We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tony Olmos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tony, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned filmmaking through a combination of YouTube tutorials and hands-on experience. My first feature film, “South of 8,” (2016) was a significant learning opportunity where I gained practical knowledge by working directly on the set and collaborating with other filmmakers. Watching tutorials provided a foundation, but real-world application and learning from other local filmmakers were crucial to my development.

Knowing what I know now, I could have sped up my learning process by seeking more structured education earlier, such as attending workshops or film schools, and networking extensively within the industry to learn from experienced mentors.
The most essential skills were storytelling, technical proficiency with cameras and editing software, and understanding the logistics of film production.
Obstacles included limited access to resources and equipment initially, as well as navigating the complexities of independent filmmaking without a formal guide.

Tony, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m originally from Mt. Shasta California, but I’ve been living in San Diego for over 20 years now. As an indie filmmaker I have a decade of experience in the industry. My journey into filmmaking began with a deep passion for storytelling, which I pursued by watching YouTube tutorials and learning on the job. My first feature film, “South of 8,” was both a challenge and a triumph, laying the groundwork for my career. I founded my company, Rosewood Five, to create impactful and engaging films that resonate with audiences.

At Rosewood Five, we develop feature films and short films, often in collaboration with friends and fellow filmmakers. We focus on creating original content that tells compelling stories, addresses societal issues, and evokes strong emotions. Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional filmmaking, utilizing innovative techniques and cutting-edge technology to produce high-quality content.

What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and our collaborative approach. By working closely with a network of talented individuals, we are able to bring diverse perspectives to each project, enriching our storytelling and ensuring that our films are both unique and universally relatable.

I am most proud of the collaborative spirit at Rosewood Five. Our team consists of passionate and creative individuals who share a common goal of making films that leave a lasting impact. For our audience, I want them to know that at Rosewood Five, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional content that challenges, entertains, and inspires.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and filmmaker is the ability to tell stories that resonate with people on a deep, emotional level. There’s something incredibly powerful about crafting a narrative that can inspire, challenge, and move audiences. Seeing viewers connect with my work, whether it’s through laughter, tears, or reflection, is immensely gratifying.

Additionally, the collaborative nature of filmmaking is highly rewarding. Working alongside a team of passionate and creative individuals at Rosewood Five, I get to witness the collective energy and talent that goes into bringing a story to life. Each project is a unique journey of creativity and problem-solving, and the camaraderie and shared vision make the process fulfilling.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining stories from my journey that illustrates my resilience happened during the production of my first feature film, “South of 8.” Midway through filming, I broke my hand. Despite the pain and physical limitations, I was determined to see the project through to completion. With the invaluable support of my friends and crew, I continued working on set, adapting to my injury and finding ways to manage my responsibilities.

While still in the middle of production, I faced another challenge when I broke my foot in an unrelated incident. Unwilling to let this setback derail our progress, I directed the movie from a wheelchair. These experiences taught me not only the importance of perseverance but also the significance of collaboration and adaptability. Throughout this time, I also learned various aspects of filmmaking, including operating the camera, building sets, creating special effects, and editing, which were crucial skills for completing “South of 8.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rosewoodfive.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichi_the_scratcher?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

Dan Butler