We recently connected with Ana Stamato and have shared our conversation below.
Ana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Opting for a communications degree despite skepticism from my family was a statement of my dedication to film production. I aimed to demonstrate that a career in the industry could offer both fulfillment and stability, even if it diverged from the norm.
Reflecting on past job interviews, I remember simply aiming for financial stability through my work. Now, I can see how my initial hopes have transformed into a fulfilling profession. Each day in the film industry reinforces the importance of resilience and determination, highlighting that success goes beyond monetary gains—it’s about pursuing what you love.
As I navigate my career, I’m thankful for remaining true to my aspirations. Despite facing uncertainties, I’ve experienced triumphs along the way. Today, I’m more than just someone who pays bills with creative work—I’m living proof that following your passion can lead to transformative experiences.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Leaving high school at seventeen and having to decide on a career path is a significant challenge. Unsure of which direction to take, I considered options that would meet my family’s expectations but also options that could resonate with my own interests. My fascination with the “behind the scenes” of film and television had been a constant, even before I started on my formal studies so I chose to follow my dream.
In 2013, during my freshman year, I embarked on an exciting journey. Securing an internship and collaborating on a project with one of my teachers marked the beginning of a fantastic chapter. The following year, I landed my first paid freelance job—an opportunity that filled me with overwhelming joy, especially considering it was for a major event.
By 2015, I found myself leading interviews for the “daily talent calls” featuring both national and international artists at the same event. This freelance job served as a pivotal moment in my journey, sparking a newfound determination to learn English as a valuable tool for enhancing my career prospects. While living abroad had always been a distant aspiration, it wasn’t a concrete plan at the time.
Following my graduation and a stint at a major agency in São Paulo, I made the leap to Dublin, Ireland, in 2019, eager to pursue my passions. However, the onset of the pandemic disrupted my plans to continue working in the field I loved. In 2021, I finally secured a job at a similar level to my role in Brazil, but my appetite for growth drove me to strive for more.
Always eager to learn and improve, I began showcasing my ideas and potential. This effort paid off in May 2023 when I was promoted to Junior Production Executive, affording me the incredible opportunity to attend Cannes with our team. Currently, I’m closely involved in our production services, overseeing prep production and various aspects of studio operations.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m reminded of the challenges and perseverance it took to reach this point. Sometimes we just needy to remind ourselves about the dedication required to turn dreams into reality—and reaffirms that it’s entirely possible.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
After graduating, I scored a gig at a big company in São Paulo, which was a fantastic start. But I had this craving for adventure, so I decided to go against my family’s advice and try my luck in Europe. Fast forward to October 2019, and I found myself in Dublin, eager to land a job in my field. Then, boom! The pandemic hit, and everything went haywire. It was frustrating, feeling like I had no control over my plans.
To keep the bills paid, I snagged a remote job and dove into online courses to stay productive during the chaos. When things settled a bit, I dusted myself off and started reaching out again. After what felt like ages, I finally landed an interview—and nailed it! It just proves that if you stay determined and keep pushing towards your goals, even when life throws you curveballs, you’ll eventually get there.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
To really help creatives thrive, the first step is to understand that it’s not just a hobby—it’s a serious career path. It takes years of dedication, learning, and growth to master the craft. Sure, it comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to making a decent living. But if society recognized creative work as a real job from the get-go, we’d likely see better pay and fewer struggles.
Think about it: we all consume art, culture, and entertainment daily. It’s time we started seeing the people behind it as true professionals. This shift in mindset could keep more talented folks in the creative field, rather than seeing them jump ship for more stable gigs elsewhere. Ultimately, it’s about giving creatives the respect and support they deserve to pursue their passions without constantly worrying about their next paycheck.
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