with music artist Don Juan Futrell. I've had the privilege of directing all of his music videos, which has been a really rewarding creative partnership. I love taking his music and translating it into a visual experience, bringing his artistic vision to life while also exploring my own creativity as a filmmaker. I'm excited to continue building on that collaboration and seeing what we create next!

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

Do something else! No, I'm just kidding! Honestly, my biggest piece of advice is to start small and ask yourself a simple question: "What need am I trying to fill with this business?" For me, I'm an artist first and foremost. I started my company because I wanted an outlet to share my creative vision, tell meaningful stories, and bring my ideas to life.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned over the years, though, is that you have to learn how to treat your art like a business. Having creativity and passion is important, but so are discipline, networking, financial planning, and understanding the business side of your industry. It's all about finding that balance between maintaining your artistic integrity and building something sustainable. Most importantly, don't lose sight of why you started in the first place.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

I'd say some of the most meaningful feedback I've received has come from my collaboration with Don Juan Futrell. Over the past few months, we've been developing his music videos together, and it's been an incredibly rewarding creative experience. One moment that really stands out was when we were sitting down, reviewing shots and discussing concepts for one of his videos. He suddenly stopped and said, "Bro, you're really good at this! I'm so glad I called you. The way you think of these shots and come up with these concepts, amazing!"

Honestly, that meant a lot to me. As a filmmaker, you put so much of yourself into your creative work, so having someone genuinely recognize and appreciate your vision is incredibly rewarding. What made it especially meaningful was that he wasn't just complimenting the finished product; he was recognizing my creativity and the way I approach storytelling. It's moments like that that remind me why I love filmmaking and motivate me to keep pushing myself creatively.

Where do you see your company in the future?

Ultimately, I want Uncut Films to continue growing as a home for independent filmmaking, creative collaboration, and stories that might otherwise go untold.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about the entertainment industry is that everyone is fake, self-serving, or only interested in what they can get out of other people. And while, unfortunately, I've experienced that side of the industry myself, I don't think it tells the whole story. There are certainly people who approach relationships with an ulterior motive, but I think it's important to learn how to recognize those dynamics and, more importantly, surround yourself with genuine people.

Some of the most rewarding experiences I've had have come from connecting with other creative individuals who simply love making art, telling stories, and collaborating with others. People who are passionate about the work itself rather than what they might gain from it. I think those are the relationships worth nurturing because they create an environment where everyone can grow, take creative risks, and genuinely support one another. At the end of the day, the entertainment industry is still made up of people, and finding your community of authentic, like-minded creatives makes all the difference.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

Back in 2018, I went through a particularly difficult period with my production company. I had originally started it with an entirely different group of people, but due to some unfortunate circumstances, everyone eventually left, and the company was on the verge of dissolving. It was an emotionally challenging time, and I honestly came very close to walking away from filmmaking altogether.

Then, just as I was on the cusp of giving up, I received an unexpected phone call from my friend Domenic DeSantis. He said, "Hey, buddy, are you still directing? My friend Joe and I want to make some comedy sketches, and we'd love for you to direct them."

What Domenic and Joe didn't realize was just how much that phone call meant to me. Their invitation reignited my passion for filmmaking and reminded me why I fell in love with it in the first place. I ended up directing those sketches, and that experience gave me the motivation to rebuild my production company and get back to making films. Looking back, it was a wonderful reminder that sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference in someone's life.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

That's a great question! I'd say my favorite athlete growing up was, and still is, LeBron James. I mean, the fact that he's still playing in the NBA at this point in his career is absolutely astonishing. The man just doesn't seem to age!

As for my favorite music artist, that's an easy one: MF DOOM, hands down. I may not have been around during the height of his popularity, but discovering his music left a huge impression on me. His creativity, unconventional style, and approach to hip-hop are just incredible. There's really nobody quite like him. So, LeBron for the sports world and DOOM for the music world. I think that's a pretty solid combination!

Any shoutouts you want to make?

Yes! I want to shout out my dear friends: Rodney, Larson, Ariana, Tim, Kurt and Abby, who have supported me throughout the years and collaborated with me in my artistic endeavors. My friends, Domenic and Joe, who got me back into filmmaking when I was at a low point. My best friend, Mela, who has seen me through thick and thin since college. To my siblings, nieces and nephews and above all, my parents, who have always supported me and even pushed me to continue being a filmmaker even when I wanted to give up. I love you all! Thank you!

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

You can follow me on social media: @ramos.c.smith or check out my website: ramoscsmith.com