We recently connected with Andres Paredes Arroyo Martinez and have shared our conversation below.
Andres, appreciate you joining us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
Film production is an intricate dance of planning and problem-solving, ideally preventing issues before they arise. It’s about orchestrating budgets, assembling teams, and ensuring everything aligns seamlessly before the cameras start rolling. The role of a producer is to transform a creative concept, often worth millions of dollars, into an enjoyable viewing experience.
While I’ve encountered my fair share of unforeseen challenges, so I’ll share my first experience driving a boom lift. I was working as a production manager on a project that involved filming in various locations, one of which was a bustling area near Skid Row in Los Angeles.
For those who have ventured into Skid Row, it’s a sobering experience. The streets are filled with people living in dire conditions, makeshift campfires dotting the landscape, and debris strewn everywhere—a scene that feels almost apocalyptic. Around this area lies a vibrant flower market, an industry hub where equipment theft is a common occurrence, ranging from small generators to entire scissor lifts.
On this particular day, things had been going relatively smoothly. Another UPM was supervising the shoot, and I had headed home early for some much-needed rest. I had just settled in for the night, enjoying dinner and a shower when, out of nowhere, my phone rang around 1:30 am. It was the other UPM, and she sounded frazzled.
As the crew was wrapping up, it became apparent that the vendor we had rented a boom lift from had forgotten to retrieve the equipment and was inexplicably unresponsive to our calls. Left in a precarious situation, our UPM was stranded with a telescopic crane she had no idea how to operate, an increasingly irate location supervisor charging the location by the hour, and the looming threat of not being allowed to leave the lift on-site.
In a moment’s notice, I grabbed my car keys and phone and embarked on a late-night adventure. Simultaneously, I reached out to a security service, thankfully still awake at that hour. The flower market at night was an eerie and surreal landscape. All the shops had closed, leaving behind an unsettling silence. Only a few cars ventured into the area, and some makeshift tents had spilled onto the streets.
Upon arriving, I turned to YouTube for guidance on operating the crane. Surprisingly, it was more intuitive than I had anticipated, and after familiarizing myself with the controls, I managed to maneuver the crane out of the location and parked it on the side of the road. My primary concern was to find security and get some much-needed rest for the next day’s shoot.
Time seemed to crawl as I waited for security to arrive, staring at a small trash can fire flickering on the roadside. It was during this surreal moment that I couldn’t help but reflect on the idiosyncrasies of the film industry—a world where the unexpected is the norm, and every day brings a new adventure. It was a reminder of the adaptability and resourcefulness required to thrive in this unique and ever-unpredictable field.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Well, first of all, hi! I’m Andres Paredes Arroyo, an audiovisual producer hailing from Mexico with a unique blend of Mexican and Spanish influences but for all intents and proposes I’m a proud Mexican with dual citizenship and mixed heritage. My journey into the world of film production began in the heart of Los Angeles, where I honed my skills and passion at a College called ArtCenter College of Design. Over the years, I’ve navigated the exhilarating and often unpredictable landscape of the entertainment industry, specializing in a range of projects, including reality TV shows, commercials, branded content, and music videos.
In this industry, unforeseen challenges are not just common; they are an integral part of the process. Through my roles as a producer, line producer, and production manager, I’ve become well-acquainted with the art of overcoming these unexpected hurdles. I’m excited to share my experiences and insights on how resilience, adaptability, and creative problem-solving are essential attributes in this ever-evolving field
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Throughout my journey in the world of audiovisual production, I’ve learned that unforeseen challenges are not just the exception but rather the rule. When I graduated, I had aspirations to quickly climb the ladder, bypassing the traditional route of starting as a production assistant. While I had some modest credits as a producer in smaller projects and music videos before graduating, I lacked major experience.
My first job after graduation was as a production coordinator. Determined to succeed, I adopted a ‘first in, last out’ mentality, taking on increasingly complex responsibilities and ensuring successful project deliveries. In my pursuit of excellence, I dedicated my evenings to studying California labor laws, industry standards, and production management through books like ‘The Complete Film Production Handbook’ by Eve Light Honthaner. My workdays often stretched between 12 to 15 hours, but my dedication paid off.
After two and a half months, my hard work resulted in a recommendation for a Production Manager position on a large reality show with an international brand. This opportunity marked a significant challenge. Half of the crew was flying in internationally during the height of the pandemic. Despite our rigorous safety precautions, we had to replace international personnel daily with individuals testing negative via lab-based PCR tests. We managed a crew of approximately 160, not including catering, security, and stunts, with roughly 70 crew members arriving from Germany.
As the pandemic escalated, our challenges intensified. Every day brought new locations, complex equipment, cranes, and massive truss structures built and dismantled within a single day. Managing the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 was an added layer of complexity. No amount of preparation could fully ready us for these challenges. However, I maintained my composure, and this attitude resonated throughout the team. We kept morale high and successfully completed the show.
In the face of adversity, I always reminded my team that, at the end of the day, it was just a show. We were doing our best, and even if everything unraveled, life would continue. This perspective on stress and productivity proved invaluable. It made our team more confident and productive.
For me, resilience means finding oneself in the eye of a powerful storm, maintaining a sense of calm, and making objective decisions. It’s about understanding that life goes on, and by focusing on doing your best without succumbing to excessive stress, you can unleash your true potential.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Absolutely! My approach to management and entrepreneurial thinking has been profoundly shaped by external influences. To delve into these resources, I’ll begin with books that have played a pivotal role in my career:
‘The Complete Film Production Handbook’ by Eve Light Honthaner: This comprehensive guide has been a cornerstone for my film production management knowledge, I carry it with me even today.
‘Producer to Producer’ by Maureen A. Ryan: For a broader understanding of indie filmmaking and honing problem-solving skills, Ryan’s book has been an indispensable companion.
‘Making Movies’ by Sydney Lumet: This masterpiece has not only inspired me but provided seasoned perspectives on the intricate art of filmmaking, helping me approach projects with renewed creativity.
‘The Producers Business Handbook’ by Anne Marie Gillen: As an all-encompassing resource, Gillen’s handbook has been a constant support, offering guidance on the business aspects of production.
‘The Untethered Soul’ by Michael A. Singer: Recognizing the paramount importance of emotional stability and inner peace, this book has been instrumental in fostering my well-being.
Beyond books, I’ve found invaluable resources in digital payroll service companies such as Wrapbook and Media Services. They continually provide insightful blogs and seminars, enhancing my industry knowledge from a logistical standpoint. Frame IO and Studio Binder are equally essential, offering a wealth of information spanning preproduction to postproduction.
Films themselves have proven to be profound teachers. While many advocate for consuming as many films as possible, I subscribe to a different philosophy. I believe in choosing films that genuinely inspire me, emphasizing the importance of experiencing life beyond the screen. After all, the most captivating film is the one unfolding around us in the present moment. Life itself is an extraordinary resource. Whether from friends, family, adversaries, partners, or the very environment we inhabit, there’s perpetual wisdom to glean. Every step we take changes the shape of the universe. That is an empowering thought.
In essence, the most compelling resource of all is life itself. By striving to do our best and uplift those around us, we tap into the incredible power of the present moment and the profound impact it can have on all of our endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andresparedesarroyo_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andres.arroyo.927/?locale=es_LA
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andres-paredes-arroyo-martinez-6460101a2/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8362487/
Image Credits
Bruno Davila, Noah Deats, Matt Plaxco, Hannah Bon, David Herrera, Cameron Poletti, Jaxon Schriever