Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Ono.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Brazil, and from a young age, I was involved with some type of art. As a kid, I would act in school plays and have classes for drawing and panting. In middle school, I would still be part of the plays but would be the one creating original stories with my best friend. Around 12 years old was when I discovered an editing software.
I was intrigued by the possibilities of editing and started making small videos of the trips I would take with my parents. Later on, this became a skill that I would apply to my homework. There was this specific teacher, who opened my eyes to the possibility to work in the film industry. He was a tough critic, but this helped me to accept constructive feedback. Going to college, I wasn’t sure what path I would take in the industry.
Since my first contact was with editing, I thought that would be the career I was going to choose. However, on the first day of class the teacher gives us an assignment where the whole class would have to do together. He asks for volunteers, the first one is the producer. I look around, and no one raises their hand.
So, I decided to volunteer. And after this moment, everything I do, I am the producer. I found my path. I came to L.A. to continue studying and get my Master’s Degree. During my college years I have produced more than nine short films and directed two, also was the production manager for an independent reality show pilot.
I recently was informed that the documentary that I directed, Once Upon Costume, was selected to be part of Geek Fest Film Fest in 2019, which will screen the movie in different comic conventions throughout the year. I am currently working in a production and distribution company. However, I have personal projects that I plan to accomplish in 2019.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Change is not easy and moving to another country where you don’t know anyone can be scary. I can’t say it was easy, but at the same time, it wasn’t hard either. I am always working a lot and networking has become a big part of my life in Los Angeles.
As a filmmaker, you know you are going to face some problems in your path to success, but we also need to understand that this is part of what makes us who we are. And I am a strong believer that when something happens is to help us grow to be able to face life the best way we can.
I recently heard that I am a very positive person, and this also part of my personality. I always try to see the good parts of any situation and try to learn something.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am a producer, and I have produced different types of short films. The ones I am most proud of is my two personal projects. Once Upon a Costume is a short documentary about Allen Waiserman and his experience in the cosplay community.
This short has recently been accepted to Geek fest and will be screened in different Comic conventions throughout the year. My other project I produced, directed and written, and it was an amazing experience. I have two different projects in development and plan to produce this year.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have two projects in development right now. I have been working with a writer since last year rewriting a feature script that I plan to produce this year.
And I am writing a web series that I plan to release in February. Both these projects are great opportunities to collaborate with new filmmakers and to create great content.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10120183/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
- Email: gabriela.ono@outlook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriela.ono/
Image Credit:
Beatriz Albuquerque de Noronha, Keyao Zhu
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