Joshua Guzman is a filmmaker, storyteller, and digital artist based in Monterey County whose passion for filmmaking began at a young age. At just eight years old, he started creating stop motion films using his toys and his mom’s phone, carefully moving figures frame by frame to tell small stories. What began as a simple childhood curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for filmmaking and visual storytelling. As Joshua grew older, he began expanding his skills beyond stop motion, exploring many areas of the film industry. He taught himself digital cinematography, editing, and storytelling, and later moved into more advanced creative fields such as 3D animation, visual effects (VFX), and CGI. Using tools like Blender and the Adobe Creative Suite, he continues to push his creative abilities while learning how technology and storytelling work together to create powerful cinematic experiences. A major part of Joshua’s filmmaking journey has been collaboration. Alongside his close friend and film partner Joseph Rome, he co-founded Rome Works, an independent film studio they created to produce their own films and creative projects. Through Rome Works, the two began developing short films, experimenting with storytelling styles, and learning how to manage productions as a team. Together they take on different roles in filmmaking, from directing and cinematography to editing and visual effects, constantly learning from each project they create. Joshua also enjoys mentoring and teaching others while working on film sets. When collaborating with friends and teammates, he often shares new techniques he has learned, helping others understand filmmaking tools, editing methods, or animation workflows. For him, filmmaking is not just about creating a finished product, but about building a creative environment where everyone involved can grow and contribute to the story. Many of Joshua’s projects focus on meaningful and emotional themes such as growth, memory, friendship, and identity. Through films like A Step Away, he explores real-life struggles and personal experiences, using storytelling as a way to connect with audiences and spark reflection. His goal as a filmmaker is to create stories that feel authentic and inspiring, leaving viewers with something meaningful to think about long after the film ends. Joshua also gives special thanks to two mentors who have played an important role in his journey: Mr. Ghastin and Mr. T. Their guidance, encouragement, and willingness to share their knowledge helped him learn skills and perspectives that he may not have discovered on his own. Their mentorship has been a meaningful part of his growth as both a filmmaker and a creative leader. As he continues developing his craft, Joshua remains focused on expanding both the artistic and technical sides of his work. Through filmmaking, animation, and digital media, he hopes to keep telling stories that inspire others while building a lasting career in the film industry.