For Rodney Passé, Craft Is a “Keeper of Time, a Translation of a Moment”

This imaginative storyteller’s kinetic visual poetry expresses the way that he views his world… 

“Craft is a keeper of time, a translation of a moment,” said Rodney Passé. “I think directors and photographers have this ability to encapsulate what a moment is. Craft is about finding ways of visually translating it. We put things in the capsule.” 

Rodney’s beautiful musings let us glimpse his unique perspective on what it means to be a director. To watch his work is to see a slice of the human experience rendered in the bold hues of his audacious imagination. 

Capturing the cherished memories of a growing family, his heartwarming film “Life of Photos” exemplifies the extraordinary result of his distinct artistic approach. 

“I wanted to show these intimate, human moments. Photography is sentimental. You’re capturing a memory to keep it forever. I wanted to focus on the human connections between families, between friends, between lovers. I wanted to focus on the sentimental moments we want to capture forever.” 

Unfolding a story told in precious coming of age moments, Rodney invites audiences to flip through a cinematic memory book. The elevated visual language of this film immerses audiences in the glowing excitement of new parents. 

An immersive photographic exploration of women’s boxing in Cuba, “Perserverancia, Son Mi Gente” pulls audiences into Rodney’s unique weaving of striking imagery and textured, layered soundscapes. 

Rodney creates a lyrical visual symphony, flashing between photographs of the boxers to the rhythm of his resounding sonic world. 

Havana itself is a main character in this stunning film. Our eyes drink in the beautifully captured imagery of not just the boxers but the cityscape, the bustling streets, the passersby, the churches that surround them. 

Rodney’s layered soundscapes submerge audiences in each visual story.

“I draw inspiration from my mentor, Khalil Joseph. I always ask artists for stems. It’s transformed how I build a visual and sonic language. Working with stems, you have your vocals, you have your instruments, you have all the soundscapes and you can build your own soundscape. And it’ll still be in the same sonic tune, even if you’re incorporating different soundscapes.” 

Rodney’s distinct directorial voice, crafting visceral, groundbreaking work that encapsulates his unique visionary, has told the brand stories of major clients such as Apple, Google, Gucci, Indeed, ESPN, and Lincoln. 

His distinct approach to craft produces visual stories that tattoo themselves onto audience's minds, resonating long after screens fade to black. His films speak the language of his imagination, bold and elevated, yet rooted in the pulse of daily life. 

Excited to be on Eleanor’s US roster, Rodney celebrates the promise that winks over the horizon, "I’ve been watching Eleanor for a bit. It feels very focused on what the directors’ voices are. I’m excited for what the future holds." 

“Rodney Passé has the kind of resonate, storytelling voice destined to connect with audiences,” praises Eleanor president Sophie Gold. “You don’t simply watch his work, you experience it. His work is the perfect marriage of authenticity and artistry. I am excited to see what mesmerizing story worlds he crafts next.”