Rising Stars: Meet Caroline Mariko Stucky of Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Mariko Stucky.

Hi Caroline Mariko, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In my early twenties, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had dropped out of college because the academic route didn’t fit me. My sister gave me a pamphlet about an international film summer program in LA. I was born in Switzerland and lived most of my life there. When I was twelve, my family and I did a road trip on the West Coast and I remember loving the beaches, palm trees, visiting Universal Studios and diners. I also grew up watching a tone of American mainstream movies, thanks to my uncle Miguel who owned several movies theaters. So I thought, maybe I’ll give the summer program a shot.

Flying to LA to do a filmmaking program was very exciting. I remember when I saw the Hollywood sign, it hit differently this time. It felt like I was in a movie myself. At the school, I made international friends that I’m still in touch with today but I had to go back home and figure out what my next step was.

I decided to start an internship in Hamburg, Germany, at a camera and lighting rental company, to learn the tools of the trade. On the weekends, interns were allowed to borrow any equipment and practice filmmaking. Working with big lights, dollies, cranes and the best cameras on the market felt empowering and finding a community of people who were also passionate about movies and storytelling was another great experience.

That was it! I wanted to become a filmmaker and make movies for a living. I could have stayed in Hamburg and start to work there but America was calling. I thought I’d stop in New York first. Closer to home and a new city to discover. I ended up staying there for 14 years. In NY, I started dating a native Angeleno. We would come here every winter for the holidays to visit her family. Discovering LA through the eyes of someone who grew up here was very special because I was used to the touristy stuff and they would take me to see unique places that only people who live here know about. LA was back on my radar.

Although the film industry has been suffering a lot in LA since the pandemic, many of my friends from NY moved here so I already have a community of familiar faces and close friends. LA offers things that NY can’t and at this stage of my life, I’m craving for good weather, more space/comfort and a slower pace.

I still go back and forth between NY and LA but the more time I spend here, the more I feel like home. New York is always going to be there but I’m ready for my new chapter.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I went hiking this morning in Griffith Park by myself. I could see the parking lot from the top of the hill but it was a winding road to get back. I started reflecting on how life is never a straight line. It has ups and downs, sometimes obstacles and crossroads.

I find interesting to look back on decisions I made and how they shaped who I am today and where I stand. I visited LA for the first time in 1996 with my family. Came back in 2008 for the summer program. Visited again multiple times since I moved to the US and finally, this year, I started looking for a place to move in. I haven’t found my ‘home’ yet but I am almost at the parking lot.

I don’t necessarily think that figuring out what to do or finding a ‘home’ is struggle though. I think every decision and experience in life teaches us what we really want, as long as we take the time to reflect and think more deeply about each steps of our lives.

When someone finds their passion and purpose in life, even the hard days are fine. My mom said to me one day: “it’s not the destination that matters. It’s the journey.” Every day, I feel grateful to be where I am and to do what I love. What we call ‘struggle’ is a part of the game and stepping stones to become more and more resilient and ready for whatever life throws our way.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been making a living as a director of photography since 2015. I work mainly on independent films, music and fashion videos. With a photographer friend of mine based in LA, we started YC8 Studios. Ylva Erevall is a Swedish beauty & fashion photographer and with my training in filmmaking, we offer high-end photo and video services from concept to delivery. We both grew up in Europe and moved to the US to pursue a career in the show business.

When our mutual friend, Patricia Selznick introduced us, we clicked instantly. Having the same work ethic and similar taste makes working together very smooth and efficient. We both have a very technical background. Our work is very precise and aesthetically pleasing. We love what we do, and to help people and companies show their best selves. We value human connections and our sets are fun and relaxed at the same time. You can find us on Instagram @yc8studios

What does success mean to you?
I thought ‘success’ was measured by fame and money but I found that doing what I love with people I love and admire is a form of success. Being an artist in a world that values cheap and fast labor more than craftsmanship and experience is tough but I find being true to myself and my values is worth the ‘struggle’ and it’s much more rewarding when people recognize my work when it comes from an authentic place. Nothing is calculated.

I’ve stopped trying to impress or please people. Being myself and doing what I love unapologetically is success for me. Some people will appreciate, some people won’t care less. What matters is to understand that everything is subjective, accept differences and respect one another.

The deeper I meditate about what success means to me, I believe that being kind to yourself and others, no matter what you are going through, to surround yourself with good people, being emotional, vulnerable, open minded, respectful to everyone, no matter their background or believes — is being successful in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carolinemarikostucky.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinemarikofilms?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsi=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-mariko-stucky-b8068a24/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CinemaSelect

Image Credits
Ylva Erevall, Kaveh Ryndak