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

Alright, Anthony thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

The idea of my production company Obscure Cinema came to thought in 2018, my senior year of high school. As I navigated through school assignments and projects, a spark ignited within me to push beyond the realm of short films and dive deeper into the world of visual storytelling. The initial concept was just a flicker, the light coming on as some would say. With time and effort, it turned into a fully-fledged plan.

The next couple of years were filled with music videos and connecting with local artist that stay in the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, and Los Angeles area. Naturally, challenges and obstacles littered the way, as they always do. Despite preparation and planning, it’s impossible to be entirely shielded from unexpected setbacks. The journey began alongside with my friend Garret Althen, as we laid the foundation for Obscure Cinema. Though life took us in different directions eventually, our parting was amicable. Garret embarked on his own pursuits, which I deeply admire, and our paths still cross on occasion for joint projects involving special effects or makeup. Losing a team member was an unforeseen turn, one that could have easily led to a halt or an excuse to step back. I persisted on with the weight of the endeavor and bringing to life my visions.

With each project completed and every artist collaborated with, my horizons expanded, being able to combine my passion for creation with travel. Being able to explore and film gave me some of my most cherished memories. From the streets of San Francisco to the beaches of San Diego, the metropolis of Chicago to the intimate charm of South Bend and Louisville, the locales I visited added depth to my work and brought me new experiences.

During the early days I had to figure out, how to create my ideas with minimal equipment? With just a camera and a lens, Slowly but surely, with each new project, I pieced together my equipment, refined my craft and expanded my toolkit. The money I made was funneled back into getting new equipment, making sure I had everything I can use to bring my ideas into reality. The continuous cycle of creation, investment, and growth became the lifeblood of Obscure Cinema.

The story of Obscure Cinema is one of evolution and determination. From the spark of an idea during my senior year of high school to music videos and collaborations, I traversed a landscape of challenges, partnerships, and lessons. With each project, each location, and each investment in equipment, I sculpted my vision into reality, weaving my narrative into the filmmaking world.

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’m deeply rooted in the world of visual storytelling, primarily focusing on music videos, short films, venue coverage, photography, vlogs, dance freestyles, recaps, and short-form content. These different forms of creative expression have become my canvas, and through them, I’m able to translate ideas, emotions, and narratives into compelling visual experiences.

My passion for filmmaking all started at a young age. I remember creating stories using my action figures and Legos, recording each scene as I breathed life into my toys. This early memory of storytelling and filmmaking laid the foundation for my future interest.

One of the core strengths I bring to the table is my ability to take abstract ideas and transform them into captivating visuals. I thrive on challenges that involve translating vague concepts into impactful content. If you are someone with an idea but lacking the means to bring it to life, I step in to bridge that gap. My expertise lies not just in filming and capturing moments, but in understanding the essence of your vision and translating it into a visual language that resonates with your audience. Every frame is carefully pieced to create emotions and immerse the viewer in the story. This is all done through shot composition and my approach to color grading. Whether it’s a music video, a short film, or any other form of content, my commitment to visual excellence shines through.

Each project is an opportunity to create a unique narrative that engages, entertains, and leaves a lasting impact. I consider myself not just a filmmaker, but a storyteller who collaborates closely with clients to understand them and create content that resonates with their audience. My proudest moments often come when I see a project come to life, aligning with my client’s initial vision and surpassing their expectations.

In essence, what I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about Obscure Cinema is that it’s a brand driven by passion, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of visual excellence. Whether it’s capturing the energy of a dance freestyle, venue coverage, or a music video, I’m dedicated to breathing life into ideas and turning them into stories that leave a lasting impact.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Let’s dive into the story of how I gathered my equipment. In the early days of building Obscure Cinema, I saw the need for a proper camera to bring my creative visions to life. I started a seasonal job at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The income from this laid the foundation for what was to come. When the season concluded, it wasn’t enough to get the camera I had my heart set on. In the face of this setback, I searched for an alternative. The search led me to an ad on OfferUp, and that’s when the first significant piece of my equipment fell into place. My first camera, the Sony a7s, came bundled with a 50mm Rokinon Lens. While this marked the beginning of my filmmaking toolkit, I later made the decision to part ways with the 50mm lens, using the proceeds to invest in a higher-quality lens that would align with my vision. With the camera and an improved lens in my possession, I began to lay the foundation for my future projects. As my roster of projects grew, so did my collection of equipment. The journey was marked by a cycle of creativity, execution, and reinvestment. The projects acted as both a creative outlet and a means to expand my toolkit.

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

For me, the most fulfilling aspect of being a creative lies in the culmination of the entire process. That moment when the finished piece is unveiled, and you witness the satisfaction in the eyes of your client or audience. The joy from seeing your vision come to life and resonating with others is immeasurable. It’s the realization of the countless hours of brainstorming, planning, creating, and refining, all into a seamless, impactful whole. The connection between your creative expression and the emotions or thoughts it evokes in others is what makes the artistic journey remarkable.

The process is often marked by dedication, self-expression, and a constant pursuit of excellence. The sense of accomplishment that accompanies a project’s completion and its positive reception is what fuels the passion to keep exploring new realms of creativity. Witnessing how your work can inspire, entertain, or move others is a powerful reminder of the profound impact art can have on both the creator and the audience. Art is a bridge that brings people together, fostering understanding, sparking emotions, and leaving an indelible impression on the human experience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stretch.aesthetic/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-d-000a90120/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8CCNBFX8TZi7nePKYuBRmg
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Stretchsaesthetics

Image Credits
Drawing done by @yalocaloffgod