Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker
Rudy Valdez: Biography at a Glance
- Rudy Valdez is a two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker committed to creating social, cultural, and political stories through a cinematic and meaningful lens.
- Valdez got his start in film as a Camera Operator on the Peabody Award-winning, Sundance series Brick City and went on to direct a true passion project, The Sentence for HBO.
- The Sentence, shot and directed by Valdez over the course of a decade, tells the very personal story of his sister’s plight in the criminal justice system while tackling subjects like mandatory minimums and sentencing reform.
- Valdez’s most recent projects include Carlos, the definitive feature documentary of Carlos Santana, and Disney+’s CHOIR, a docu-series following the Detroit Youth Choir after their star turn on America’s Got Talent.
- He also was behind Breakaway, a feature film following WNBA superstar Maya Moore and her fight for criminal justice reform, and its complementary short, Make Him Known.
- Valdez is a sought-after speaker who vividly discusses topics at the intersection of storytelling and social justice.
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Biography
Rudy Valdez is a two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker committed to creating social, cultural, and political stories through a cinematic and meaningful lens. As a public speaker, he is an authentic, vibrant, and professional guest who has spoken on live broadcast panels and has been on primetime and morning news shows like The View, radio broadcasts, podcasts, conventions, film festivals, and countless print and digital interviews.
Valdez got his start in film as a Camera Operator on the Peabody Award-winning, Sundance series Brick City and went on to direct a true passion project, The Sentence (HBO). Shot and directed by Valdez over the course of a decade, this feature documentary tells the very personal story of his sister’s plight in the criminal justice system while tackling subjects like mandatory minimums and sentencing reform. For this work, the filmmaker won the Primetime Emmy Award for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking, the US Documentary Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, and was a nominee for the Critics Choice Documentary Awards Best New Director.
Valdez’s most recent projects, Carlos, the definitive feature documentary of Carlos Santana and Disney+’s CHOIR, a docu-series following the Detroit Youth Choir after their star turn on America’s Got Talent premiered in the fall of 2023. ReOpening Night, a feature film about The Public Theater’s staging of a beloved New York City institution, Shakespeare in the Park, following the COVID-19 pandemic premiered on HBO Max. Breakaway, a feature film following WNBA superstar, Maya Moore and her fight for criminal justice reform premiered on ESPN and its complementary short, Make Him Known, premiered at the Miami Film Festival and made appearances at the Sarasota Film Festival, The Brooklyn Film Festival, Minneapolis Film Festival, and Nantucket Film Festival. His four-part docu-series, We Are: The Brooklyn Saints, is currently streaming on Netflix. He also co-directed the premiere episode of Through Our Eyes (HBO) alongside Academy Award-winning director Geeta Gandbhir, a four-part docu-series from Sesame Workshop that explores the lives of American families from the perspective of children; how they navigate their circumstances with their families and the world at large.
Topics
The Power of Voice
Rudy Valdez is a prolific filmmaker known for his wide-ranging body of work, spanning a multitude of documentary genres. From his impactful exploration of the criminal justice system with The Sentence to his compelling portrayal of sports with We Are The Brooklyn Saints and his foray into the music world with Carlos, Rudy has fearlessly ventured across the creative spectrum. Throughout his career, he has consistently pushed boundaries and defied the expectations placed upon him as a filmmaker of color, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape with his unique voice and perspective.
Valdez's career not only exemplifies how he has carved his own distinctive space in the industry but also serves as a testament to his mission – empowering distinct voices and helping individuals find and harness their own. In this conversation, Valdez will share his experience, encouraging all to embrace failure as a stepping stone to greatness while fostering genuine connections with fellow creatives. His insights on asserting creative vision in the face of industry pressures will inspire determination. Valdez will delve into his unique perspective on success, providing guidance on conquering imposter syndrome and embracing the transformative power of self-identity. His inspirational story of breaking free from society's expectations will serve as a call to action, motivating individuals to navigate their own creative journeys. Valdez's roadmap to authenticity serves as a guiding light for enduring creativity and unwavering self-expression, offering hope and inspiration to aspiring voices in the artistic realm.
The Sentence: Criminal Justice and Criminal Justice Reform
Rudy Valdez draws from deeply personal experiences to shed light on the stark realities of having a family member incarcerated. With unwavering sincerity, he unveils the relentless battle against a system seemingly designed to ensure failure. Valdez' narrative not only serves as a powerful testament to resilience but also offers a poignant examination of the broader issues plaguing the criminal justice system. His speech can be complemented by a screening of his personal documentary The Sentence, taking audiences on an emotional journey through his lens. It's an invitation to witness the human toll of a system in need of reform.
Alternatively, Valdez can engage in a 30-minute speech, tailored around a dynamic Q&A session and providing a platform for open dialogue. Participants are encouraged to share their own experiences, ask questions, and glean insights from Valdez' firsthand encounters, creating a space for collective understanding and advocacy for transformative change in the criminal justice landscape.
Bringing a Diverse Perspective as a Filmmaker of Color
Rudy Valdez delves into the profound journey of carving one's unique voice amidst a landscape that often marginalizes diverse perspectives. Valdez illuminates the path to self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and amplifying one's creative identity. He navigates the intricate web of creative expression as a person of color, sharing strategies for building supportive systems that not only ignite creativity and innovation but also inspire others. Valdez' speech offers invaluable insights to aspiring creatives who seek to find and embrace their inner voices.
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FAQs
How do I book Rudy Valdez for my event?
Contact CAA Speakers at (424) 288-2898 or speakers@caa.com to book Rudy Valdez to speak at corporate or private events, keynote speeches, speaking engagements, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances.
Quick booking process- Email CAA Speakers with event details
- Get availability confirmation within 24 hours
- Review speaking fee and contract terms
- Sign agreement and finalize logistics
As one of the most influential talent agencies in the world, CAA handles all speaking engagements from contract to event day coordination.
Who is Rudy Valdez's booking agent?
CAA Speakers is the preferred booking agency to contact for Rudy Valdez’s speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com for all Rudy Valdez in-person appearances and keynote speaking requests.
Contact Rudy Valdez's agent- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: caa.com/caaspeakers
- Response: Within 24 hours
CAA Speakers can check Rudy Valdez's speaking calendar with direct access to availability and official pricing. While many websites may list Rudy Valdez, CAA Speakers is the direct source for authentic information about availability and pricing.
What is Rudy Valdez's speaking fee?
Rudy Valdez's speaking fee varies by event type, location, and requirements. As a top keynote speaker, Rudy Valdez's fee reflects their expertise and market demand.
Speaking fee factors:- Event type and audience size
- Travel distance and logistics
- Presentation length and customization
- Virtual vs. in-person delivery
Additional costs: Travel, accommodation, A/V requirements, and optional meet-and-greets.
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for Rudy Valdez's current speaking fee and detailed cost breakdown.
How much does it cost to book Rudy Valdez as a keynote speaker?
The cost to book Rudy Valdez as keynote speaker includes their speaking fee plus travel and logistics expenses.
Total booking cost includes:- Rudy Valdez's keynote speaking fee
- Travel and accommodation
- Technical requirements and A/V setup
- Optional add-ons like book signing and meet & greets
- Virtual presentations
- Local/regional events
- Off-peak booking periods
- Flexible event dates
Email speakers@caa.com for Rudy Valdez's exact booking cost and customized pricing proposal.
How to contact Rudy Valdez for speaking engagements?
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for all Rudy Valdez speaking engagements.
Official contact for Rudy Valdez bookings:- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/rudy-valdez
- Response time: 24 hours
Include your event date, location, audience size, and budget when contacting CAA about booking Rudy Valdez.
Is Rudy Valdez available for virtual speaking events?
Yes, Rudy Valdez speaks at virtual events with professional-grade equipment and interactive presentation style.
Rudy Valdez's virtual event options:- Live virtual keynotes with Q&A
- Interactive workshops and breakouts
- Hybrid events (in-person + virtual)
- Pre-recorded presentations
Virtual events offer global reach, flexible scheduling, and reduced travel costs while maintaining Rudy Valdez's engaging presentation quality.
Contact CAA Speakers for Rudy Valdez's virtual event availability and technical specifications.
What events can I book Rudy Valdez for?
Book Rudy Valdez for corporate conferences, industry events, private functions, and virtual presentations. Rudy Valdez customizes content for any audience size or event type.
Event types:- Corporate meetings and conferences
- Industry summits and trade shows
- Private executive retreats
- Educational institution events
- Virtual and hybrid conferences
Rudy Valdez engages audiences from private executive meetings to large conferences with thousands of attendees.
Contact CAA Speakers to discuss how Rudy Valdez can customize their presentation for your specific event.
Rudy Valdez booking information and availability
Check Rudy Valdez's speaking availability through CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com. Book 3-6 months in advance for best date selection during peak seasons (September-November, March-May).
Availability factors:- Event date and location
- Speaking fee and budget
- Lead time for booking
- Peak conference seasons
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Contact CAA early in your planning process to secure Rudy Valdez for your preferred event date.
Book Rudy Valdez keynote speaker through CAA
Book Rudy Valdez through CAA Speakers for guaranteed authentic representation and professional event coordination. CAA is the preferred booking agent for Rudy Valdez, with direct access to their speaking availability and decades of experience representing the world’s top keynote speakers.
CAA booking advantages:- Direct access to Rudy Valdez's calendar
- 24-hour availability confirmations
- Professional contract negotiation
- Full logistics coordination
- Industry-leading client service
Trusted by Fortune 500 companies for their most important speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com to book Rudy Valdez for your next event.
Will Rudy Valdez speak at private events?
Yes, Rudy Valdez speaks at private corporate events, executive retreats, board meetings, and exclusive functions.
Private event types:- Executive retreats and board presentations
- Client entertainment and VIP gatherings
- Corporate celebrations and award ceremonies
- Private dinners and exclusive functions
Private event benefits: Customized content, enhanced interaction, complete confidentiality, and flexible scheduling.
Contact CAA Speakers for Rudy Valdez's private event availability and confidential pricing proposals.
How quickly will I get a response about booking Rudy Valdez?
CAA Speakers responds to Rudy Valdez booking inquiries within 24 hours during business days. Complex requests or international events may take up to 48 hours for detailed proposals.
Response timeline:- Initial acknowledgment: Within 24 hours
- Availability confirmation: 24-48 hours
- Detailed pricing proposal: 48-72 hours
- Urgent requests: Same-day priority response
Include complete event details (date, location, audience size, budget) for fastest response times.
How far in advance should I book Rudy Valdez?
Book Rudy Valdez 3-6 months in advance for best availability, especially during peak speaking seasons. Early booking ensures better date selection and rate negotiations.
Recommended booking timeline:- 3-6 months: Optimal availability and pricing
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Peak seasons: September-November and March-May book fastest. Contact CAA Speakers early for priority consideration.
How do I get Rudy Valdez pricing information?
Get Rudy Valdez pricing information by contacting CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com with your event details. Receive detailed cost breakdown within 24-48 hours with no obligation to book.
For accurate pricing, include:- Event date and location
- Audience size and type
- Event format and duration
- Budget parameters
CAA provides transparent pricing with all costs included - speaking fee, travel, accommodation, and technical requirements.