Meet Terese Films of Los Angeles (Culver City)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terese Films.

Hi Terese, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Today I’m a videographer, cinematographer and FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot, but my creative journey began in an unexpected way. I have a Master of Science degree in Chemistry, was a part of a food tech startup back in Sweden, and I was an international ice hockey referee with the IIHF. My journey in Los Angeles began as a trainer at UCLA, and the filmmaking path began while I was documenting my everyday life through YouTube vlogging and — through that process — I fell in love with the art of visual storytelling and realized I was most drawn to being behind the camera. Over time, that curiosity turned into a serious commitment to filmmaking as my craft.
As my filmmaking evolved, my videos naturally began to span a wide range of environments. I’ve filmed everything from CrossFit, behind-the-scenes, swimwear and lifestyle shoots, product launches, birthday parties, conferences, testimonials, educational videos, DJ sets, to quinceañeras and exotic destination weddings. Alongside that, I’ve also been part of large-scale entertainment settings connected to major studios such as Disney, Lionsgate, Universal, and Warner Bros., including red carpet premieres like Lilo & Stitch, Freakier Friday, and Avatar. I’ve also collaborated across the digital space with YouTubers, brands, and influencers. What I’m most proud of is that I’m trusted across many different types of projects. Creating strong visuals matters, but I care just as much about making sure the experience feels enjoyable throughout.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In the very beginning, I had to take a huge leap of faith and invest in my first camera. I started with nothing, with no family or friends in the industry, and had to build everything from scratch. Early on, you really have to put yourself out there and climb “cringe mountain.” Showing your videos before you feel ready, talking to people, sharing your art, building a portfolio, and putting in the reps. Starting out in Los Angeles was definitely a grind, but what I appreciate about LA is the mindset. There’s less judgment around going after ambitious or unconventional aspirations. So many people here are building something from the ground up, chasing their goals, living their dreams — and I’m all about that energy and mentality.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Early on, someone told me, “just be a joy to collaborate with,” and at the time I thought it sounded almost too simple. But the longer I’ve been in this space, the more I’ve realized how true it is. With professionalism, integrity, reliability, and clear communication, you’re already operating at the highest level. That’s how trust is built, and how longevity happens in this field. I’m genuinely passionate about what I do, but just as importantly, I care about people. I want everyone I collaborate with to feel comfortable, confident, and supported throughout the process. I’m naturally very extroverted and a people person at heart, and I bring a lot of energy into the room. I enjoy interacting with people and talent, helping them bring out their best on camera. Over time, that approach has naturally led me toward capturing film-related premieres and large-scale entertainment events, where trust, adaptability, and presence are just as important as the visuals themselves. It’s more than just the video — it’s the whole experience — and that’s something I value deeply.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I once read a quote from Sahil Bloom that says, “Your professional success is proportional to your ability to figure things out,” and that has been incredibly true in my filmmaking journey. It takes a lot of dedication and commitment to learn every aspect of filmmaking, which is an incredibly technical craft. There is so much equipment to master, and many environments can be challenging to film in, which requires a lot of experience and skill. But in general, in filmmaking and in life, you just have to figure things out! Beyond the technical side, mindset has played a huge role for me. Leading with positivity and optimism matters — good energy is contagious.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teresefilms

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Kyle Kao (Freakier Friday Premiere Photo and Photo with Jamie Lee Curtis)