We recently had the chance to connect with Mariano De Luca ADF and have shared our conversation below.
Mariano, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My daily routine, is exactly a “Routine”, because I do the same things everyday. After waking up, first thing is to meditate, so I prepare myself and meditate for 25 minutes. After that breakfast (the most important meal of the day) and while having breakfast, I read the news at least from 4 different outlets to see what’s happening in the world from different perspectives.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Director of Photography (what is also called a “Cinematographer”), there is a whole dispute for if it’s the same or not and what are the differences, but in reality everyone in the Film Industry knows that a Cinematographer and Director of Photography do the same job! I’m based in Los Angeles, CA for more than 8 years now, and my biggest line of work are Documentaries and Narrative films. Currently I’m finishing a Narrative Feature Film and a Documentary at the same time, which I hope will be out soon for everyone to watch.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
During my career I had several persons that help me grow and taught me a lot. I think the first one was my Cinematography class Teacher, “Claudio”. He showed me how beautiful this is, and share all his knowledge and enthusiasm about it. I got into film, because of Music, so I guess I owe him the idea of me becoming a Cinematographer, since it was on his first class that I was “OH YEAH! I WANT TO DO THIS!” And completely forgot about music! After Film School, I had beautiful and not so beautiful bosses, that one way or the other taught me a lot. Either what’s right or what’s wrong, but I’ll always be grateful to have learned, even if it was the wrong way.
And lately, I found my mentor through the ASC (American Society of Cinematographers), Fernando Arguelles, ASC. Who without a doubt shared every single bit of information he had collected through all his career (and it’s a long and amazing one!) with me. He’s an absolute bless to me and I’m so lucky have crossed paths with him and to have his support.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I guess, there were a couple times… and maybe they will be some more in the future too! Hahaha…. The FIlm Industry is not for everyone, and it’s a really hard journey you enroll on when you start. It’s full of rejection and so hard on your feelings, but I’m still here. Once I was at a workshop with several amazing Cinematographers with years and years of experience, and one of them told us: The only way to get there is to not have a Plan B… so I guess I don’t have one!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Short answer, YES. Long answer, I always try to be truthful to myself and act accordingly. I don’t like to show something I’m not and I completely understand that not everyone likes everyone, but I feel that acting from love and respect will always be my priority and it is what I want to show everyone.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe so. I have an amazing family that always supported me in all my decisions, and let me be and try whatever I wanted to be or try. It’s because of that, I feel that I found what I’m supposed to be doing, I enjoy it, I love it, I feel so joyful when I’m on set, shooting a project. It feels deep down on me, that is the correct thing to do, and no matter what, I’ll keep try doing it and embracing it even more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.marianodelucadp.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/marianodelucadp
Image Credits
Matthew Seest
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