We recently connected with Ricco Soares and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ricco, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The Moment I Knew: From the Streets of Rio to the Creative World of Film

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was a moment I’ll never forget. I was about 14 years old, living in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Life was tough, to say the least. My mother was raising me and my three sisters on her own, working long hours as a house cleaner just to make ends meet. My father wasn’t around, and the struggles of daily life often felt overwhelming. We didn’t even have a television in our home, which, for a kid who dreamed of escaping into the world of stories, was devastating.

But that didn’t stop me. I would go to my friend’s house just to watch movies. I remember sitting there, completely mesmerized by the stories, the visuals, the music, and how it all came together to create something magical. I didn’t know the technical terms back then—cinematography, directing, editing—but I knew one thing: I wanted to be a part of that world. I wanted to create something that moved people the way these films moved me.

One day in particular solidified my decision. It was a Sunday afternoon, and we were watching one of those classic adventure movies. The whole neighborhood was noisy and chaotic, but in that moment, sitting in front of the screen, everything faded away. For the first time, I realized that movies weren’t just an escape for me; they were a way of telling stories, of capturing emotions and experiences that resonated with people from all walks of life. And right then, it hit me: this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Of course, at the time, pursuing a creative career seemed like an impossible dream. My reality was filled with financial struggles, violence, and a society that didn’t believe kids from my neighborhood had a future outside of survival. But that moment stuck with me, and over the years, it became the fuel that kept me going, despite the odds stacked against me.

Even when I was working long hours in a local market to help my family, that dream stayed alive. Eventually, I found my way into a computer course in a distant city, which opened the door to more creative possibilities. That was the first step in what would later become my journey into filmmaking.

Looking back, I realize that the moment I first sat down to watch those films wasn’t just about discovering a passion for cinema. It was about recognizing the power of storytelling—the power to transport people, to inspire them, and to give them hope, even in the darkest of times. That’s the moment I knew I was going to dedicate my life to this craft. And I’ve never looked back since.

Ricco, 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?

Absolutely! My name is Ricco Soares, and I’m a Brazilian film director and photographer currently based in Los Angeles. My journey into the world of filmmaking and visual storytelling wasn’t exactly a straightforward one, but it’s a story that defines who I am and what I strive to achieve in my craft today.

I grew up in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, where life was anything but easy. We faced significant financial struggles, and opportunities were few and far between. Despite the challenges, I always had a burning desire to tell stories, to create something larger than life, even though I didn’t quite know how to do that back then. Watching movies with friends was a major escape for me, and it wasn’t long before I realized that my passion wasn’t just for watching these stories unfold, but for creating them. It was then that I knew I wanted to become a filmmaker.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve had the incredible opportunity to build a career doing what I love. I founded RSoares Films, a production company that specializes in creating compelling visual content, including music videos, fashion films, commercials, and cinematic storytelling for a wide range of clients. What sets me apart, I believe, is the way I combine my personal experiences, creativity, and technical expertise to craft emotionally resonant visuals that tell stories on a deeper level. I strive to bring authenticity to every project, whether it’s a brand commercial or an intimate music video. Every project is a collaboration, and I work closely with my clients to ensure that their vision is brought to life in a way that not only meets their expectations but exceeds them.

One of the key problems I help solve for my clients is the challenge of translating their message or brand into something visual and memorable. With the rise of social media and digital platforms, standing out is more important than ever. I help artists, brands, and businesses differentiate themselves by creating content that is not only visually stunning but also aligns with their values, goals, and audience. From crafting a unique concept to executing it with precision, I make sure that every detail is considered.

What I’m most proud of is the journey that got me here and how that experience shapes the way I approach my work. Coming from a place where opportunities were scarce, I’ve learned to value every project and the importance of storytelling. I take pride in creating content that leaves an impact, that moves people, and that creates a connection. Whether I’m working with independent artists or global brands, my mission is always the same: to tell a story in the most authentic and creative way possible.

For those who follow me or are considering working with me, I want you to know that I approach every project with passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. RSoares Films isn’t just a production company—it’s a platform where creativity and storytelling meet to create something truly unique. My goal is to help you elevate your brand, your music, or your vision through captivating visual content. I believe that with the right story and the right execution, we can create something that resonates deeply with audiences and stands the test of time.

In summary, what sets me apart is my journey, my dedication to authenticity, and my ability to bring my clients’ visions to life in a way that feels personal and impactful. I’m here to create, collaborate, and help bring your story to the world. Let’s make something unforgettable together.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely, there is a core mission that drives everything I do in my creative journey, and that mission is storytelling—but not just any storytelling. It’s about giving a voice to those stories that often go unheard or unseen. Coming from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful stories can be. They have the ability to change perspectives, evoke emotions, and connect people from vastly different worlds. My goal has always been to use my craft—whether it’s through film, photography, or any other medium—to tell stories that matter, stories that make people feel something, and stories that leave a lasting impact.

One of my greatest passions is working with artists, musicians, and even brands to help them translate their vision into something visual and tangible. I believe that behind every song, every product, and every brand, there’s a story waiting to be told. My job is to bring that story to life in a way that resonates deeply with people. It’s not just about making something that looks good, but creating content that carries meaning, that moves people, and that stays with them long after the video ends or the photo is taken.

Another key element of my mission is to challenge norms and inspire innovation. I don’t believe in following trends for the sake of it. Instead, I strive to push boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and explore creative concepts that haven’t been seen before. Whether I’m directing a music video, shooting a campaign, or working on a personal project, my aim is to always ask, “How can I make this unique? How can I elevate this story?” It’s this constant pursuit of originality and innovation that keeps me going.

Ultimately, my mission is to create a lasting legacy through my work—one that not only reflects who I am and where I come from but also elevates others and their stories. I want to be remembered as someone who wasn’t afraid to take risks, who used his art to bridge gaps, and who inspired others to see the world differently through the lens of a camera.

So, in everything I do, whether it’s for a major brand or a small, independent artist, that mission—to tell meaningful stories, challenge the ordinary, and inspire through creativity—is at the heart of my work. That’s what drives me every day, and it’s what I hope resonates with everyone who sees my work.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and a creative is the ability to touch hearts and spark imaginations. There’s a certain magic in taking a story, an emotion, or even a fleeting moment and turning it into something tangible that resonates with people in a way words alone often cannot. It’s like you’re giving a part of yourself to the world, hoping that someone out there will feel it too. When someone watches my work and tells me, “That moved me” or “I felt that deeply,” it’s not just about the recognition—it’s about the shared human experience, the connection. That’s when I knew I was doing what I was meant to do.

What I also love about this journey is the collaboration, the blending of talents and visions with others who are just as passionate about creating. It’s like an alchemy of ideas, where everyone brings their unique perspective and together we create something greater than the sum of its parts. Whether it’s a musician, a brand, or a fellow filmmaker, the synergy of working together to bring a vision to life fills me with an incredible sense of purpose. There’s so much beauty in creating alongside others, and seeing how each person’s input transforms the project into something unique and unexpected.

And then, there’s the thrill of pushing creative boundaries—of dreaming beyond the ordinary and daring to turn those dreams into reality. The artist’s life is one of constant exploration, of seeing the world not as it is but as it could be. Every project is a new adventure, a chance to try something that’s never been done before, to break the mold and make something that’s truly original. That sense of curiosity, of wonder, is what fuels my passion—it’s the never-ending drive to create beauty in unexpected places.

Ultimately, the most rewarding part is knowing that my art has the power to make people feel something—to inspire them, comfort them, or even challenge them. It’s in those moments of connection, of shared emotion, that I find the deepest fulfillment. To create something that resonates with others, to bring a little more love, more creativity, more humanity into the world—that’s the true gift of being an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and a creative is the ability to touch hearts and spark imaginations. There’s a certain magic in taking a story, an emotion, or even a fleeting moment and turning it into something tangible that resonates with people in a way words alone often cannot. It’s like you’re giving a part of yourself to the world, hoping that someone out there will feel it too. When someone watches my work and tells me, “That moved me” or “I felt that deeply,” it’s not just about the recognition—it’s about the shared human experience, the connection. That’s when I know I’m doing what I was meant to do. What I also love about this journey is the collaboration, the blending of talents and visions with others who are just as passionate about creating. It’s like an alchemy of ideas, where everyone brings their unique perspective and together we create something greater than the sum of its parts. Whether it’s a musician, a brand, or a fellow filmmaker, the synergy of working together to bring a vision to life fills me with an incredible sense of purpose. There’s so much beauty in creating alongside others, seeing how each person’s input transforms the project into something unique and unexpected. And then, there’s the thrill of pushing creative boundaries—of dreaming beyond the ordinary and daring to turn those dreams into reality. The artist’s life is one of constant exploration, of seeing the world not as it is but as it could be. Every project is a new adventure, a chance to try something that’s never been done before, to break the mold and make something that’s truly original. That sense of curiosity, of wonder, is what fuels my passion—it’s the never-ending drive to create beauty in unexpected places. Ultimately, the most rewarding part is knowing that my art has the power to make people feel something—to inspire them, comfort them, or even challenge them. It’s in those moments of connection, of shared emotion, that I find the deepest fulfillment. To create something that resonates with others, to bring a little more love, more creativity, more humanity into the world—that’s the true gift of being an artist.
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rsoaresfilms/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rsoaresfilms

Image Credits

Ricco Soares / RSoares Films