We recently connected with Denisse Prieto and have shared our conversation below.

Denisse, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I’ve realized that each project I’ve worked on has been meaningful in one way or another. Even the films that have been very challenging have taught me a lot about who I am as a person or a new skill as a producer. One that I do hold very close to my heart is my latest film called “Sisters”. It’s a film three of my best friends wrote and star in. It’s been the biggest joy to work and produce with friends while continuing to lift and help each other grow. They inspire me every day.

Denisse, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born in Guadalajara Jalisco where I became a radio host at 6 years old and then a TV host when I was 9. After hosting over 4 TV shows, I knew the entertainment industry was the place I belonged to. I moved to Los Angeles in my teens and went to SMC. Being exposed to films and TV shows all the time in the City of Angels, I found a new interest in producing and being behind the camera. After college, I moved to Mexico City where I began my career as a producer and casting director. I had the amazing opportunity to work in over 10 films and was very lucky that many of them were huge box office successes. During covid I produced my latest film “Sisters” which has been one of the most intense and fulfilling experiences of my career. We just premiered in London and watching it for the first time in front of an audience was priceless. The reaction was bigger than we could’ve expected and we’re so proud of our movie. Being a producer is the most problem solving job I’ve experienced since there is always something new that comes up and needs my attention. It’s never boring.
In 2021 I moved to San Franciso where I’m working with different clients including big tech companies, producing video and photo content and also continuing to work on some new film projects at Marea Productions.

In this journey, I’ve learned that it’s crucial to surround yourself with like minded people who know how to work as a team, and that has become my focus.

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

I think moving to a new city always improves our resilience, and I’ve done it 4 times already. Growing up in a conservative city, I never thought I would leave my parent’s house at the age of 17 and never move back, but I did. Moving to a different country with a new language and becoming independent was a huge adjustment and I had to be very resilient. There were many times when I wanted to go back home, but I didn’t, and that made me stronger.
When I moved to Mexico City, it took me some time to adjust and feel at home and again. I had to be flexible and redefined the meaning what it meant to be home to create that feeling again. Getting out of our comfort zone is always a good idea for growth and resilience. Even though sometimes it doesn’t feel that way in the moment, it always pays off.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest learnings in my career has been to give myself permission to pivot in life. Growing up on TV, people always told me how lucky I was to know from a very young age what I wanted to do. That idea put a lot of pressure on me. When I decided I wanted to be behind the camera and produce, I felt like I was letting people down and felt the need to work extra hard to have it all figured out. Then I started doing casting for our films and that’s when I realized that I didn’t have to choose and I could do many things. I have been lucky enough that I have been able to produce films, theater, commercials, video and photo, music videos, etc… in Mexico and the US.

I’m glad I didn’t listen to people who told me I needed to choose one thing or one place because instead of limiting me, those experiences have made me grow professionally and helped me expand my work and my expertise in both countries.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: denisseps
• Other: www.mareaproductions.com

Image Credits
Niña Papalote