We were lucky to catch up with Melanie Tirado recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melanie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started sooner?
Do I wish my creative career started sooner or later? Neither. These past years, I have learned that timing is a factor in building a career. I think the timing of the events that have placed me here in this moment, is where I am meant to be.
I will admit, sometimes I do think about what led to these fun moments as a producer and wonder if I had not taken certain opportunities, where would I find myself now? But then I close those intrusive thoughts, and remind myself of who I am. I remember to be gentle with my mind and soul. The universe has given me this opportunity – I must embrace it.
I appreciate my producing partner Walt Perez for always being present and for taking the time to share his experiences in the entertainment industry. While working with him and Soren Odom, I have the opportunity to be part of a team. To collaborate not only as a producer – but as a Unit Production Manager, and most recently a Script Supervisor. I want to be “hands-on” and get my strides in all things production! The timing couldn’t be better.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I grew up in Burbank, California. Since I was little, I was exposed to art; Music being the first form of it. My dad is a musician who plays in a band. The genre he excels in is Regional Mexican music. My dad’s musical skills encompass the musical genres from the different parts of rural Mexico and the Southwestern United States. I remember He and fellow musicians would perform different styles of songs such as rancheras, corridos, cumbias, boleros, ballads, and others. My mom has worked for office administration and Human Resources. She is a devoted fan of music, fine arts and film. She herself was part of a choir group for eighteen years. I do remember hearing her sing as a child. Growing up, I was a very animated and an active child. My mom wanted me to channel my energy properly. Therefore, my mom signed me up to be part of many after school programs; here I was exposed to art & crafts, dance and theater. Though, I will say sometimes I just felt like being outside playing. Then I remember holding a paintbrush for the first time and painting on paper. There was tranquility. I felt focused. I felt the same experience with dance and theater. The structure and physicality of it really challenge me while growing up.
Of course, I gave the same attention to movies. I watched everything from animation, to romantic comedies, to action movies. That was basically my first enchantment with film. I would quietly imagine what it would be like to be in the movies. I would memorize scenes and act them out. Or use the dialogue I would listen to and apply it to my daily vocabulary. It helped with creating sentences and allowing me to express myself. As I got a bit older, I joined sports. I played for a local club soccer team for Nine years. In High School, I formed part of the Varsity Girls Soccer Team all four years, and became Captain in my Senior Year. Sports taught me the value of teamwork.
Once I graduated High School, I attended college and also began to work. There were lot’s I wanted to do while in college, but somehow I would mentally create an obstacle for it. So I focused my energy on applying to different jobs. At the age of 19, I got a job at Warner Bros. Studios, in their tour department. Just being around people that had different interests in film, awoke my dormant interest in film. At Warner Bros. I was again surrounded by art and a wonderful history. A history that I’m learning day by day. Here is where I met Walt and Soren. Joining Verloren Productions as a producer has been a major step. This has been my ‘film school’. It’s been a great time. Being part of a team once again has centered my goals. I’m a producer, and excited for the work and the journey.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
When I was about two years old, my mom would play our VHS copies of the classic Disney Cinderella film and Lilo & Stitch. I would get super excited as I watched. My mom would sit next to me and would explain what was going on. The first time I saw a movie in the theater was with my family. I remember when the lights came down and the screen came to life; the sights, sounds of this magical experience. I was at ‘aw’. What I felt… that feeling. The same joy I felt while watching movies at home… watching larger than life personalities adorned the screen, to the moments of heartbreak and joy, that multitude of feelings is what I want to share with audiences.
At first, I didn’t feel the confidence of calling myself a creative, let alone an artist – I think I felt this way because I did not attend film school or had training on the subject of film. Yet, these past years with the support of my colleagues, I have been able to showcase my capabilities as a creative. When we began pre-production on our film, “The Stationary Bike”, Walt and I began to discuss budget, locations, permits, costumes, props, etc. I remember I made several lists of items. I felt so productive, while arranging things. Casting was fun, since we and the director, A.M. Walters held auditions in the Hollywood area. Watching actors bring in their best takes on the characters was an eye opening experience for me. At the time, I had only heard stories about casting and seen the process in a movie or show. Nothing compared to actually being there for one. Walt noticed my ability to note things and my “cheer will” to get things done. So I was offered the job of Unit production manager. That was a whole different challenge, but one that I wanted to prove myself in. Working on schedules was overwhelming at first. Walt and I worked on them together, then he showed samples of previous ones he had worked on. I never forgot my reaction when I finished a call sheet all on my own, I literally said, “yesss”.
While on set, I monitored and noted what every single crew member was doing. A.M. and I were basically “green”, while filming. We took on various responsibilities; we found a balance, while moving forward with each production date. The best part of production was when Walt asked me to be his producing partner. Since we worked on this together from day one, he felt the confidence to welcome me to Verloren Productions. After four months of production, we wrapped. I felt we accomplished something special. “The Stationary Bike” had its premiere at Raleigh Studios on Oct 28th, 2022; the film went on to be nominated and receive recognition in various film festivals. Mr. Stephen King also received a copy of the film.
While learning about the plans and film slate Verloren Productions had, there was a title they had delayed due to additional shoots and post production constraints. The film was titled “Norjack”. I knew little about it, but trusted my colleagues and jumped at the opportunity to help complete it. The film screened at the 76th Cannes Film Festival and then at the TCL Chinese Theater. As a producer at Verloren, I’ve been able to plan and coordinate various aspects of film production. One of the toughest aspects is arranging finance. This is a business driven industry and as creatives we wear different hats with one goal in mind – making a film or show that will move audiences. The reward is being able to see a project come to life. From the writing process, to casting and coordinating production dates. To me it’s all a reward. I’m slowly allowing myself to see the wonder of each step. The reward we could say is how fortunate I am to be here at this moment in time.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I do see more opportunities being created for artists of all walks of life. I think the more open we are to different creative voices in the helm of a production; by allowing them to achieve their objectives, the more progress we will see in society.
An example of that support is what the editorial department of Canvas Rebel does in reaching out to creatives to listen and share their stories. I thank Michael Rivera for allowing me to share my story in their “inspiring entrepreneurs and creatives” column.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/VerlorenProductions
- Instagram: meltirado10
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com – Melanie Tirado
Image Credits
Oliver Endahl, Verloren Productions