We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zach Ambroise. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zach below.

Zach, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

For me, delving into the craft of filmmaking involves a profound journey through the works of legendary filmmakers preceding our time. Studying their masterpieces offers a glimpse into the essence of storytelling, technique, and innovation. However, my approach doesn’t end there; it extends to exploring international cinema, allowing me to immerse myself in diverse cultures and varied storytelling approaches. This fusion of learning from the greats of the past and embracing global cinema not only broadens my understanding but also provides a rich tapestry of influences crucial for my future projects. Recognizing that understanding the roots of filmmaking paves the way for contemporary innovation, I find that applying these learned techniques aids in my stylistic growth and enables me to craft narratives that resonate universally while honoring diverse cultural nuances.

Zach, 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?

I began my journey composing for films, but when the pandemic struck, I transitioned into creating my own content while diving into cinematography. What began as a necessity evolved into a profound love for filmmaking. Learning from online platforms like YouTube, I honed my skills, merging music and visuals to craft immersive stories that evoke emotions and captivate audiences. I’m proud of not giving up during challenging times and adapting my career to merge my musical abilities with the visual storytelling of film. What sets me apart is this fusion of expertise—I bring a unique blend of storytelling through music and cinematography, creating narratives that resonate deeply and leave a lasting impact. My work solves the challenge of connecting with audiences on a profound level, eliciting emotions and weaving melodies into compelling visual tales.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the idea that my approach would seamlessly translate to another director’s process. Recently, I encountered a project where I assumed my methods would align with the director’s, but that wasn’t the case. I had to understand that each creative mind operates uniquely, and what works for me might not fit someone else’s vision.

It was a humbling experience, realizing that while collaboration is about sharing skills and growing together, it also involves adapting to different styles and preferences. I had to let go of the belief that my way was the only way and be open to embracing someone else’s vision wholeheartedly. This taught me the importance of flexibility, humility, and the necessity of adjusting my approach to fit the needs of the project and the vision of the director. Learning to deal with change and adaptability has become a valuable asset in this dynamic field.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

“Writing for Emotional Impact: Advanced Dramatic Techniques to Attract, Engage, and Fascinate the Reader from Beginning to End” by Karl Iglesias is indeed a transformative read. Iglesias masterfully delves into the art of scriptwriting, offering a treasure trove of techniques to captivate and emotionally engage readers and viewers alike. This book has been an immense influence on my approach to storytelling, particularly in the realm of film.

Iglesias’s insights into crafting narratives that resonate deeply, evoke emotions, and sustain audience interest from start to finish are invaluable. His techniques not only enhance the writing process but also contribute to creating compelling, immersive cinematic experiences. Learning from his expertise has enriched my own writing style, enabling me to create scripts that aim to captivate and resonate on an emotional level, drawing viewers into the heart of the story. This book has been an indispensable guide in honing my craft and understanding the intricacies of engaging storytelling in film.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ambroisestudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zach.ambroise/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGkqgysr9pzdgGzXTVNfrQA

Image Credits
All cinematography stills shot by Zach Ambroise