We were lucky to catch up with Tatiana Samano recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tatiana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve always loved watching movies. At 14, after seeing how they made Iron Man, I grabbed my dad’s camcorder and started making movies with all the neighborhood kids. When I turned 16 I entered into a high school video contest, this time I borrowed my aunts camera, and submitted a PSA. Months later, after forgetting about the contest, I was told that I won 1st place in the Los Angeles county and 2nd in the state of California. This created so many beautiful opportunities. I was featured on a local news station in San Diego, spoke at the state capital in front of legislators / politicians, and I got to speak to people on how films can impact our community. After this, I entered the same contest the following year and won first place in Los Angeles again and was nominated for best original screenplay. After getting to experience these beautiful moments, I discovered my love for filmmaking, along with my passion to pursue this for the rest of my life as a career.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

After reading Robert Rodriguez Rebel Without A Crew, I was inspired to make a fun action short film. So with a crew, consisting family and friends, we made a 18min film. After we wrapped on the project, we had a premiere, and rented out a theater. We invited all our friends and family. I mentioned to one of these friends afterwards that if they ever need any help on set that I will be glad to assist! From then on I went full time helping others make films in the industry.

As a cinematographer, I am responsible of bringing the director’s/client’s vision to life, while setting up the shots, and supervising the camera and lighting team. I ensure the composition is appealing, and the camera movements help tell the story, all while handling the technical/ planning aspects that need to be put in to it. (Such as camera, lenses, lighting, story boards and shot lists etc)

I would say the project I’m most proud of is the PSA I made. I submitted it through a contest when I was in high school. I knew very little about camera and filmmaking at the time. I did not even know how to use the camera I had for the project. Once I picked it up, pushed record, and looked through lens, I had this spark in me I never knew I could have. That’s when I knew I needed to be doing this as a career. I ended up winning that contest and discovered this needed to be my life goal. Dedicating myself in learning the craft. As far as what I would like any client or fan to know, is that any project I work on is in pursuit of telling a story I love through images. My motto is “show don’t tell” whether it’s a personal project I’m directing or as a cinematographer working with a client.

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

I made my PSA on suicide prevention and mental illness awareness. Sadly, two years following this, my cousin passed away by suicide. This devastated me and my family, but then I found out that my cousin used to pass out these stickers to strangers telling them that they are beautiful. That spoke to me and convinced me, no matter what, to inspire others through the films I am create. This industry can be uncertain or hard at times, but if I can make one person’s day (even if it was for 2 hours) then that makes it all worth it.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One of my biggest inspirations in my career was watching the first Iron Man. At the time I was having trouble in school, afterwards my dad surprised me to watch that movie in theaters. I especially remember watching the scene when Iron Man comes out of the cave after building the suit and fighting the bad guys. My dad whispered in my ear, and said if he can stand up to the bullies so can you. And that stuck with me to this day. In the words of FDR, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Don’t let the things like failure, change and the unknown stop you. Find the courage to do what scares you. Face your fears to discover new and amazing opportunities for you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tatianasamano.com
• Instagram: @tatianasamano
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tatianasamano8404
• Other: [email protected]