Life & Work with Carol Colombo of Los Angeles – California

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Colombo.

Hi Carol, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From a very young age, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to the film industry. At just 15 years old, while most teenagers were still figuring out their path, I was already fully immersed in the world of filmmaking. My first steps were inside the largest and most respected camera rental houses in São Paulo, Brazil — the technical heart of many of the biggest productions in South America.

During my six years working at these top-tier rental facilities, I gained deep technical expertise across a vast range of camera systems, lenses, and support equipment. This early foundation not only gave me a highly specialized knowledge of the tools behind the craft, but also exposed me to some of the most complex, demanding and innovative productions happening in the region. I wasn’t simply handling gear — I was absorbing every detail of how great cinematography is built, one frame at a time.

With a solid technical base, I naturally transitioned to working directly on set. My ability to understand and troubleshoot equipment, combined with my growing on-set experience, quickly led me to stand out as a DIT (Digital Imaging Technician) and 2nd AC (Second Assistant Camera). Over the next years, I collaborated with some of Brazil’s leading production companies, contributing to high-end commercials, visually stunning music videos, intimate documentaries, and large-scale branded content campaigns.

Yet, my ambition to grow artistically and technically was much bigger. I knew my next chapter had to be international. I made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles — the global epicenter of the film industry — to further refine my skills and challenge myself in a highly competitive market.

Since relocating to the U.S., my career has expanded into narrative filmmaking, where I have been focusing on 2nd AC work and camera operating for feature films, short films, and independent productions. Working in Los Angeles has allowed me to collaborate with incredibly talented directors, cinematographers, and crews from around the world, each project pushing me to evolve both creatively and professionally.

Today, after more than a decade of dedication to the camera department, I’ve built a unique skill set that blends rare technical mastery with on-set leadership, adaptability, and a deep passion for the craft of visual storytelling. My career has been shaped not only by hard work, but by a relentless desire to master every detail of my craft, while always remaining open to learning, evolving, and embracing new challenges.

I take great pride in being part of the behind-the-scenes force that helps bring powerful stories to life — stories that inspire, move, and connect audiences across the globe.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Every stage of my career came with its own challenges, but those difficulties shaped me into the professional I am today.

Starting in the film industry at just 15 years old was both a privilege and a challenge. Being so young, I had to constantly prove my abilities to older, more experienced professionals while still learning and developing my skills. The pressure to always perform, to be taken seriously, and to meet high technical standards pushed me to work harder and absorb as much knowledge as I could from every opportunity.

Later, one of the most defining — and challenging — moments in my career was when I was invited to move to the United States under a professional work visa to join an international production team, based on my recognized technical expertise and specialized skills. That opportunity itself was a reflection of years of hard work and the extraordinary level of ability I had developed in my field. However, relocating meant starting over professionally in a foreign country and adapting to a completely new industry structure, culture, and language.

When I first arrived in Los Angeles, I barely spoke English or Spanish. The film set became my classroom. Surrounded by international crews, I pushed myself to learn — first English, then Spanish — and today I am fully fluent in three languages. I’m even currently learning Italian to expand my skills even further.

Establishing myself in a foreign country, building a new network, understanding new industry standards, and proving my abilities all over again was not easy. Freelance life also brings its own set of challenges — constant unpredictability, long working hours, and the ongoing demand to stay technically sharp as technology continues to evolve.

But despite every obstacle, I’ve never lost my passion for visual storytelling. Every difficulty has only strengthened my work ethic, my resilience, and my determination to master my craft. Today, I’m proud of each challenge I overcame — they’ve all helped build the professional I am now.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in the technical and creative aspects of the camera department, working primarily as a 2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC), Camera Operator, and Digital Imaging Technician (DIT). My work focuses on supporting the cinematographer and camera team to ensure every shot is executed with precision, efficiency, and artistic integrity.

What truly sets me apart is my deep technical knowledge combined with my hands-on experience across multiple roles in the department. Thanks to my years working at major camera rental houses in São Paulo, I developed an advanced understanding of a wide range of camera systems, lenses, and digital workflows. This allows me to bring solutions on set quickly, troubleshoot complex issues, and ensure the production runs smoothly even under high-pressure conditions.

Beyond my technical expertise, I’m known for my adaptability, calm problem-solving, and leadership on set. I work on a wide variety of projects, including feature films, short films, commercials, documentaries, and music videos — each requiring me to navigate different visual styles, crews, and production challenges.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to build a career internationally, starting at a very young age, and successfully establishing myself in one of the most competitive industries in the world. I moved to Los Angeles with limited language skills and no professional network, and today I’m fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, currently learning Italian, and have built strong collaborations with top industry professionals.

I believe my combination of technical mastery, international experience, work ethic, and passion for visual storytelling is what makes my work stand out. Every project is an opportunity to elevate the story visually, and I take great pride in contributing my skills behind the scenes to help directors and cinematographers achieve their vision.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is living a life where I feel happy, inspired, and constantly evolving. I believe that both personal and professional growth go hand in hand, and I strive every day to become a better version of myself — as an artist, as a professional, and as a human being.

For me, knowledge goes far beyond technical skills. While technical mastery is essential, life experience and personal wisdom are equally important. I believe that even in the middle of chaos, we are constantly given opportunities to be reborn, to learn, and to grow. Challenges can shake us, but they also push us to develop resilience, depth, and a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The key is to never give up — to keep moving forward, no matter how hard the path may seem.

At the core of everything I do is creativity — the ability to build something meaningful, to collaborate with others, and to contribute to stories that touch people’s lives. But beyond technical skills or career achievements, I believe that true success is rooted in kindness. In an industry that can be extremely demanding and competitive, kindness creates better teams, stronger collaborations, and a healthier creative environment. And it’s not just about being kind to others, but also about learning to be kind to yourself — respecting your own journey, your pace, and your growth.

Every day is an opportunity to grow a little more, stay inspired, and approach both work and life with passion, gratitude, and integrity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/carolinacolombo/projects
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroliscolombo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolina.colombo.378
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14346807/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits
Ben Hopner
Laisa Santos
Eddie Espinozza
Victor Ponce
Quaid C. de Baca