Phillips took an unconventional path to the film industry. He attended Florida State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Driven by a passion for performance and storytelling, he also pursued classical training in acting for stage, film, and television. This unique background in acting gives him a distinct advantage as a director, allowing him to communicate intimately and effectively with actors on set.
As a filmmaker, Phillips works across multiple genres, spanning narrative features, commercial spots, short films, and documentaries. He is highly regarded for his holistic understanding of the post-production pipeline, possessing deep expertise in:
Classic and modern video editing
Color correction and digital grading
Visual effects (VFX) integration
His versatile skill set frequently sees him taking on dual responsibilities as both the director and DP on his projects. Over the course of his career, he has built an eclectic portfolio of credits as an actor, cinematographer, and director on projects such as A Wasp in the Wind Chime, Jon Century: Surprise Me, Sugartown, and Outlaws and Angels. He also expanded into major television broadcasts, serving as a Director of Photography for the Persian Broadcasting Company's massive Tapesh Norouz Celebration special.
Beyond moving pictures, Phillips maintains a robust commercial photography practice. Operating under the moniker Click West Photo, his photography focuses heavily on high-end fashion portraits, clothing lookbooks, and commercial swimwear campaigns. He is represented for commercial and narrative bookings by producer Nick Terry at the Los Angeles-based entertainment agency,