Meet Nelson Rodas of NotSoLittle Productions in Canoga Park

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

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in a very modest neighborhood in Reseda, California. I lived in this cozy one-bedroom apartment with my father, mother and sister for my whole life. I realized what I really wanted to do with my life at the young age of 3. I recall asking my mom how I can get into the tv while watching the fascinating movie Ace Ventura Pet Detective.

I definitely ignored my instincts until my junior year of high school. I did some research and found out that Jim Carrey attended Playhouse West in North Hollywood and I immediately began my acting training there. I studied there while also attending UCLA where I studied Creative Writing.

I’ve come to realize that I’m the happiest when I’m creating something. I’m currently writing my own short films, starring in them, making the music for them as well as recording an album for the band I’m currently in. I wholeheartedly believe you reap what you sow and am very busy sowing right now. I wouldn’t have that any other way.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Obstacles I’ve faced have been financial hardships and the lack of support from family/mentors.

I used to be afraid to make my own films due to all the talk of “money” involved. Classmates of mine had many ideas and scripts for films but they hesitated due to finances. Then I would hear them say “once I can raise x amount of money I will shoot this project”. And years would pass and nothing would ever get done. So, I tried my hand at writing something and luckily found that with 50 dollars I could make my film. I just bought food for the people on set. I was fortunate enough to find very reliable and talented friends who helped me make my films. One person had a camera, another had microphones, etc.

As for the support, at first, I didn’t have the moral support from my family that I was expecting. They tried to steer me away from it and do something “smart and safe”. They were disappointed that I’d want to do something crazy like filmmaking and music. That was very difficult. I felt obsolete and isolated for a little while. I had teachers telling me to be a lawyer, doctor, professor. Which made my decision a lot tougher. But I definitely held true to my heart and pushed forward.

Please tell us about NotSoLittle Productions.
My good friend Matthew and I started our own production company, NotSoLittle Productions. We are a two-man team most of the time; he works the camera, the editing and just about everything in the post-production end of filmmaking. I write scripts/stories, cast them, scout for locations, act in them and create music for these films.

As a team, we are most proud of creating/producing 5 short films in the span of a year. We set out a goal to create 5 original films in the span of 2017 and we accomplished it.

We’re a very collaborative group and love to test our limits and extend our help to any and all filmmakers who want a helping hand.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would have started creating my own films earlier than when I originally did and I would have worked on my confidence at an earlier age so I could get rid of the timidity I originally started out with.

Contact Info:

• Address: 21450 Chase Street Apt#225
• Phone: 8186056485
• Email: nelsonrodasdavid@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/nelsondrodas
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9gkI3kXoWVGfzDPatQsnWQ

Image Credit:
Matthew Beavers

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