Conversations with Mario Acevedo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Acevedo.

Mario, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I knew I was a storyteller at a very very young age. I am the oldest of five and I was always the one in charge when playing pretend. I would make up scenarios and cast my brothers as spies, soldiers or pirates. Several years later, I would steal my little sister’s camera to take pictures. Years after that, I combined my free-running skills with my camera talents to photograph and film fun parkour lines and stunt reels. It was around this time that I decided to study filmmaking at the University of California, Irvine. I worked hard at my two jobs to earn enough to afford my first year of study and a proper video camera: Canon C100 Mark2.

My time at UCI was wonderful. Looking back at it, I think I was really in the right head space for film school because I really took advantage. During my 2 year stint, I worked tirelessly to lens 3 short documentaries, over 20 student short films and one indie feature. At the same time, I would work alongside a cohort of UCLA Film & TV MFA students as their Assistant Chief Lighting Tech and travel across the country for their productions. In the end of 2019, I graduated as an award winning cinematographer with an optimistic gaze for the future.

In 2020, my freelance work grinded to a halt as the industry began to shut down. I pivoted to post production and built my own editing & content creation computer. I’m so happy I did that when I did because little did we know it, the prices for computer hardware at that time were the best prices we’ve ever had. This moment of my life was dedicated to survival as a filmmaker. I moved to Los Angeles from Hemet Ca in 2022. For the next couple of years, I worked as a Butchers Assistant full-time. This paired with any and all freelance camera work I managed to earn was enough to pay rent and eat until finally; I landed a full-time position as an in-house cinematographer for an ecommerce agency called Western Beach.

This was a true blessing because, for the first time, I was able to afford a life for myself from behind the lights and camera. Since then, I’ve been executing commercial cinematography weekly and leveraging the stability of my day job to support creative narrative and documentary work on the side. Currently I am the cinematographer for a feature length documentary for Director Steve Elkins about (what I like to call) a method author, William Vollmann, and his thirteen thousand page – multi volume book on the history and justification of violence. Potentially, I may be the camera operator for another documentary with Steve as we follow Gustavo Santaolalla & Krono Quartet. Earlier this year, I wrapped 2 short films as the director of photography, “Italian Goodbye” and “State of Choice.” Lastly, I am in the middle of producing and directing a short film called, “I Need Some Space” about a young man dealing with a piercing grief and navigating those complicated feelings with his over supportive girlfriend.

“I Need Some Space” is special to me because I am using this short film to lift other creatives up. For example, my writer – Andrew Stefani confessed to me last year that he wanted to get behind the camera at some point. Falling in love with cinematography is such a special thing. It’s romantic.. to play with lighting and shadow, the lensing and perspectives. My craft gives me such joy and I wanted to share that with others because I think its a beautiful thing. Marrying physics, engineering and art: that’s the craft of cinematography.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, It was not an easy road.

Presently, you don’t have to be in LA or surrounding areas to take advantage of opportunities to study and pursue filmmaking. Almost a decade ago, that wasn’t the case. For the first year of University, I commuted 97 miles to school and would often sleep in my car for a few days in the student parking lot. The Wendy’s 4 for 4 was a life saver, I remember my peers and I would always take advantage after class. I’m sure that’s resonating with every student still!

Lack of resources is another challenge, especially after graduating. I can’t tell you how many times a conversation with a potential client ended after I disclosed that I didn’t own a 4k cinema camera. I think that was especially hard for me to deal with because at the time, I couldn’t afford a new camera. However, those who did trust me with my cute little C100 were always very happy with the footage I was able to pull from it.

Another obstacle I’ve had to navigate when starting out was not seeing enough Latino/a representation on set. Now, fortunately, that’s different and I’m happy to report that I have a community of dedicated Hispanic filmmakers. Before though, I couldn’t help to notice how exclusive certain productions are. I believe that the filmmaking process is a community building activity. Every new production is potentially a new family, new adventure and new memories. That’s why I chase it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I would describe myself as a cinematographer but I emphasize that I am a filmmaker and storyteller first. I specialize in producing visuals that support the narrative and character motivation; it doesn’t matter to me if its narrative, commercial or documentary. I’m the kind of director of photography that will ask you, “Who has control?” “What is the characters intentions here?” “What are YOU trying to say with this scene?” I let the responses to questions like that inform several choices when building the composition and lighting.

My most proudest work comes from collaborating with my closest friends. I’m really proud of my camera operating work on “The Greatest Show at UCI” and the look and style of “Snapped”, a short film directed by Sophie Prettyman-Beauchamp.

I think what sets me apart from other filmmakers is two things.

1.) I grew up and developed my craft with a mindset of: Do more with less. Which has fast-tracked my ability to find creative solution to complex challenges and always offer up solutions. Never say no to a director when they ask for something; no matter how absurd it is.

2.) I still have access to my inner child! I use it to channel curiosity and play with light and angles to find something fun and interesting. Cinema is art imitating life! I obsess over it, not for the technological advancements and engineering achievement of a camera; but because of the magic that was once found when a curious person poked a hole through the side of a dark box.

They have a saying that goes, “He’s got it down to a science” but people don’t often hear the opposite: “He’s raised it to an art.”

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to have faith in one’s self and resist the urge to compare one’s place in their life to others. You are exactly where you are meant to be. Be persistent and be proactive about growing as a storyteller. Investing in yourself can go a long way in term of really developing your artistic style and vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marionacevedo.com/?page_id=28
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leuwenski/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Leuwenski

Image Credits
Matthew Bryan Soria-Cante (@brysor117)
Sarah Brandenburg (@papillonsoleilcolibri)