Published: September 16, 2025
by Justin Difazzio,
Renard Cheren came to Northern Illinois University from southern Florida to join the NIU football team. After four years on the team, an injury ended his sports career. Instead of wallowing, he pivoted back to his old high school hobby of making football highlight videos and workout videos, and he decided to follow video production as a career.
As fate would have it, OC was looking for video interns to help with production and editing over the summer. Renard’s discipline on the football field translated into a dynamite work ethic, and he made himself invaluable to the video department. In addition to doing a fair amount of video editing, he helped out as a production assistant both in the studio and on location with clients. He took initiative on set and was always eager to learn new skills and connect with people.
The thing that really stuck with him was working with a cinema camera, which he did for the first time as an intern here. Since working with us, he graduated from NIU and moved to Los Angeles with a budding career in the film industry as a camera and steadicam operator and director.
“Thanks to the OC family for all your knowledge and help,” says Renard.
We’re extremely proud to be able to say that you’ve probably seen his work. His camera skills and directing chops have brought him work with many prominent brands and people in the music industry. In the last 7 years, he’s worked with Coach, Toyota, Fortnite, Dior, Prada, AT&T, Taco Bell, Beats, Adele, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Nas X, Eminem, SZA, Alicia Keys, Post Malone, Justin Bieber, Lizzo, Orville Peck, and so many more. Most recently, he helped film the movie Sinners, which is getting rave reviews. See some of his work on Renard’s website.
We’re so happy to be able to say we knew him before he was a huge success! Congrats, Renard.