We recently connected with Cristina Perez Basora and have shared our conversation below.

Cristina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I became a full-time videographer in 2018 after a moment of deep reflection and prayer. I remember being in my room, dreading the thought of going to work. I spent eight years after graduating from film school, working as a bartender and waitress. Despite my long-standing desire to create films and eventually start my own video production business, I found myself stuck in a loop of false security, clinging to a job that simply paid the bills.

One day, in prayer, I asked God to show me how to break free. I distinctly heard the voice of the Holy Spirit say, “Pay off your debt and then quit your job.” This instruction was not mere words but a profound understanding that I would be guided along the way to ensure my success. From that moment on, I dedicated every dollar I earned to paying down my debts. It took me about eight months, but eventually, I became debt-free with minimal monthly expenses. I had no excuse left.

I decided to take a leap of faith, thinking to myself, “What’s the worst that could happen? I can always return to waitressing!” I had spent those eight months preparing mentally for this change, understanding that I would have to sacrifice some comforts to become and remain an independent videographer. With just enough savings to last around three months, I used the first month to meditate and brainstorm innovative ways to establish a clientele.

Instead of running ads or heavily promoting my business, I researched local businesses in my area and brought my services to them. I noticed many of them lacked video material on their websites and social media, which sparked the idea to visit them personally. I introduced myself to the managers or owners and discussed how video could enhance their sales and help meet their business goals. While many expressed intrigue, a lack of experience with video often made them hesitant to pay for services. To overcome this, I created promotional videos for them at no cost, providing a “taste” of what I could offer.

This approach not only allowed me to gain experience but also helped me build my portfolio. We agreed that they could use the videos as long as they tagged my social media page, and I could use the material to promote my services to other businesses. By the end of the following month, I had booked enough video projects to earn three times what I used to make in a month at my old job. I had constructed a strategy!

When I felt compelled to take this leap of faith, I experienced a mix of excitement and deep determination. I understood that if this was truly what I wanted, I needed to make it work without looking back—it felt like burning the ships. Although I didn’t know exactly how the journey would unfold, I had faith in the voice I heard.

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.

I fell in love with film and video production when I was 13. As a vivid dreamer and visionary, my dreams and visions were filled with symbolism and life lessons, allowing me to see the world through a lens that could only be recreated through film. This gift drew me to video production from an early age, and I have always felt that making films is part of my purpose on earth.

Before pursuing video production, I was a Flamenco and Hip Hop dancer. I was part of my school’s dance team and later joined a professional dance team outside of school. This experience opened up opportunities for me to be featured as a dancer on the show “Soul Train” at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, CA as well as on various dance shows and in music videos. While I enjoyed dancing, I was more interested in being around the production team. During breaks, I would chat with the cameramen, producers, and on-site editors, asking them questions about their work. One of them mentioned attending film school, which inspired me to apply to and be accepted into San Diego State University’s Film Department, where I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Television and Film Production in 2010.

I aimed to pursue the mainstream industry as a dancer only to break into film. However, my desires changed significantly after film school. I deepened my relationship with the Lord and shifted my focus away from the mainstream industry toward spreading the message of love and victory in Jesus Christ. This led me to network with Christian artists, resulting in opportunities to produce and direct music videos for them.

Currently, I work as a Video Production Director, promoting small businesses, independent artists, and Church ministries. I create content for their websites and social media, helping them to be seen and heard by the world. I also film weddings and enjoy capturing the couple’s love story through video. Recently, I added a 360 photo booth to my services, which is a lot of spinning fun. What sets me apart is my practice of meditating on each video project, waiting to receive a vision for it. My business, Open Vision Video Productions, is inspired by this approach. The visions I receive are not my own but are given to me by the Lord. Once I can clearly visualize the final cut in my mind, I collaborate with the artist or business to merge our visions and create a masterpiece that we are both happy with while giving God all the glory.

I take pride in serving a diverse clientele with various budgets. I want to see people thrive and reach heights they never imagined. If I can assist them in achieving their goals through video production, I feel honored to be part of their journey.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

There is “The Calling” and there is “The Business” side of Open Vision Video Productions. The Calling represents the mission that drives my creative journey. I am meant to utilize my tools and visions for the glory of God by sharing His messages with the world through film and video. My mission is not just to preach the word but to visually convey His messages to His people.

On the other hand, The Business arises from the overflow of my calling. The business side of Open Vision Video Productions is designed to benefit everyone. This is where clients can leverage my services to achieve their goals. God has blessed me with the gift and talent to run this business, which provides for my sustenance.

The foundation of my business is built on integrity, respect, and honor. My direction and inspiration come from the Lord. I strive to hold my work to these standards while keeping God at the center at all times.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I believe that true resilience is built daily as I walk by faith and not by sight. I may not know what tomorrow holds for my life or my business, but the fact that I have been self-employed for seven years without looking back is proof of God’s provision. Even when my physical eyes can’t see or understand it, I place my belief and trust in God. The hardest step in my journey was pushing past my comfort zone to start my business. It took great faith to believe that things would work out for my good after quitting my job. However, once I took that leap, I unlocked a level of resilience within myself, and I now believe God for even greater things. I remain positioned with my heart directed toward Him, staying vigilant about what He is calling me to do next. While we may make our plans, it is ultimately God who orders our steps!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openvisionvideoproductions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openvisionvideoproductions/

Image Credits

Flashback Photography, Gabriella Garcia, Chris Mayfield