Today we’d like to introduce you to William Mazzola.
Hi William, 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?
Let’s dive into the realm of stubbornness, shall we? I think I can define myself a bit by starting there. I believe I’m an unstoppable force, and I absolutely hate losing. That’s why I persist in what I want until it works until it’s a success.
I don’t consider myself the most talented in my year, nor in my class, but with the persistence that defines me, I’ve often found myself in a prominent position. I realized this as a quality when I entered college, recognizing the power we have to change our own destiny with simple choices and resilience.
Against the wishes of my entire family, I ventured into the field of communication, specifically in films. Becoming a director was as unlikely a dream for someone in my family as it was for my father to graduate as an engineer. The journey to becoming a director wasn’t easy, but I almost always managed to have fun along the way.
I have an extreme knack for connecting with people, and I’ve always made many friends. Above all, I’m genuinely curious about the lives of others in a positive way. I find the human being extremely interesting, and empathy is a trait of mine that I take great pride in.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh, it hasn’t been a smooth ride at all. There were plenty of bumps and detours along the way. But you know what? I’ve been soaking up the lessons like a sponge and using those obstacles as stepping stones. Each challenge has been a chance to learn, grow, and sharpen my skills. I see it as a wild rollercoaster of experiences, and I’ve been enjoying the twists and turns, using them to my advantage. It’s like turning setbacks into comebacks – it adds a whole new level of flavor to the journey.
First, I was a student at ESPM, a renowned university in Brazil. Then, I realized I needed my first job. The first attempt was a big miss; the second was even worse. Until I stumbled upon the best internship I could imagine – becoming an apprentice in an in-house studio at the university. There, I had access to modern equipment, but more importantly, I delved deep into the language of audiovisuals, from lighting to camera positioning.
As an intern, I stood out more as an editor. I was lightning-fast and creative, finding improbable solutions that everyone loved. That’s why a professor recommended me for some freelance gigs, and before I knew it, I was editing those cool commercials that aired during prime time, the ones my parents watched. It was somewhat emotional to think that I was involved in something so many people were watching.
Time passed, and my editing career was doing well but getting boring. Restless and focused on my ultimate goal – becoming a director who travels the world filming – I packed up and migrated to Europe. Coming from a European family, legal issues weren’t a problem, and soon enough, it was happening – I was editing films in Europe, pretty awesome. But the best was yet to come. I got the first opportunity to direct films, and it worked out amazingly. The films were cool, clients loved them, and I was on European TV, now as a Director.
But as life always throws curveballs, I was in love and went back to Brazil. Surprisingly, I had to restart my short directorial career from scratch. No one cared about my good films; I had to prove myself again. And so, I did, and recognition came, along with international awards like Cannes Lions, D&D, LIA, CLIO, and many others. I believe I won awards at all major advertising festivals. Then, I felt like it was getting monotonous again, so I decided to explore new areas and make my second short film much more ambitious. I filmed it in Argentina, in a village without a cinema infrastructure, but the experience turned out fantastic, and the film “Andean Condor” did well, winning awards like LAFA and NYIFF.
Then the pandemic hit, and I started reflecting on what I had left behind all these years. Cinematography slapped me in the face. That’s when I decided it was time to keep exploring and learning. That’s what I’m doing here in LA – in constant learning because, in films, you’re never ready. You might be better or more complete, but ready? NEVER.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a perpetual learner, and sure, I wear the hat of a film director with a foundation in editing, currently venturing into the realms of cinematography. But at my core, I thrive on learning.
Back when I was 12, MTV and its music videos were my absolute fascination. As a rock fan, it made everything click for me at that time. The disruptions and cuts synced with the beats were mind-blowing. I didn’t know it was the directors doing it at that time, but the way they expressed the mood and tone of the music through video was nothing short of incredible. MTV marked my initial foray into the audiovisual world, leaving me with the distinct feeling of “I want to do this.” However, as I delved into more films, that turned out to be pretty cool too.
Suddenly, I found myself immersed in the world of films and commercials, equipped with the best cameras and making good money. I couldn’t really complain, but I sensed that I was trailing behind my desire to tell stories that truly mattered to me—and potentially to others. So, my latest move is to weave short films and feature film projects into my schedule. I’ve been collaborating with a couple of partners to produce and create this kind of content.
I haven’t abandoned the commercial side; it still makes sense to me. However, I need to discover my own voice. Engaging in the exercise of filming my own stories and going back to school to develop new skills is all part of this transformative process.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m a risk-taker, and sometimes I wish I weren’t, but that’s just who I am. I could have played it safe since 2008, being an excellent editor, or in 2010, becoming a standout director in Portugal, or in 2013, a rising star in Brazil, or even in 2018, enjoying great salaries. However, I’ve always preferred taking risks and aiming for the extraordinary. I feel that embracing risks makes me feel more alive—it excites me, propels me forward, instills fear, and helps me grow. LA is taking a great risk to me, and I love it.
If I could advise someone I care about deeply, like a son, I would say to take risks, not settle for what’s already achieved. The past is behind us, and we must keep moving forward. To me, that’s the beauty of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: willmazzola.com
- Instagram: willmazzola
- Linkedin: willmazzola
Image Credits
Victor Ponce
