We were lucky to catch up with Santiago Serrano recently and have shared our conversation below.

Santiago, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

Reflecting on my journey, there are a few things I’d approach differently if I were starting over today. Firstly, diving into the film industry requires a mix of exploration, focus, and patience. While you may adore movies, understanding the business side is just as crucial. My advice? Dive into the industry early. Spend time on sets, in production offices, editing rooms, or any other department, and get a feel for how things work behind the scenes. Every little experience shapes your journey.

Once you’ve got a handle on where you’re headed, it’s all about focus. Spend your time honing those skills and improving what you do each day. And patience? You’ll hear it a million times: ‘It’s a marathon, not a sprint.’ But seriously, keep at it. Stay focused, put in the work, and you’ll see results.

Oh, and one more thing: Be nice to everyone. Seriously. Building solid relationships is key in this industry.

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?

As a cinematographer, I work closely with the director to shape the film visually. Creatively, this involves composition, camera movement, shot size, palette of colors, and many others, all to serve the story. Technically, I coordinate equipment and processes to efficiently bring the vision to life. In other words, I lead the camera and lighting department.

Initially trained in sound, my passion for film led me to transition behind the camera. I worked in the documentary world before moving to the USA. Despite challenges, including relocating from Ecuador, I’ve learned the importance of carving one’s path and embracing risks. Now, I’m excited to continue growing and collaborating in this dynamic industry.

What I love about being a cinematographer is that it brings the unique opportunity to help create a universal language—the visual language. Every project has its unique way of expression, and my job is to be a translator, helping the director and other creatives put on the screen what they envision. I enjoy exploring and discovering different layers of the human being. Topics such as immigration and biculturalism are natural to me, but I’m always open to exploring and trying new things. I am open to all sorts of collaborations, from commercial to narrative. One thing that I am always looking for is a good relationship. I think that is the most important advice that I got from a veteran in this industry: “If you are going to spend days and days with someone, make sure you get along at a human level first.”

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I arrived in the USA, I didn’t know English. One day, I walked into a bodega in Queens, NYC, and asked for something. The guy in front of me opened his eyes wide and took two steps back. I had no clue what was happening. After an awkward silence, he said, “No guns here.” I was confused and walked away. After a few blocks, embarrassment flooded over me; I had been asking for “guns” instead of “gums.” Learning English in NYC was incredibly challenging for me as a native Spanish speaker. So, I decided the best way to learn was to go back to school. I remember going to class, recording the entire lecture, and listening to it again at home to get an idea of what the professor was saying. There were tears and a lot of frustration, but I made it through. It took me three years to finally start speaking, and then came the new challenge: I wanted to go to grad school for film, and there was only one option, AFI in Los Angeles. Long story short, I made it. From not knowing English and asking for “guns” in bodegas in NYC lol to becoming a cinematographer in LA, there were many ups and downs that helped me grow both professionally and personally.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Not sure in terms of resources. I think we essentially have the same resources but better technology now but I’d say my approach to certain things is what has changed. Preproduction can be very stressful, but production has to be fun. That’s the lesson I’m learning now. I used to be incredibly stressed throughout the entire process. As artists, we often crave control and want to micromanage every detail. I still believe that level of involvement is necessary, but I’ve realized there are better ways to achieve it. During preproduction, it’s crucial to anticipate potential problems and address them beforehand. That’s the most critical part of the job. But once you’re shooting, there’s no turning back. It’s time to trust your team, embrace the experience, and remain open to learning new things. When you have fun and enjoy the process, it’s reflected in the final project.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.serranosantiago.com/
• Instagram: @ese.serrano
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanserrano/
• Other: Nova App: Santiago Serrano