Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Gonzalez Mereles.
Andrea, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Mexico City. As a child, I was obsessed with reading novels and with literature in general. This eventually translated into a need to tell my own stories. I started writing short stories as a teenager and it was also during that time that I developed my love for cinema. I studied Communications and specialized in film production in Mexico City. College was a wonderful experience; the program was very hands on and I forged some of my most successful filmmaking relationships to this day. It was also during that time that I discovered what a director of photography was and figured out that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Upon graduation, I started working in commercials and realized that my goal was to specialize in narrative. I decided to move to Los Angeles to complete my Master’s degree in Cinematography at the American Film Institute. Attending the Conservatory was a turning point in my career; it changed the way that I approach story and the quality of my collaborations. I graduated from the program in 2016 and since then I’ve been shooting narrative in multiple cities in the United States and around the world.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Filmmaking is hard to break into and it requires a lot of work, time and effort. For me, the biggest challenge was to move from Mexico City and walk away from my family, my loved ones and my film community and network. Moving by myself to Los Angeles was certainly daunting and it took me a while to understand the vibe of the city. With time, I’ve come to love LA. I feel Los Angeles is like that; it takes a while to find your place and people but once you do it becomes a great experience. Los Angeles is constantly pushing you to work harder and stay on top of your game. There have been multiple challenges along the way but they are worth it once you see the payoff.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a director of photography based in Los Angeles and working around the US and internationally. I specialize in fiction, documentary and commercial projects. My work consists of designing, with the director, the visual style of a project during pre-production and executing it during production and post-production. I’m a cinematographer that specializes in narrative and my objective is always to create relevant and important content. My true interest lies in the art of telling stories. Cinematography is a professional journey I’ve embarked on but also a personal one. My intention is to understand what it means to be a human being; our weaknesses, strengths and doubts to portray it in my body of work. I believe in filmmaking as a collaborative effort and in story above all. For the past few years, I’ve focused on still photography as well. I shoot only on film and I do my own prints in the darkroom. My still photography work is very personal and intimate and I’m currently developing a couple of projects that I intend to publish over the next few years.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve had multiple mentors, supporters and collaborators that have played an essential role on where I am today. There’s a long list of people that deserve credit and it would be impossible to name them all. People that have believed in me hired me and given me opportunities. Multiple crew members that have trusted me and have helped me bring my projects to life. However, the people that have been the most important are my family and close friends that have sticked throughout the years. You go through so many ups and downs in this industry that the love and support of those around you is what keeps you going.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.andreagmer.com
- Instagram: andreagmer
Image Credit:
Andrea Gonzalez Mereles
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