Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Betega. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet many friends whom I could choose as family, who were very generous and kind to me in various situations, but there’s one specific situation that marked me deeply. In July of this year, I had minor oral surgery and was unable to eat anything that required chewing. I was in a lot of pain and felt weak from my restricted soft-food diet. One day, my girlfriend was eating grapes and noticed I wanted some. She carefully picked up each grape, cut it in half, and peeled it so it would be easier for me to eat. I was so touched by her care and kindness that I was brought to tears.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

So, how’d I end up in the audiovisual sector? Buckle up, because it’s a pretty peculiar story.

Back in 2012, I was knee-deep in Biological Sciences at a university in Piracicaba, SP. Second year, but let’s just say I wasn’t exactly setting the world on fire. My internship in plant genetic improvement wasn’t doing much for me either. Then, one day, the research center director yanked my research grant and let loose with a verbal beatdown that pretty much nixed any biology career dreams I might have had.

But that’s when fate (or maybe a spam email) intervened. I got an email from MTV Brazil asking for recommendations for their “Perua MTV” program, kind of like a local “What Not to Wear.” I ignored the first two emails, but by the third, I was feeling a little cheeky and decided to recommend myself – as a joke, of course. To my utter surprise, they replied: “Tell us more about your story.” Little did I know, this would be the turning point.

I kept exchanging emails, half-convinced it was a prank, until bam! MTV showed up at my door, ready to film an episode… with me in it! Those two days of filming were a revelation. It was the complete opposite of the monotonous labs I was used to – people were having fun, laughing, collaborating. Gone were the grim faces and sterile environments; this set was filled with creative energy.

After filming, I headed to the MTV Brazil headquarters, eager to learn more about the audiovisual world. I chatted with the producer and program director, did some serious research, and decided to put my biology degree on hold. For a year, I traded textbooks for takeout trays, working as a waitress at a Japanese restaurant. Then, in 2014, I made the big move to São Paulo and enrolled in a university for Radio, TV and Internet.

Fast forward to today, I’m a bachelor in Radio, TV and Internet, and I have a postgraduate degree in Illustration, Infographics and Motion Graphics, with a special focus on Medicinal Cannabis. I wear many hats: photographer, filmmaker, video editor, and soon-to-be sound designer.

My work portfolio is a diverse mix. I create promotional videos for streaming giants like Paramount+ and Pluto TV, alongside after films for parties and events. The pandemic put a pause on two very special projects: Cosmic Space and Joana Space.

Cosmic Space (check it out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmicspacef/) is my trance festival photography project. In 2019, it even took me abroad for the first time – I photographed festivals in Italy and Morocco.

Joana Space (https://www.instagram.com/joana.space) is my cannabis photography project, where I explore marijuana and accessories as artistic tools. I love using them to create unexpected, eye-catching scenes from everyday Brazilian life.
Both projects are close to my heart. Cosmic Space whisked me away for an international adventure, something I never thought possible. And Joana Space is my creative playground, where I can unleash my artistic vision without limits.

Today, I collaborate with a variety of clients, but Paramount+ definitely holds a special place. They trust me implicitly, giving me the freedom to put my unique stamp on their videos. Remember the one with Vincent Martella? (Check it out: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6PM055Ai-y/?hl=pt-br)

That one went viral with a whopping 7.9 million views!
Versatility is my middle name. Working across different niches keeps my work fresh and exciting, and I think it’s what sets me apart.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a reputation comes down to a few key ingredients: delivering quality work, dedication, loving what you do, respecting your clients, and of course, a touch of Brazilian charisma.

Having an easily accessible online portfolio is also super important. You don’t need to spend a fortune; platforms like Wix, Behance, and Adobe Portfolio (for Adobe users) have free options. Even Instagram or TikTok can work for a more casual portfolio.

You can visit my professional Instagram to use as a reference: http://www.instagram.com/ah.mandajobs

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

This is a fantastic question that gets me thinking about what art really means. I believe the deepest reward for an artist is being able to connect with themselves and the world through their work.

It’s like art is a bridge between our innermost selves and the world outside. When we create, we explore the emotions, ideas, and unique experiences that make us who we are. It’s an incredible process of self-discovery.

Plus, art lets us have a really special conversation with other people. Sharing a piece of art is like opening a window to our soul, inviting others to step into our world and experience the same feelings we had while creating it. This exchange is enriching and makes us feel part of something bigger.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ah.mandajobs
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandabetega/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/cosmicspacef/
  https://www.facebook.com/cosmicspacef
  https://www.instagram.com/joana.space/

Image Credits

Luiz Fernando Carrijo
Amanda Betega Mattoso