Daily Inspiration: Meet Bruce Tetsuya

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruce Tetsuya.

Hi Bruce, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up around cameras and storytellers. My grandparents and my parents alike were all into photography, and documenting through home video. A large part of my inspiration as a kid, was being able to help create tangible memories through video. Some of the earliest things I can remember were visiting my great-grandparents in care homes, and being confused as to why I had to keep reintroducing myself to them. Especially now, at 27, with an almost 1 year old daughter, I create films and work in this medium for the same reasons I loved it as a child. Directing gives me the imagination and perspective I had back then. Whether it’s in commercials, or narrative works I direct, I always “film with heart.” I graduated film school and was lucky enough to get into some large film festivals, which led me straight to where I am today, as an owner of a film production company and creative marketing agency. Alongside my wife, Jade and my best friend, Drew, and two project managers, we are officially launching this fall, under the name, HOUSE OF KODO. We are aiming to focus on clients and projects that spark something within us, and mean something to the community.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never a smooth road, nor should it be. Resistance and moments to overcome are the only ways to grow. And I’ll leave it at that.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
A large part of my background is in movement – I started filming dance, sports, and am still very invested in using the camera as a key player in how my work is seen. I’ve been directing commercials with a narrative frame, and am always looking for ways to incorporate cultural ideas and themes from my Japanese heritage. I like to pride myself in how we select the clients we work with, and put quality over quantity. I’m proud of the brand campaigns we direct, most notably for adidas, but also with brands local to Denver like Sakura Square.

What’s next?
Aside from launching HOUSE OF KODO this fall, I am in pre-production for two of the largest narrative projects I’ve had the opportunity to direct – both of which are fully funded, and involve an incredible array of talent, from cast, to crew, to composers, and more. Beyond that, my goal is to direct a feature film, which I am in development for one, and set to direct in 2026.

Pricing:

• Please reach out: bruce@houseofkodo.com for individual pricing and budgeting inquiries!

Contact Info:

• Website: houseofkodo.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/brucetetsuya
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BruceTetsuya

Image Credits
Jacob Glazier, Claudius Wick