We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gabriela Ono a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Gabriela, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Growing up, I had other aspirations, like any kid does when surrounded by the traditional career paths that are presented. However, as I experienced various activities in school, I realized that everything I was most interested in was always related to some form of artistic expression. It started with singing, then drawing, but eventually, I found myself drawn to storytelling, specifically in filmmaking. I never really questioned my decision. Of course, there were rough days, as the film industry is not for everyone. But I had my low moments and moved on because I knew this was something I wanted to pursue. So much so, I left my home country, Brazil, to pursue a career in Hollywood. It took me a few years to stabilize myself, and now I find myself in a better place. However, there is still much I need to accomplish, and I have big plans for the next year.

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?

My name is Gabriela Ono. I am a film producer, writer, and director. I am originally from Brazil, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in audiovisual. Immediately after graduation I started my Master’s in film and television in Hollywood. ​
In the following years I produced documentaries for Elysium Media, which is a budding production company in Beverly Hills. Their focus lies in supernatural content such as ghosts and UFOs. Among the titles slated for release in 2023 are “Contact: The CE-5 Experience,” “Beyond the Grave,” and “We Are Not Alone.”
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My skills as a producer encompass not only the logistic aspects of a production, but also story development and the creation of pitching materials. I have experience creating pitch decks, business plans and bibles. I possess a wealth of experience in crafting pitch decks, business plans, and bibles. Another valuable tool I employ is the creation of ripomatics—a tone trailer synthesized from existing films or shows. This has proven invaluable in the art of pitching a project.
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During COVID, I developed my storytelling skills by concentrating on screenwriting. As a producer who collaborates with creatives from inception to delivery, it’s vital to comprehend intricacies of a captivating narrative. My familiarity with the screenwriter’s mindset and process enables me to fine-tune my feedback approach and establish a connection with the writer as an equal.
Recently, my debut feature-length documentary, which was released in 2022, received an Emmy nomination for “Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special.”

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

The whole process is extremely rewarding. Of course, there are a few challenges along the way, but when it’s all said and done, all you can remember is how amazing the experience was, and you’re ready to do it again. Also, seeing how people react to the result is an amazing feeling. Sometimes there is negative feedback, and it’s something you need to learn how to deal with because taste in film is still subjective, meaning not everyone will enjoy what you have created. And finally, receiving acknowledgment in major awards is a confirmation of everything you have done so far.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My biggest goal is to take everything I learn in Hollywood back to my home country. Our industry is not as well developed, and the quality of what we create still needs significant support. This begins with improving creative education and understanding filmmaking as a business, not just an art. By developing my skills and knowledge in Los Angeles, I can better lead the industry in Brazil and, hopefully, one day take my country to major awards ceremonies, finally showcasing our stories to the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gabrielaono.wixsite.com/site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriela.ono/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-ono-72838011a/

Image Credits
Awareness Film Festival