Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Zambrano.

Hi Daniel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a director. My family worked in production in Bogotá – my aunt and cousins were in commercial production, so I grew up around film sets. I remember being on sets as a child, sometimes as an extra, and it felt like magic to me.

I studied audiovisual media at Politécnico Grancolombiano with a focus on film, and later got a master’s in creative writing at Universidad Nacional de Colombia. But my real education started when I was 17, during my first semester at university. Thanks to my aunt’s connections, I began working at a production company as a delivery guy, taking CDs with commercials to TV stations and important documents to advertising agencies. I was eager to learn everything while doing these deliveries.

Through hard work and curiosity, I moved up from editor to assistant director. I worked at Lamuvi Films, which was a great school for me. After some time in England studying English, I returned to Colombia and started directing commercials. I worked there for about five years, winning several awards for my commercial work.

When I got the opportunity to direct second unit for a commercial with Hugh Jackman, the New York-based production company was impressed with my work. They told me I’d do well here and offered me the opportunity to work with them. That was exactly what I was looking for. Nearly 7 years ago, I took that opportunity and moved to New York. Now I’ve been working with Le Labo Fragrances and Estée Lauder for one year, directing their global video content. I also started my own company, OHOS MEDIA, which works to connect Latin American talent with opportunities in the US market.

Currently, I’m also working on my first feature film projects while continuing my commercial work.

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?

Let me tell you something about working in New York – it’s both challenging and incredibly inspiring. Being a filmmaker in arguably the most competitive city in the world, where you’re surrounded by the best directors in the industry, really pushes you to grow and evolve.

When I was directing in Colombia, I had already established myself and had a clear path. But coming to New York meant redefining what being a director means. Here, you’re competing with incredibly talented people, and every project needs to stand out. However, I’ve found that this pressure actually fuels creativity. Rather than seeing it as overwhelming competition, I’ve learned to see it as an opportunity to push boundaries and think differently.

The city has taught me that you can’t just wait for opportunities – you have to create them. I spent two winters filming scenes around New York, capturing the city’s unique energy and light. This personal project led to collaborations with local artists and eventually opened doors to bigger commercial projects, including work in Mexico.

What I love about New York is that while it challenges you constantly, it also rewards authenticity and hard work. Through networking events and collaborations, I’ve met incredible people who’ve become part of my creative journey. Each challenge has led to better projects and expanded my network, leading to opportunities I couldn’t have imagined when I first arrived.

The key has been staying curious and being open to different types of projects – from commercials to documentaries to music videos. This versatility has not only helped me grow as a director but has also led to more interesting and bigger opportunities.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I’m primarily a commercial director with a strong focus on visual storytelling. Currently, I direct global video content for Le Labo Fragrances and Estée Lauder, and alongside my partner Bach Le, I run OHOS MEDIA, which is redefining how production companies operate in the U.S. market by connecting extraordinary Latin American talent with opportunities here while integrating innovative technology solutions.

What sets me apart is my constant drive to tell stories differently. I’m always looking for ways to break from the expected approach, whether it’s finding unique casting choices or exploring new narrative angles. Through OHOS MEDIA, we’re pushing these boundaries even further by creating a space where industry executives can discover talented Hispanic creators they might not find through traditional channels, while Bach leads our technology initiatives to make production processes more efficient.

My curiosity about different formats and techniques has led me to work across a wide spectrum of media – from traditional TV commercials to documentaries, from social media content to music videos. Each platform presents its own unique storytelling challenges, and that’s what keeps me engaged and growing. At OHOS, we embrace this versatility, working with talents who can adapt to different formats while maintaining their unique creative voice.

I think my background in different aspects of production gives me a unique perspective. I started as a delivery guy, became an editor, then an assistant director, before directing. This experience helps me understand every part of the process and collaborate effectively with different teams. I’ve applied this comprehensive understanding not only to my directing work but also to how we structure projects at OHOS, ensuring we create opportunities that benefit everyone involved in the production process.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Yes – success for me isn’t about having a house or a fancy title. It’s about feeling fulfilled where you are and living without regrets. I’m currently working on my first feature films, which I plan to shoot in Colombia because I recognize the incredible potential there. While I love working in New York and it’s opened amazing opportunities, I still feel deeply connected to Colombia’s talent and creativity.

I believe in staying curious and pushing boundaries. Whether you’re a filmmaker or pursuing any other dream, don’t wait for opportunities – create them. In New York, I learned that collaboration means something different – it’s not about working for free, but about talented people coming together to create something meaningful. That’s why I spent two years capturing scenes of New York winters with my camera, which led to collaborating with a poet and eventually landed me a commercial project in Mexico.

The most important thing I’ve learned is that there isn’t a set formula for success. It’s about following your instincts while being true to yourself, without stepping over others. Every city, every project offers different opportunities for growth, and being open to these possibilities while staying passionate about your craft is what matters most.

I’m also excited about how OHOS MEDIA is evolving and our plans to continue connecting talented creators with meaningful opportunities. But regardless of where this journey takes me next, I’ll keep focusing on telling stories that matter and pushing creative boundaries.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ohos.nyc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielzambranofilm/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-zambrano/
• Other: https://www.daniel-zambrano.com

Image Credits

Carlos Sanfer & Lourdes Aguilar