Hugo Will of Burbank on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Hugo Will shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Hugo, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Feeding newborn and dropping of the older kid at school

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Hugo Will, and I’m a Los Angeles–based cinematographer, filmmaker, and founder of CinePro Film School and Hugo Will Productions. I’ve spent over 15 years behind the camera, shooting music videos, films, and commercials for artists and brands around the world. My passion lies in storytelling through visuals – turning technical precision into emotional impact.

CinePro Film School was created to give aspiring and working filmmakers access to real industry knowledge – not only theory, but practical lessons drawn directly from set experience. Our goal is to empower the next generation of cinematographers with tools, insight, and creative confidence.

Currently, I’m expanding the CinePro platform with new masterclasses, interviews with top DPs, and case studies from real productions – bridging the gap between film school and the realities of set life.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I studied computers and math. Never thought I’d be in creative space, but it happened by itself

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were many times I almost gave up. In this industry, setbacks are constant — projects fall apart, opportunities vanish, and doubt creeps in. But I learned that persistence beats everything. When your mind tells you to stop, that’s usually the moment you’re closest to a breakthrough. You just have to brace yourself, stay focused, and keep moving forward. Fear passes, but consistency always wins.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
It’s hard to judge, but I feel like the public version of me is pretty close to the real me. I try to stay authentic, whether it’s in my work, social media, or conversations with people. Of course, the public side usually shows the highlights — the projects, the wins — but the mindset and personality behind it are genuinely who I am.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
By the time I’m gone, I hope to have left a real impact – whether through a film I’ve made, a project I’ve created, or the filmmakers my school helped inspire. I want people to remember me as someone who shared knowledge, empowered others to create, and showed that persistence and passion can turn ideas into something lasting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hugowill.com
• Instagram: @Hugo_willl
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HugoWill