Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Santiago Bukovsky. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Santiago, thanks for joining us today. Innovation comes in all shapes, sizes and across all industries, so we’d love to hear about something you’ve done that you feel was particularly innovative.

In my career as an independent screenwriter and film director, innovation has been a constant necessity, given my unconventional path into filmmaking. I didn’t realize I wanted to pursue filmmaking until I had already completed an undergraduate degree in chemistry so I had to learn the craft another way. I dove headfirst into YouTube tutorials, books, and film podcasts, as well as watching plenty of movies.

This past fall, I directed my first feature film, something I was dying to accomplish before my 30th birthday in November 2023. My projects are all self-financed and I had already invested most of my savings into my previous project, a dark comedy short film of which I’m incredibly proud. But facing budget constraints meant I had to think creatively. Pulling from my high school and college theater experiences, I embraced the challenge by limiting the story to a single location. The script was written specifically for the location and to keep rental costs at a minimum, we condensed the entire filming process to just two and a half days. This might sound crazy, but the time we were saving on set went right into preparations in rehearsal.

The filming location was an Airbnb in Michigan and we didn’t have consistent access to it for rehearsal. So instead, the main cast and I went through extensive rehearsals on a theater stage, blocking out movements and distances within the chosen location. Through the use of an incredible app called Polycam, I was able to 3D scan the entire home during a location scout and share the space with the actors through my phone in augmented reality. Understanding the layout of the location became essential for translating the rehearsals to the real space. Operating the camera myself, I was also a part of the scene and would move alongside the actors as they performed. We rehearsed for months to ensure everyone understood their lines, movements, and how they integrated into the camera’s perspective.

The result was a unique filmmaking experience resembling live theater, with long unbroken takes and a story that plays out almost entirely in real time. By the end of the rigorous rehearsal process, we managed to film the entire feature in just two and a half days. This not only showcased my commitment to creative problem-solving but also demonstrated that innovation in filmmaking goes beyond high-budget productions, proving that with dedication and ingenuity (and preparation!) compelling stories can be told on a low budget.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not be familiar with my journey, I had an unconventional entry into the world of screenwriting and film directing. Unlike the classic image of a kid with a camera, my love for movies grew out of pure enjoyment and eventually a fascination with predicting Oscar winners, sparking a newfound appreciation for the artistry behind filmmaking. Self-taught through YouTube and inspired by my days as a high school drama kid, I transitioned from performing in skits to crafting my own stories.

While pursuing graduate studies in the sciences at the University of Michigan, I sought out filmmaking clubs, building connections and honing my skills. My breakthrough came when I had the opportunity to work on independent film sets in the Detroit area. Leveraging my organizational skills from a science background, I quickly rose as an assistant director, gaining valuable insights into the intricacies of film production. From this experience I founded my production company, Wild Duck Films, and began focusing almost exclusively on directing, both narrative and commercial projects. I am also represented by Phoenix Films, a Los Angeles and Texas-based production company, for commercial production where my commercial work has been featured on Ads of the World, part of the Clio Network,

As a Mexican American artist, I draw inspiration from the oral storytelling traditions within my family and the magical realism of Mexican cinema. One of my proudest achievements is my recent short film, ‘Where the Dog is Buried,’ a dark comedy blending influences from Greener Grass, Heathers, and Thoroughbreds. Despite budget constraints, I leaned into costuming and unique camera decisions to infuse subjective elements within the film, creating an emotional ebb and flow. This project, like many others, reflects my ongoing journey to balance my logical, realism influences with a desire for the subjective and surreal.

What I think sets me apart is the ability to navigate this dichotomy, bringing a fresh perspective to storytelling. I draw from my logical brain for structured storytelling while constantly pushing myself to lean into the weird and abstract. My collaborative approach with actors and crew allows for a unique blend of grounded, yet playful and surreal elements, creating films that are both grounded and thought-provoking.

I invite potential clients, followers, and fans to explore the dynamic interplay of reality and the abstract in my work, emphasizing emotions without overwhelming the audience.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Having moved from an undergraduate degree in chemistry to embracing my passion for filmmaking, I recognized the lack of accessible role models outside of a formal education setting, especially for Mexican American filmmakers. This realization fueled a compelling desire to not only pursue my own filmmaking aspirations but also to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for others aspiring to enter the film industry.

While early in my career, I aim to be a catalyst for change, focusing on educating and supporting underrepresented individuals keen on navigating the film industry. I hope to one day be in a position to provide opportunities for shadowing and mentorship to aspiring filmmakers, particularly those from backgrounds that are often underrepresented in the industry.

Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to direct a studio film, a milestone that I believe will not only mark a personal achievement but will also contribute significantly to the broader mission of increasing diversity and representation in the film industry. Representation for Latinx filmmakers is a central tenet of this mission. I am inspired by the success of filmmakers like Guillermo Del Toro, Alejandro Iñárritu, and Alfonso Cuarón, who have demonstrated that impactful storytelling can transcend cultural boundaries.

By elevating underrepresented voices, I hope to create narratives that showcase the depth and diversity of Latin American storytelling, exploring themes such as magical realism and, perhaps most notably, the intricate dynamics of family. This exploration of family dynamics serves not only to reflect the complexities within Latinx experiences but also to resonate universally, fostering understanding and connection.

In essence, my mission is to not only achieve personal milestones in my filmmaking career but to actively contribute to a more inclusive and representative film industry. By providing opportunities, breaking barriers, and infusing my work with diverse perspectives, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the landscape of filmmaking and inspire the next generation of storytellers.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I had to unlearn in my filmmaking journey was the notion that going from a career in the sciences to pursuing my passion for film was somehow wasting my prior education.

During the pre-production of ‘Where the Dog is Buried,’ I ran a crowdfunding campaign in order to raise the last bit of financing. It was a significant step that required me to put myself on camera and openly express my dreams as a filmmaker to my friends and family. This was one of the first times I put myself on camera to say, “I’m a filmmaker, this is what I’m doing, and I need your help.” It was a little scary for me.

Having gone from pursuing a career in the sciences now to filmmaking, I carried an internal struggle, that I might be “wasting” my prior education. There were moments of doubt, of feeling behind, and fearing judgment for choosing a creative path.

Through this experience, I realized that this belief was a self-imposed barrier. The mindset that my scientific background was incompatible with filmmaking was a limiting belief I had to unlearn. It became clear that embracing one’s passions, regardless of the perceived deviation from a predefined path, is an act of courage rather than a compromise. My friends and family have been incredibly supportive of my filmmaking and the crowdfunding campaign was a success.

This realization also became a catalyst for broader change. It led to the creation of my TikTok account, where I openly share my filmmaking journey, offer insights, and connect with a community of aspiring filmmakers. Through this platform, I’ve come to understand the power of breaking free from limiting beliefs and embracing the multidimensionality of one’s interests.

Building this supportive community on TikTok not only became a source of motivation for others but also allowed me to be a mentor and guide, a role I had once sought for myself. I’ve had phone calls with followers seeking advice and received messages expressing gratitude for providing motivation. All of which have become affirmations of the impact of sharing one’s journey openly.

Now, as I continue my filmmaking career, I actively work to unlearn the idea that there’s a singular, ‘right’ path. I’ve found immense value in the diversity of experiences and backgrounds within the filmmaking community. My journey from science to filmmaking has become a testament to the fact that unconventional paths can lead to unique and impactful storytelling, and there’s no ‘waste’ in following one’s passion, regardless of the initial career trajectory.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://santiagobukovsky.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santibukovsky/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santiago.bukovsky
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-bukovsky-884a56bb/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3NL6DclfqA&t=2s
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@santimakesmovies