We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gustavo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gustavo below.

Alright, Gustavo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

When I started in the film production business, I always focused on the execution, the creative process, and the safety of the workplace. This focus was present throughout most of my career. However, I discovered that I love to pivot by nature. I don’t like to do just one thing, but multiple things, and thrive as a professional. I started as a film editor, which aligns with my vision of being a storyteller, but at the end of the day, I’m telling stories using other people’s images. I wish I had known sooner or that I could create the images myself and tell the story I wanted to tell. But one big obstacle was technology, which now allows me to do all these things on my own.

Gustavo, 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’m a filmmaker, company owner, and educator. I have provided services to the ACE (architecture, construction, and engineering) industry and nonprofit organizations. I love telling stories about projects, achievements, and their inspirations. The connection between images, words, and messages excites me.

I have worked in the film industry for many years, including roles in production companies, TV networks, and advertising agencies. I have collaborated with celebrities and taught professionals and children about filmmaking and technology. I’ve edited work for big brands and independent films across various advertising and film industry sectors.

My work with students has allowed me to reconnect with my roots—recalling when I first started in the industry and when I was a child dreaming of becoming a filmmaker. I have developed film set dynamics in the classroom where children can create the movies they envision.

I’m proud of my work and how my stories reach beyond small screens to influence others.

Clients appreciate working with me because I listen carefully and ask thoughtful questions about their brands. They also love what I create and how I translate their ideas organically.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I was 12, I saw Peter Gabriel’s music video Sledgehammer. I told my parents that I wanted to work in the film industry. They weren’t sure; even my extended family didn’t believe in that. Even my 6th-grade teacher made fun of me for wanting that.

Those rejections didn’t stop me from working hard to become a filmmaker. It was a long road, but I made it. Now, as a company owner and award-winning professional, I look back, and all I can say is that I made the right decision.

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

I couldn’t find a job when I moved from New York to Austin. I realized that things in Texas are different from New York. I applied for jobs in the industry, and I couldn’t find anything. My wife encouraged me to volunteer at a non-profit that provides education in the arts to children from K-12. The leaders in the organization saw my volunteer skills and hired me as a film teacher. This experience reshaped my view of the world as a parent, educator, and filmmaker. But allowed to reshape the
The minds of children and their parents see me on the streets and praise my work with their kids, who are now high schoolers and middle schoolers.

I worked for 5 years there, and this experience is one of my favorite career pivot stories

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gusbernal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gus_bernal_film
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GusBernal1973
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavobernal
• Other: https://tumblr.com/blog/editingmodulations

Image Credits

Portraits shots Lucero Valle
https://www.instagram.com/lucero.studio?igsh=MWVpd3UxcnU3OG12Ng==