ConnColl Scholar Pursues Film Career, Directs Music Video for Major Recording Artist

For Joaquín Morales, music and film are defining passions. A senior at Connecticut College, Joaquín is pursuing both interests as a film major and as the founder of RJM, a motion picture studio. The company recently celebrated a major milestone with the completion and release of a music video for up and coming artist Tayy Brown featuring hip-hop star Lil’ Kim.

Joaquín first connected with the artists when he applied to assist on a film project for the duo over the summer of 2023. He recounts responding to the open call for crew as a “shot in the dark.”

“I reached out to the email in the open listing and was pleasantly surprised to get the gig,” says Joaquín.

Being a leader means supporting people before they have the experience. That is what Posse did for me.

Joaquín founded RJM Studios while he was still a high school student. Equipped with an interest in cinema and a beginner film camera, he began by capturing poetic images, editing them to music and releasing them via YouTube . His dedication to practicing his craft and releasing projects brought him recognition and opportunities to expand his skills.

“When I started, I just wanted to look like a professional film company. I was fascinated with ‘quantum cinema,’ or the ability to capture the experience of feelings on video, outside of linear time. Music was a natural way to help me achieve that goal.”

His film credits include documentary work for other prominent rappers, including Big Sean for his 2022 Lollapalooza music festival set and Flo Rida for his Hartford Arena Concert the same year. Joaquín says he secured both opportunities by “networking with peers just ahead of me in their careers.” In a similar fashion, he was able to hire a current Posse third-year student to assist him on the Lil’ Kim project.

Joaquín is dedicated to leaning on his Conn College and Posse peers to reach higher as he continues to receive opportunities to collaborate with celebrity clients.

“Being recognized as a leader by Posse helped me have confidence in my skillset and continue my progress toward a career as a filmmaker,” says Joaquín. “Being a leader means supporting people before they have the experience. That’s what Posse did for me.”