We were lucky to catch up with Andrea Ocampo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andrea, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

Ah, the classic “what would you do differently” question—a real head-scratcher, because honestly, I believe I am exactly where I’m meant to be. Like a perfectly timed plot twist, every detour, every unexpected subplot led me here.

Growing up, I had two burning passions: become a film director and work for an international humanitarian organization. Today, that’s not just my LinkedIn headline—it’s my life. Could I have fast-tracked my journey? Maybe. But would the story have the same depth? Doubtful.

Picture this: no film or acting schools in my hometown. So, I did what any resourceful, slightly obsessive kid would do—I dusted off my dad’s camcorder, transcribed movie dialogues like it was sacred text, and recruited my friends for dramatic reenactments (bless their patience). Eventually, I started directing them in my own scripts, fueled by equal parts ambition and questionable special effects.

In high school, I finally found a film course—think of it as my cinematic oasis. But when college came knocking, so did the practical voice of my immigrant upbringing: “Film isn’t a career, it’s a hobby.” So, I majored in political science and French, which, to be fair, led me straight to my first professional gig at an international humanitarian organization. Dream number one: check.

But that storytelling itch never left. Eventually, once adulting felt less like a survival sport, I went back to school—this time for film. Since then, I’ve shot numerous shorts for NYC indie directors. Most recently I wrote and directed my own short, **Blackout**, and am directing **Attracting**, a rom-com web series coming soon to your favorite social media platform.

Now, I’ve woven my two passions together: film and humanitarian work. It’s like the perfect genre mash-up—documentary meets indie drama with a dash of global impact.

Do I wonder where I’d be if I’d gone to film school from the start? Sure. But life isn’t about speedrunning to the finish line. It’s about the journey, the plot twists, the character development. And frankly, I wouldn’t rewrite a thing.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve shared how I got into this industry earlier, but along the way, I created **Peace Love and Film**, which embodies how I view life and the vibe I aim to cultivate on every set—rooted in collaboration, authenticity, and purpose.

As a **producer**, I’m a natural connector. I thrive on assembling dynamic, talented teams to bring any film vision to life, whether you’re an experienced filmmaker or someone with an idea that’s been gnawing at you, unsure of where to start. That’s where **Peace Love and Film** comes in. We’re not just a production company; we’re a creative hub where stories take shape, voices are amplified, and visions become reality.

If you’ve got a film or series idea but feel overwhelmed by the “how,” we’ll guide you through every step—harnessing your unique voice, refining your concept, and building the right team to execute it beautifully.

What sets me apart is my background at the intersection of **film, politics, and social impact**. I’m passionate about storytelling that moves people—not just emotionally, but toward action. My work is about creating narratives that matter.

What I’m most proud of is staying true to my artistic voice while helping others find theirs. At the core of everything I do is the belief that stories can change the world—and I’d love to help you tell yours.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I mentioned the vibe I aim to cultivate on every set—rooted in collaboration, authenticity, and purpose. I truly believe this has been the key to not just learning and growing, but also to meeting some incredible filmmakers along the way. Word of mouth and genuine connections have been my best sources of new clients.

It all started with Kerry Borchart, who gave me my directorial debut with Starlit. That experience opened doors, leading me to meet Seth Jacobson, with whom I’ve collaborated on several projects. Most recently, we worked on his short film Back Story, a 20-minute homage to noir cinema. It’s about two actors preparing for a live performance in downtown New York, grappling with the uncertainties of each other’s skills, unclear loyalties, and possible hidden identities—all while a serial killer targeting Off-Off Broadway actors lurks in the shadows.

Through Seth, I met another amazing filmmaker, Melissa Skirball, and we’ve worked on multiple short films together, including her latest, Blood Is Thicker. It’s a poignant story about two sisters living in the same city but in completely different worlds, who reconnect over a meal as their mother’s struggle with dementia pulls them back home.

And these are just a few names. I’d need an entire book to capture all the incredible artists I’ve had the privilege of meeting and collaborating with. At the heart of it all, it’s the relationships, the shared passion for storytelling, and the creative energy we bring to each project that keep new opportunities flowing.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Being an indie filmmaker can sometimes carry a bit of a bad rep, especially with loved ones. Making a film is an intense process—it takes a lot of effort, from the lonely hours spent fleshing out a story idea, to the detailed planning and coordination required to shoot, all the way to the final stages of post-production. It’s not just a job; it’s an all-consuming commitment that demands time, focus, and emotional energy.

This time commitment often means we have to say “no” to social events or family gatherings—not because we don’t care, but because we’re deep in the creative process. What I’d love for non-filmmakers to understand is that our need to create is deeply rooted. It’s not just something we do; it’s a part of who we are. In order to be the best version of ourselves, we need to honor that creative drive. Paradoxically, it’s through creating that we’re able to show up more fully present in our relationships.

A little encouragement and patience goes a long way. If you have a creative person in your life, don’t be afraid to express what you need from them. Opening up that conversation can help build a relationship that’s mutually supportive and fulfilling. At the end of the day, it’s all about understanding and meeting each other where we are.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.peaceloveandfilm.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaceloveandfilm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeaceLoveandFilm
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ocampo-peaceloveandfilm/
• Twitter: https://x.com/AndreaOcampoAO1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeaceLoveAndFilmProductions
• Other: Blackout Short Film Teaser 50sec
  https://youtu.be/InR57Wmiom8?si=2i04ddK-ac3RpbLj

Image Credits

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