Exploring Life & Business with Saul Rodas of Rodas Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Saul Rodas.

Hi Saul, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My Story: From a VHS Camcorder to Chasing My Dreams!

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the arts, especially film, television, music, and the magic of storytelling. I didn’t necessarily know exactly what I wanted to become, but I knew I loved creating things, using my imagination, and finding ways to bring my ideas to life.

Some of my earliest memories of filmmaking go all the way back to elementary school. My dad had this enormous VHS camcorder, the kind you practically had to carry on your shoulder. It was old, bulky, and probably weighed more than I could comfortably hold, but to me, it was the coolest thing in the world.

I remember being in third grade, taking that camera outside and recording random things around our front yard, our doorstep, and whatever else caught my attention. Sometimes, I would turn up the radio as loud as possible so that a particular song would play in the background while I was recording. I didn’t understand editing, sound design, or production at the time, but looking back, I realize I was already trying to create my own little music videos.

By fourth grade, I had gotten my hands on my older sibling’s laptop and edited my very first video using Microsoft’s video editing software. It wasn’t anything fancy, but I remember being amazed that I could put clips together, add music, and transform something I had recorded into an actual video. That feeling of creating something from practically nothing stuck with me.

From that point forward, I became fascinated with everything involving filmmaking. I loved watching movies, television shows, and music videos, wondering how certain scenes were created and imagining what it would be like to make something of my own. I didn’t have professional equipment or connections in Hollywood, but I had curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to figure things out.

Interestingly enough, filmmaking wasn’t the only passion I developed growing up.

My father was a pilot, and because of him, aviation became another enormous part of my childhood. I grew up fascinated by airplanes, how they worked, and the incredible idea of being able to fly. Seeing my father’s connection to aviation inspired me to dream about one day following in his footsteps.

In fact, when I was in high school, I had originally declared my intention to study aerospace engineering.

At the time, it made perfect sense. I loved airplanes, I was fascinated by aviation, and I could genuinely picture myself pursuing a career related to aircraft. Although I spent much of my childhood experimenting with cameras and editing videos, I initially imagined my professional future taking place in the world of aviation.

But life has a funny way of changing your plans, sometimes when you least expect it.

During my junior year of high school, something happened that would completely change the direction of my life.

I discovered the Sprite Refreshing Films competition, a nationwide filmmaking contest that brought together aspiring filmmakers from major cities across the country.

And the funny thing is, I found out about the entire competition completely by accident.

Back then, I used to collect Sprite bottle caps because they had codes you could enter online to earn points and redeem prizes. I would save them, enter the codes, and see what kind of rewards I could collect. One day, while entering my codes, I noticed an advertisement for a filmmaking competition.

Naturally, I clicked on it.

I read about the opportunity, filled out the application, and decided to give it a shot. I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was just a high school student who loved making videos.

Little did I know that those Sprite bottle caps would eventually lead me to one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.

I was selected to represent Los Angeles as part of a team of aspiring filmmakers. The competition brought together teams from cities across the country, including New York, Miami, Chicago, and Houston. Each team had approximately ten filmmakers, and every city had the opportunity to create a short film featuring a celebrity.

Our Los Angeles team got to work with Donald Faison, whom I recognized from the television series *Scrubs*.

I still remember how intimidating that experience initially felt.

I was the youngest filmmaker in the competition and the only Latino participant. Everyone around me seemed older, more experienced, and much more knowledgeable about the industry. Here I was, a teenager who had grown up filming random things outside his house, suddenly surrounded by people who were incredibly talented and passionate about filmmaking.

But something beautiful happened.

Instead of making me feel out of place, my teammates welcomed me with open arms. They treated me like I belonged there, encouraged me to ask questions, and shared their knowledge and experiences with me. I learned so much simply by watching them work, collaborating, and being part of an actual film production.

That experience taught me far more than filmmaking. It taught me about confidence, collaboration, kindness, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.

Once our short film was completed, the competition opened up to public voting.

And that’s when I decided I was going to do everything I possibly could to help our team win.

I went back to my high school and started encouraging classmates, teachers, friends, and anyone willing to listen to support our film. I would give small presentations, explain what the competition meant to me, and ask people to collect Sprite bottle caps so they could enter the codes online and vote.

It’s funny because the very same bottle caps I had originally collected to redeem prizes were now helping me campaign for something much bigger than myself.

And somehow, we did it.

**Team Los Angeles won the competition!**

Our short film was showcased at the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival, and we also got the opportunity to visit the Universal Studios lot.

I remember walking through those enormous soundstages and exploring the sets, including the one from *War of the Worlds*. I was absolutely amazed. Everything I had grown up watching on television and in movie theaters suddenly felt real.

Here I was, a kid who had spent years using his dad’s old VHS camcorder, now walking on the same studio lot where some of Hollywood’s biggest productions had been filmed.

I couldn’t believe it.

But beyond the excitement of winning and visiting Universal Studios, something much more important happened during that experience.

For the first time in my life, I realized that filmmaking didn’t have to remain just a childhood hobby. It could actually become my career.

I had spent years imagining what it might be like to become an aerospace engineer, but after working alongside professional filmmakers, collaborating with talented creatives, and seeing firsthand how much I loved the production process, I knew I needed to reconsider my future.

**The Sprite Refreshing Films competition didn’t just give me an unforgettable experience. It changed the course of my life.**

After that competition, I made the decision to change my academic direction from aerospace engineering to film and media studies.

It wasn’t that I had suddenly stopped loving aviation. Far from it. I simply discovered that the passion I’d carried since childhood, the one that had me running around my front yard with a VHS camcorder, was something I genuinely wanted to pursue for the rest of my life.

And looking back, I have absolutely no regrets.

Fast-forward to today, and that little kid with the VHS camcorder never really stopped creating.

I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in Television, Film, and Media Studies from California State University, Los Angeles, and later earned my master’s degree in Digital Media Management from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a filmmaker, producer, director, editor, and podcast host. I’ve created short films, music videos, commercials, interviews, and all kinds of digital media.

My work has connected me with incredibly talented individuals and taken me to places I never imagined visiting when I was younger.

I’ve collaborated with fashion designers and media outlets, with opportunities that have taken me to Paris, Italy, New York Fashion Week, and other amazing destinations. I’ve covered red carpet events, interviewed celebrities, and worked behind the scenes on productions that I once could only dream of being part of.

Each experience has taught me something different. Some have challenged me creatively, others have pushed me outside my comfort zone, and many have introduced me to people who have inspired me to become a better filmmaker and storyteller.

Through my production company, Rodas Studios, and my podcast, SalviWood, I’ve continued finding ways to tell stories, celebrate different perspectives, and connect with audiences.

And while filmmaking ultimately became my career, aviation never really disappeared from my life.

As I got older, I eventually began taking flight lessons myself. There was something incredibly special about sitting inside an aircraft and experiencing the world from an entirely different perspective, especially knowing that my father had once experienced that same feeling as a pilot.

Unfortunately, between the high costs associated with flight training and some personal health challenges I’ve been working through, I made the difficult decision to temporarily pause that journey.

But I’ve never given up on that dream.

It’s still something I plan to return to when the time is right. I’ve learned that sometimes life requires us to put certain dreams on hold, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re abandoning them.

In fact, recently I’ve found a way to bring both of my passions together in a way that feels especially meaningful to me.

I’ve been working on rebranding Rodas Studios, and for the longest time, I wanted my company’s identity to represent more than just filmmaking. I wanted it to tell a story about who I am, where I come from, and the people who inspired me.

That’s when I began thinking about my father and his aviation background.

In Spanish, the word *rodar* can mean “to roll” or “to rotate,” but it can also refer to the act of filming or shooting a movie. That connection to my last name, Rodas, has always fascinated me.

I started thinking about the propellers of an airplane, how they rotate, and how that movement could symbolize both filmmaking and aviation.

I ultimately decided to incorporate an aircraft inspired by the very same plane my father used to fly into the new Rodas Studios identity, making the propeller a central part of the design.

For me, it’s more than just a logo.

It’s a tribute to my father, a reminder of the aviation dream I still plan to pursue, and a representation of the creative journey I’ve been on since childhood.

I love the idea that two seemingly different passions, filmmaking and aviation, can come together through something as simple as my last name.

And there’s something almost poetic about that.

When I was younger, I thought I had to choose between my love for aviation and my passion for filmmaking. It took me growing older to realize that I never really had to leave either dream behind. I just needed to find my own way of bringing them together.

The very passion I once thought I was leaving behind has now become part of the identity of the production company I’ve spent years building.

As I continue growing Rodas Studios, I’m also working toward expanding my apparel line and eventually adapting several short film scripts I’ve written into full productions. There are still so many stories I want to tell, creative ideas I want to bring to life, and experiences I hope to have.

And although I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve accomplished, I genuinely feel like I’m just getting started.

Which brings me to where I am today.

I’m currently participating in the Ryan Seacrest Top Host competition, pursuing another opportunity that strangely reminds me of that high school kid who entered a filmmaking contest after discovering it through a Sprite bottle cap.

It’s almost surreal how life sometimes comes full circle.

Back in high school, I was walking into classrooms, asking teachers and classmates to help vote for a short film that meant the world to me.

Today, I’m reaching out to friends, family, colleagues, and people I’ve met throughout my journey, asking them to believe in me once again.

Only this time, I’m no longer that inexperienced teenager wondering whether he belongs in the entertainment industry. I’m someone who has spent years learning, creating, growing, and doing everything possible to turn his passion into a lifelong career.

One of the reasons this competition is especially meaningful to me is the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and its mission to bring creativity, entertainment, and interactive media experiences to children in hospitals.

Having spent years working with students, including children with special needs, I’ve witnessed firsthand how something as simple as music, a camera, a creative activity, or a meaningful interaction can completely brighten someone’s day.

I’ve seen the excitement on children’s faces when they feel included, encouraged, and given the opportunity to express themselves.

Knowing that the foundation helps bring that same kind of happiness to children experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives makes this opportunity even more meaningful.

When I think about how much joy my father’s old VHS camera brought me as a child, I can only imagine what access to professional media studios and creative experiences could mean to children who need a little extra happiness, distraction, or inspiration.

Ultimately, my dream has always been about more than simply working in entertainment.

I want to create things that make people feel something. I want to tell stories that matter, make people laugh, introduce audiences to different perspectives, and hopefully inspire someone else to believe that their dreams are worth pursuing.

As a Salvadoran American filmmaker, I also hope my journey can encourage young people, especially those who may not see themselves represented in certain creative spaces, to recognize that they belong there too.

I know firsthand what it feels like to walk into a room and wonder whether you’re experienced enough, talented enough, or even supposed to be there.

But I’ve also learned that sometimes all it takes is one opportunity, a little courage, and a few people willing to believe in you.

Looking back, I’m incredibly thankful for every experience, every challenge, and every person who has helped shape my journey.

From my father’s enormous VHS camera to my first edited video on my sibling’s laptop, from dreaming of becoming an aerospace engineer to collecting Sprite bottle caps and winning a national filmmaking competition, from walking the Universal Studios lot as a teenager to earning my degrees and working in the entertainment industry, every moment has played a part in getting me here.

And somewhere along the way, I discovered that the dreams we put on hold don’t necessarily disappear. Sometimes they find new ways of becoming part of who we are.

That’s what my father’s airplane means to me, and that’s what I hope the new Rodas Studios logo will always represent.

A reminder of where I came from, the people who inspired me, the dreams I’ve pursued, and all the places I still hope to go.

If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that you never know how far a small moment of curiosity can take you.

For me, it all started with an old VHS camcorder, a laptop, a radio playing in the background, and a handful of Sprite bottle caps.

And after all these years, I still feel like that same curious kid who just wants to pick up a camera, create something incredible, and see where life takes him next.

I once dreamed of building airplanes. Then I discovered that I wanted to build stories. Today, I’m finding a way to keep both dreams alive.

Because as far as I’m concerned, my story is still just beginning.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wish I could say it’s been a smooth road, but honestly, it’s been anything but that. I think one thing people don’t always realize is that behind every accomplishment, there’s usually a story of sacrifice, rejection, uncertainty, and countless hours of hard work.

Growing up as a Salvadoran American kid from Los Angeles, I didn’t have connections in Hollywood or a clear roadmap for breaking into the entertainment industry. I simply had a passion for storytelling and a dream of becoming a filmmaker. I remember being the youngest filmmaker and the only Latino participant during the Sprite Refreshing Films competition. Although everyone welcomed me with open arms, I initially questioned whether I truly belonged in that room. That feeling of having to prove myself has followed me throughout different stages of my career.

One of my biggest challenges has been balancing my creative ambitions with the realities of everyday life. As much as I love filmmaking, passion alone doesn’t always pay the bills. I’ve had to juggle responsibilities, work long hours, and sometimes put my own projects aside to focus on financial stability.

And I think that’s one of the hardest things about being a creative person. Sometimes you spend so much time helping bring other people’s visions to life that you barely have the time, energy, or resources to pursue your own.

I’ve also experienced rejection, unanswered emails, missed opportunities, and moments when I’ve questioned whether I was moving in the right direction. The entertainment industry can be incredibly competitive, and even with education, experience, and determination, opportunities don’t always come easily. There have been moments when I’ve watched others reach milestones I’ve dreamed about and wondered when my own opportunity would arrive.

Another difficult lesson has been accepting that not every dream happens according to the timeline we imagine. Growing up with a father who was a pilot, I dreamed of following in his footsteps. I even began taking flight lessons, but financial costs and personal health challenges eventually led me to pause that journey. It was difficult, but I’ve learned that putting a dream on hold doesn’t necessarily mean giving up on it.

Despite everything, I try to remind myself how far I’ve come. From recording videos with my dad’s old VHS camera to winning a national filmmaking competition, earning my degrees from Cal State LA and USC, and working on productions that have taken me around the world, I’ve experienced things my younger self could only dream of.

I’m still working toward growing Rodas Studios, developing my own films, expanding my creative projects, and finding my place in an industry I’ve loved since childhood. I certainly haven’t figured everything out, and there are still days when the road ahead feels uncertain.

But I’ve learned that success isn’t always a straight line. Sometimes you take steps forward, sometimes you have to start over, and sometimes life takes you somewhere completely unexpected.

If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that the hardest part of chasing a dream isn’t always getting started. Sometimes it’s finding the courage to keep going when things aren’t happening as quickly as you hoped.

And despite every obstacle, rejection, or setback, I’m still that same kid who picked up his dad’s VHS camera and fell in love with creating something out of nothing.

The dream is still there. And so am I.

As you know, we’re big fans of Rodas Studios. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Rodas Studios is my creative production company, built from a lifelong passion for filmmaking, storytelling, and bringing ideas to life. What started as a childhood fascination with my dad’s old VHS camcorder has grown into something I’m incredibly proud to call my own.

Through Rodas Studios, I specialize in video production, directing, cinematography, editing, photography, and digital content creation. Over the years, I’ve worked on everything from short films, music videos, commercials, and promotional campaigns to fashion productions, red carpet events, celebrity interviews, and branded content.

I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with talented artists, fashion designers, businesses, and media outlets, with opportunities taking me to places like Paris, Italy, and New York Fashion Week. Each experience has helped shape the filmmaker and creative professional I am today.

What sets Rodas Studios apart is the personal attention and genuine passion I bring to every project. I don’t believe in simply showing up with a camera, recording footage, and calling it a day. I want to understand the person, the vision, and the story behind what I’m creating. Whether I’m working with a business, an artist, or someone sharing their personal journey, I want the finished product to feel authentic and meaningful.

As an independent filmmaker, I’ve learned to wear many hats, from developing concepts and directing productions to operating cameras, editing, and overseeing the final product. That hands-on experience has taught me the importance of creativity, collaboration, and building genuine relationships with the people I work with.

Another project that holds a particularly special place in my heart is SalviWood, a podcast and creative platform that actually began as my master’s capstone project at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

SalviWood was born from something much more personal than an academic assignment. It’s rooted in my family’s history.

My parents fled El Salvador during the country’s civil war in the 1980s, leaving behind their homeland in search of safety, opportunity, and a better future. Growing up as a Salvadoran American, I came to understand the sacrifices they made and the resilience it took to start over in a different country.

Their story has always stayed with me.

As I got older and began working in entertainment, I noticed how rarely Salvadoran and Central American stories were represented in mainstream media. And when they were, they didn’t always reflect the diversity, creativity, humor, resilience, and richness of our communities.

I wanted to help change that.

That’s where the idea for SalviWood came from.

The name itself represents a bridge between El Salvador and Hollywood. My vision is to create a space where Salvadoran narratives aren’t simply heard but genuinely celebrated. A platform where we can challenge stereotypes, highlight overlooked talent, and share authentic stories that reflect who we really are.

Through conversations, interviews, and creative storytelling, I hope SalviWood can introduce audiences to Salvadoran artists, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and other individuals whose experiences deserve recognition. I also want it to become a place where Central American creatives can connect, collaborate, and inspire the next generation.

What started as a USC capstone project has become something I hope to continue growing well beyond the classroom.

In many ways, Rodas Studios and SalviWood represent two sides of the same dream. Rodas Studios allows me to create visual stories and bring other people’s ideas to life, while SalviWood gives me the opportunity to celebrate my heritage and create space for voices that haven’t always had the recognition they deserve.

Something else I’m especially excited about is the rebranding of Rodas Studios.

Growing up, my father was a pilot, and aviation was a major influence on my childhood. In fact, I originally planned to study aerospace engineering before my experience with the Sprite Refreshing Films competition changed the direction of my life and inspired me to pursue filmmaking instead.

Interestingly enough, the Spanish word *rodar* can mean to roll, rotate, or even film a movie, depending on the context. That connection to my last name, Rodas, inspired me to incorporate an aircraft modeled after one my father used to fly into the new brand identity, with its propeller becoming a central part of the logo.

For me, it’s more than just a redesign. It’s a tribute to my father, the dreams I grew up with, and the journey that brought me to where I am today.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue expanding Rodas Studios, growing my apparel line, developing original productions, and eventually adapting several short film scripts I’ve written into films. I also want to continue building SalviWood into a platform that celebrates Salvadoran identity and creates meaningful opportunities for Central American storytellers.

Ultimately, what I’m most proud of isn’t necessarily the places I’ve traveled or the people I’ve worked with. It’s knowing that I’ve been able to turn my childhood passion into something meaningful while finding ways to honor the people and experiences that shaped me.

Rodas Studios represents my creativity and my journey as a filmmaker. SalviWood represents my roots, my family’s sacrifices, and my hope for greater representation.

Both are built on the same belief: that everyone has a story worth telling.

And if there’s one thing I want readers to take away from my work, it’s that storytelling has the power to connect us, preserve our history, challenge perceptions, and inspire people to dream beyond what they once thought was possible.

I’m still building, still learning, and still dreaming. But I’m proud that the work I’m creating today reflects not only where I want to go, but also where I came from.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to just start, even if you don’t have everything figured out. Don’t wait until you have the perfect equipment, the right connections, or enough money. I remember using my old iPod Nano and iPod Touch to record videos, making the most of whatever I had until I could slowly save up and upgrade my equipment. Looking back, those limitations pushed me to become more creative and resourceful.

One thing I wish I had understood earlier is just how important it is to surround yourself with people who genuinely want to see you grow and succeed. Find people who inspire you, challenge you to become better, celebrate your accomplishments, and support you through your setbacks. Don’t waste your energy trying to prove yourself to people who constantly question your ambitions, mock your achievements, or make you feel small for pursuing something you love. There’s a difference between constructive criticism and someone simply trying to bring you down. Learn to recognize that difference, and don’t be afraid to walk away.

Find your tribe. Your real tribe. The people who have your back, encourage you when things get difficult, and celebrate your victories as if they were their own. And just as importantly, be that same kind of person for others. I’ve learned that the right people can make an incredible difference in your journey.

Another important lesson I’ve learned is to know your worth and never undervalue your abilities. Your time, creativity, knowledge, and experience all have value. Don’t sell yourself short or feel obligated to accept every opportunity simply because someone is offering it. I’ve worked with people in the past who didn’t recognize or appreciate what I brought to the table, and eventually, I made the decision to walk away. It wasn’t always easy, but I learned that protecting your peace and respecting your own work are just as important as pursuing success.

Sometimes walking away from the wrong opportunities, collaborations, or relationships is exactly what creates room for the right ones. You can be humble, kind, and willing to learn without allowing others to take advantage of you.

Also, remember that everyone’s journey moves at a different pace. Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s success. Be curious, ask questions, make mistakes, and never stop learning. Don’t let rejection or someone else’s opinion convince you that your dreams aren’t worth pursuing.

You don’t need everyone’s approval to chase your dreams, and you certainly don’t need to diminish yourself to make others comfortable. Know your worth, protect your passion, and surround yourself with people who genuinely believe in you.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success isn’t just about how far you go. It’s also about the people you choose to bring along, the boundaries you learn to establish, and never losing yourself along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rodasstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodasstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RodasStudios
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saulerodas
• Twitter: https://x.com/RodasStudios
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RodasStudios
• Other: https://tophost.org/2026/saul-rodas?fbclid=IwY2xjawVNLIZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWJyaWQRMW1XbmRMVVlHY0g2Y3RmaDNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeruCaBc32MFRmI3TgQXfLxx-i2zaKb4UfE7wORDOmNDNVsDzkO1ts7fv9BnA_aem_4Dfkz_eGd7eW5OTis1toZg