Life & Work with Mariana Silva

Thanks to that book, I learned what it takes to produce a film and the number of people involved. I got so excited that I started searching more on it and trying to figure out how certain things are made. During that time, I told my parents about my career choice and the idea of moving to a different country for it. I told them I wanted to be a film producer. I applied to school in the US and came here to pursue a career in film. Eventually, I changed my mind about being a producer to working for the art department.

I started as a PA in different independent films, and as a PA, I was always drawn to the art department. Eventually, I got offers for set dressing, set decorations, art director, and production design. I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities I got and for leading me to some great productions and connections.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think starting was really hard since I didn’t know anyone, and I had not much experience being on set besides what I got from school. I’ve been working as a freelancer for the past two years, and it wasn’t easy when I wasn’t getting constant jobs. I had bills to pay, and I would feel discouraged sometimes. I would feel so much self-doubt about myself and my abilities. I even remember saying to one of my coworkers on set that I wish I was busier and in more demand. He told me: “you say that now, but wait, and you’ll be wishing for free time.” And it’s funny because it got better to the point I was looking forward to some free time. There were months when my parents tried to reach me, but I was always working, and they would tell me, don’t work too much. I also found supporting people in the industry who were open to teaching and guiding me. So many other artists in the film industry encouraged me and pushed me to keep going. So I don’t think it was smooth at the beginning, but it became smooth after trying and trying. And I’m very grateful it came to be that way. People started recommending me, and I jumped from one project to another.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work in different areas of the art department for film and tv. Most of my work has been as a set dresser and set decorator. But I also work as an art director and sometimes as a production designer. Most people know me from working in an underwater set with a limited budget, and we had to build a whole bedroom underwater. It is one of the most exciting projects I worked on and also the most challenging one. Among my peers, I am also known for working in different commercials for Liquid Death, Ring, Ross Dress for Less, and others. I am proud of where I am now as a professional and a person. I am proud of all the things I accomplished in a short amount of time. Looking back at all the tears, hardships, and obstacles, I am proud they were all worthy, and I am now at a great point in my career where things are getting better and working more and more. Not many people get to say they love their job, so I’m happy I’m a person who can say I love my job.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think being patient and positive. Even though there were hardships along the way, and I still have some here and there, patience and optimism have kept me going and fighting for my dream and career. I tend to be very positive, hoping for the best and looking for ways to change what is disturbing me. I feel like there are always so many roads and perspectives that I can’t just give up but one thing, no matter the size of that obstacle. I’ve also been patient with the time and taking things at my own pace.