Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel Romero
Hi Miguel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My first venture into filmmaking was at a rather early age, making short stop motion movies with LEGO toys and anything else I had lying around. They were my first attempts at being creative and working with the resources that were provided to me. These films were my early efforts into the world of filmmaking that, although lost today, are still very special to me. I didn’t realize then that this simple, childish hobby would transition into the passion that it is today.
I’ve been fortunate to have been raised in a supportive household who have always pushed me to follow my passion. I fell in love with filmmaking at an early age. Watching movies became my escape, a moment in which I could learn, understand, or simply lose myself in the story and characters. The more films I watched, the more eager I was to tell stories.
I pursued my filmmaking journey by simply making films. I would take advantage of any spare time I had to make films. Whether it was a scripted film, a documentary, or a simple experimental project, I sought excuses to create art, to assemble a team of creatives and simply make something. There didn’t have to be a reason other than to create and express something. I then branched out into photography, opening a newfound door into storytelling that would serve as an extension of my art. I’d collaborate on music videos, photography shoots, any excuse to connect with creatives and express myself. Each creative work, as small or large as it was, were stepping stones into where I am today.
I went on to study filmmaking at California State University, Northridge, where I would refine my filmmaking and photography skills into what they are today. I graduated with a BA in TV Production – Documentary. After my time at film school, I continued applying for work in film and photography, offering my creative services while continuing to create my own content and stories.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a bumpy road, no doubt. Staying positive in the creative field is a continuous challenge. The anxiety and self-doubt I felt starting out took a heavy toll on my mental health, making me question my career path. It’s not an easy topic to discuss for sure, but learning to overcome these fears allowed me to further my creative work. It wasn’t so much about erasing these thoughts as it was to simply ignore them, prevent them from getting in the way of the art. The art is too important for negative thoughts to get it in the way. As David Lynch said, “negativity is the enemy of creativity.” It’s as simple as that.
I’ve also been a natural introvert, something I always hated about myself, but have learned to accept later on. I would view my introverted persona as a weakness of sorts, especially in the industry of which I was pursuing. I’d be surrounded by people of mass energy and enthusiasm, their personality serving as a driving force in their creative journey. I attempted to exit out of this introverted state, not realizing I was fabricating a false image of myself. Reflecting on my past experiences, I have come to the realization that it is ok to be introverted, even in such a loud and competitive field. As I became more confident in my craft and exposed my work to more creatives, I would eventually step out of my shell, but I found that staying true to myself was what kept me moving. Up to this day, I have remained the introverted type, but I no longer view it as a weakness. You can still be the introverted type and succeed as a creative, regardless of what people will say.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a filmmaker, photographer, and writer. My filmmaking work extends to a variety of styles and genres, ranging from scripted shorts to documentaries to experimental films. I am an experimentalist by nature, captivated by the many ways the camera can evoke a feeling or idea. As a filmmaker, my main focus is in the camera department, working as a cinematographer, camera operator, or a still photographer. I also write and direct my own personal films, of which I am also cinematographer and sometimes editor.
As a filmmaker and storyteller, I am fascinated by the absurd, the surreal, and the fantastical, and how it interconnects with reality. I gravitate towards such styles as magical realism, in which the fantastical interconnects with reality. I also have a special love for documentary filmmaking, most notably the poetic and observational kind. I love to document the world around me, telling stories of every day moments and people and adding an artistic flair to it that feels equally observational as it is poetic. Most of my personal work is very much low to no budget, making use of the resources available to tell a story.
My most recent film, Polaroid, had the honor of screening at the Skiptown Playhouse International Film Festival in Hollywood. I am currently in post-production for my upcoming film, Nawal, starring Miguel Sanchez and Natalia Polo. I wrote, directed, photographed, and edited the former titles. Both of these films embody a magical realist nature to them while exploring such themes as death, identity, and existentialism.
My photography work follows a documentary feel that parallels my filmography. My street and documentary photography is particularly special to me, as I cherish capturing the little moments in life. There is something valuable and beautiful in telling stories of the ordinary as well as capturing unique ways of telling those stories. I am intrigued by the idea of photography as a memory.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can follow me on Instagram: @msr_photography13. I post my photography and video work on a regular basis. I am always open to any feedback that would potentially improve my work. I also accept DM’s through IG for any collaborations. For any collaborations, I can also be reached via email at [email protected]. I have also started a YouTube channel of which I will be updating regularly with filmmaking and photography related content. More of my video work is also on my website (https://www.one-little-camara.com/videos-1) and Vimeo account (https://vimeo.com/user84297602). I am overall very open to collaborations and am always looking to connect with creatives of all sorts of backgrounds and interests. My creative mind is very much alive and curious.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.one-little-camara.com
