Meet Jesse Borrell | Director, Cinematographer, Video Editor, and Drone Pilot at NOCOAST

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jesse Borrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jesse, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was lucky to grow up in a home where creativity was always encouraged. My dad ran his own design-and-build construction business for over 35 years, where I grew up on the East Coast. He showed me that being your own boss isn’t just about independence; it’s about taking responsibility for your time, your craft, and the way you move through the world. My mom worked as a graphics designer for many years, and she has created many of the beautiful websites I still use professionally today.

How would you describe what you do professionally?

I like to say that my professional life thrives at the intersection of vérité-style documentary, live events, and commercial storytelling. I thrive in hands-on environments where light needs to be shaped and creative problem-solving is paramount. I aim to strike a balance between thoughtful planning and spontaneous filmmaking, always pushing experimental boundaries to create work that feels honest and emotional. 

Filmmaking is a collaborative process, and for the past 15 years, I’ve led the multimedia film crew at NOCOAST here in Colorado. I’m super proud that we’ve worked for commercial clients such as the Ford Motor Company and Chipotle Mexican Grill, musical artists like The Lumineers and Pretty Lights, but also local production companies such as Butter Creations and Lumenati. 

I’m always open to taking creative risks and diving into projects that challenge what I’m previously known for. At the heart of it all, I aim to be present on set, embrace whatever the moment has to offer, and be a nice person to hang out with.

Alright, so let’s move on to what keeps you busy professionally?

I’ve gone through a few personal and creative evolutions over the past 15 years as a self-employed professional. The early days were scrappy, but in the best way. I learned how to think on my feet, shoot with whatever gear was available, and stay creative under pressure. Most shoots were a mix of improvisation and intuition, with the heaviest lift coming in post-production to bring each project to life.

A major turning point came when my wife, Jaime, and I moved to the coast of Northern Spain – it rewired my worldview. I experienced what it’s like to slow down, feel a bit of FOMO of my past life from afar, and reflect deeply on where I wanted to go creatively. I took that time to learn new skills – like studying for my FAA Part 107 drone license – and to immerse myself in new cultures and perspectives. 

Now, I’m in a new phase: one that’s grounded in teamwork, planning, and overall intention. I’ve built a network of talented collaborators and friends who selflessly share knowledge. I often set aside time to further hone my craft, especially in cinematography, focusing on how lighting and camera movement support the emotional tone of each story. 

Running your own business takes discipline (that often waivers), and I now really enjoy balancing flexibility and forethought. I can still be scrappy when needed, but I also bring years of experience, a love of collaboration, and a real care for the details. At the end of the day, I want people to know that I’m here to tell stories that feel real, and that I love doing it as part of a creative team.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week-long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

A perfect day around Boulder would start with an early morning hike in the foothills or a hot yoga class. From there, we’d hit a local café for espresso and a breakfast burrito – ideally somewhere with a view or a shady patio. 

The rest of the day could be flexible, but in the evening, we’d probably cook a meal, and maybe cap it off with a live show or an outdoor gathering with friends. 

If we have more time, I’d suggest a mini road trip – climbing a mountain peak, or heading West to soak in natural hot springs under the stars. That mix of nature, creativity, and spontaneous adventure is what makes Colorado feel so special. That mix is a big reason why I call this part of the world home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I want to dedicate this shoutout to the vibrant Colorado film community. There’s something really special happening here: people collaborate, share resources, and genuinely want to see one another succeed. It’s less about ego and more about lifting each other up. Whether it’s crewing

each other’s shoots, donating equipment for a passion project, or just grabbing a coffee to talk through creative blocks, I’ve found an incredible amount of support here.

Website: https://www.jesseborrell.com

Instagram: @jrb_visuals

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-borrell-jrb247

Other: Please visit www.nocoast.tv for more examples of my work.

Image Credits
Photography by Jesse R. Borrell, NOCOAST