Navigating Skies and Stories: A Conversation with Patrick Thies
In this engaging interview, we sit down with Patrick Thies, a multi-talented drama writer and drone operator making waves in the film industry. Born in Lima, Peru, and raised in the heart of Midwestern America, Patrick shares his unique journey from an adopted, suburban childhood to the vibrant world of Los Angeles filmmaking. He reveals how his upbringing, cultural background, and family values shaped his career aspirations, and how he found his niche combining storytelling with the art of aerial cinematography. Patrick discusses the rewards and challenges of his dual careers, the impact of hustle culture, and the passion projects that keep him grounded and inspired. Join us as we explore Patrick's path, from his inspiring roots to the skies above, where he captures moments that resonate with audiences worldwide.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?:
Sharing my work with others in-person or online. Whether it's a new screenplay, drone photo or color graded drone video -- I love how it sparks a connection to the viewer in some way.
How would you say your upbringing and cultural background contributed to your career aspirations?:
I come from an adopted, divorced family and grew up in midwestern suburbia surrounded by gravel and country roads. My upbringing mirrors the tone of Friday Night Lights. And while no one quite understood why I enjoyed writing and making videos so much, I was taught at an early age to work hard by my stepfather Tony.
He is a retired fireman/paramedic who also started a landscaping business. I worked with him every summer of Highschool and college. He pushed me outside of my comfort zone to learn the value of a dollar. Work ethic and budgeting became my north star moving forward and allowed me to follow his mantra: "It's not what you make, it's what you spend."
This helped me survive the uncertainties that come with Industry gig work and has been most helpful since Covid-19, Industry Strikes and post-strike now.
What would you say is a common question or concern you get from your clients/followers?:
The most common question is how I got into Drone Piloting to begin with. So I enjoy telling them how Covid Quarantine allowed me to take a chance on something new and learn a new skill on a professional level.
What are you committed to doing no matter what happens?:
Finishing my short film Sidewalks & Skeletons and writing a feature to further expand the story.
Where might you be found on a Saturday afternoon with no plans?:
Right now I would be inside chilling with the AC on and editing drone footage to share with everyone.
If you were to meet 10 year old you, what would you say to them?:
I wouldn't say anything, I would leave myself a postcard from Los Angeles with a message: "Keep writing"
What is something you’re willing to start all over again?:
World War Z by Max Brooks (book). It changed the way I saw zombies on a global scale. So many fun/terrifying moments all written out in interviews.
When are you the happiest?:
Depends on my mood: Surrounded by friends, drinking 1st warm cup of coffee, or piloting my drone in a new location and capturing the perfect moment.
Hustle culture and burnout is so prominent in our community. How do you prioritize self care?:
Music/Exercise/movies. Either I go for a run at North Hollywood Park with earbuds blasting or I relax on the couch and watch a movie that makes me smile.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?:
When I landed at LAX for the first time, I looked up at the palm trees and smiled. When I booked a new production gig and walked on-set for the first time I felt at home.
Drink 🫖
What is Patrick’s go-to drink?
Light Roast Coffee with a healthy amount of Vanilla Creamer and a dash of cinnamon.
Listening To 🎧
What is Patrick listening to at the moment?
I make seasonal Spotify playlists so everything on my current selection comes from summer music discoveries. My new addition so far: Peaches - In the valley Below (Passion Pit Remix)
Since creating the horror short Sidewalks & Skeletons I've also been drawn to Liminal/Dreamcore music that is atmospheric in nature but also can be nostalgic. Each song has a daydream or nightmarish tone that can often capture those quiet in-between moments and deeply connected to analog horror stories like The Backrooms.
Your Truth 🗣️
What is a Patrick’s truth?
I used my very 1st paycheck to buy a laptop and DVD for a family trip to the east coast. In the discount bin I found Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's 11. I must have watched the movie over a dozen times and decided right then I need to spend my life making movies.
My next purchase was cheap DV Camcorder and created several amateur music videos for my friends and created personalized (burned) DVD's for everyone using Windows Media Player. Their reactions to my work and encouragement to move to LA helped me follow-through to buying a plane ticket.
These days I'm focused on what lies ahead for my short film 'Sidewalks & Skeletons' -- crowdfunding, post-production work, and film festival submissions. But more importantly I am looking forward to screening the final film for the cast and crew to enjoy.
Your Plug 🔌
What is Patrick plugging today?
My new project Sidewalks & Skeletons is about the Fentanyl Crisis and its effected communities. The main characters of this story are led by women. This was done to better serve the story and expose the truth of their world. They all live in a fear-based society and it's important for each of them to have their voice heard by one another. Their combined efforts guide the audience as the only source of direction in their shared reality of Sidewalks & Skeletons.
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As a 1st-time filmmaker I am proud of the collaborative effort of the Female-Driven cast & BIPOC crew who believed in the story as much as I did. With the success of this short film, a feature will follow to expand the analog-horror world of Sidewalks & Skeletons.
Once our Seed & Spark (post-prod) crowdfund campaign is complete, I look forward to sharing the world of Sidewalks & Skeletons with everyone.
More about Patrick Thies
Patrick Thies is drama writer adopted from Lima, Peru. After college he moved to Los Angeles and worked at CBS in their PAGE program. He also volunteered with the Screenwriters Network High-Concept screenplay competition. During the Covid-19 Pandemic he became a Certified Covid Compliance Officer and worked alongside health officials who performed daily testing on cast & crew. This new department of production allowed him to earn enough hours to become a member of the IATSE 871 union as an APOC. He was also able to become a Part-107 licensed Drone Operator and piloted a small drone during the production of Sidewalks & Skeletons.