Randy Valdes realized he would be a filmmaker in 9th grade when he turned an English assignment for a short film on the Vietnam War into an ambitious project, writing an elaborate script and cajoling friends into a three-day shoot. Originally Cuban born, he grew up in Miami, where his parents worked in a warehouse before his mother established a commercial photography studio. (Randy’s first job was sorting pictures of weddings and quinces). Since then he has only had one ambition, to develop and evolve his craft as a director of photography and cinematographer.

As a director of photography I work toward developing a cinematography that is true to the story and supports it.

A self-described technology nerd, he studied cinematography and film technology at Full Sail University in Winter Park, and obsessively follows developments in his field. His professional philosophy is to master the latest available filmmaking technology in order to better build on techniques that have effectively moved audiences since the birth of cinematography.

His commercial director of photography credits cover a long list of important clients including ESPN, Chevy, Bud Light, Bacardi, Viacom International, iHome, Land’s End, and Montecito Bank. The diversity of content showcases his ability to adapt to different cinematography styles and best serve the director and clients.

Randy’s credits as cinematographer include several feature documentaries. The U for ESPN’s 30 for 30 Series, Limelight premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2011 before being distributed by Netflix, Square Grouper premiered at SXSW in 2011, and Spectrum of Hope distributed by Sundance Now Doc Club in 2016. He was the director of photography on a national television program I am Frankie produced by Viacom International. Randy has also been the director of photography on music videos for all major labels like Sony Music and Universal Music Group, and other independent artists.

His directorial debut, the feature documentary A Todo Color, premiered at The Sheffield International Documentary Festival in 2016 – one of the three largest festivals for a documentary filmmaker in the world. The film also participated in Hot Docs and won best documentary in XicanIndie Festival. His short film Lullaby was distributed by HBO. Randy’s ability to direct his own passion projects makes him better suited to work with directors as a cinematographer because he understands first hand the needs of a director to tell a story effectively.

Victor Manuel “Que Suenen Los Tambores” Music Video
Cinematographer
Filmed in Mexico 2014

Mercedes-Benz Commercial
Director
Filmed in Miami – 2013

Connect Cuba Campaign
Cinematographer
Filmed in Dominican Republic – 2013

Kickstart Energy Drink Commercial
Director of Photography
Filmed in Miami – 2013

The Murder of Don Aronow – ESPN’s 30 for 30 shorts
Cinematographer
Filmed in Miami – 2013

Petra – Short Film
Director and Cinematographer
Filmed in Miami – 2019

Historias de la Urbe – Feature Film
Cinematographer
Filmed in Miami – 2011

Limelight – Feature Documentary Film
Cinematographer
Filmed in Miami and Toronto – 2011

Square Grouper – Feature Documentary Film
Cinematographer
Filmed in Florida – 2011

Dawg Fight – Feature Documentary Film
Cinematographer
Filmed in Miami – 2010