Today we’d like to introduce you to Paloma Quintanal.
Hi Paloma, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Mexico City, fortunate to have parents who always supported me in everything. In their own way, they made me believe that I was born into a world where anything is possible, and the only limits are in your head. I believe this greatly shaped my personality and, above all, my character. From a young age, I knew what I wanted and what I didn’t, and as the years went by, I discovered how important it was for me to achieve professional success, my professional success.
I have always been a lover of entertainment; cinema and theater are among my favorite things in the world. From my earliest memories, I would secretly watch Mexican soap operas in the afternoons, much to my parents’ unawareness, of course. I enjoyed putting on theater productions with my friends or cousins and presenting them at family gatherings, Christmas, etc. On Fridays, my friends and I would gather at someone’s house to make movies. We would literally grab a camera and recreate existing films or improvise and tell our own stories. I remember that during adolescence when Twilight was a thing, it was our go-to remake every time.
I think growing up with so much creative freedom and surrounding myself with people who shared similar interests and encouraged my creativity was undoubtedly key in becoming the person I am today. I discovered my passion for being a producer in the last years of high school when I realized my interest in fields such as business, administration, and project management. Even in my personal life, I behaved like a producer, always taking on a leadership role in any given circumstance.
I always explore, find, and implement solutions for every problem using my organizational skills, ability to calculate risk and opportunity, and attention to detail. Combining my passion for entertainment with my control-freak personality, I arrived at the result: a producer. Without a doubt, I wouldn’t be here in Los Angeles, living my passion and sharing this story, if it weren’t for everything I experienced, learned, and grew through in Mexico, both personally and professionally, in the years that followed.
My journey into the world of professional production began when I was 19 years old, back in 2015. I was just a third-semester Communication student, and although I was there because I wanted to produce Mexican soap operas, out of curiosity, alongside my university classes, I took a theater production course. As I have always been in love with theater, I was curious to know behind the scenes how the staging of a play was made possible and all the ins and outs of the production process. There, one of my classmates was working as a producer for a small theater production, and he invited me and my best friend, who was also taking the course, to work on that play as a stage manager. We had zero experience, but saying no was not an option, and we ventured into the unknown. That play was called “Sucia y muy chingona historia de amor” (Dirty Great Love Story), and it truly changed my life. I remember it today as one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The play was much more successful than anyone thought it would be and ran in various theaters in Mexico City for about five years. I worked there until mid-2017, and in the meantime, I ventured to produce two plays on my own and worked as a stage manager on two other productions.
In 2017, I had the opportunity to work in Madrid, Spain for a commercial production company, and without hesitation, I left everything behind and once again ventured into the unknown. I took a semester off from my studies and said goodbye to my years in theater, which I will always carry in my heart. I worked for six months as the right-hand person to the CEO of a production company called Aproductions, and that was my first introduction to the world of film production.
After those six months, I returned to Mexico to finish my degree, and in the same year, 2018, I started working part-time as a production coordinator for a photo and video production company called Latro Films. At Latro, we produced all kinds of videos, from commercials for major brands like Disney or Business Insider to music festivals after movies or wedding videos. In 2019, I completed my degree in Communication and became a producer at Latro Films. It was then that I reaffirmed my passion for production and decided I wanted to take it to the next level.
In 2021, I started my master’s in film and television production at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. While studying, doors opened for me to work with Black Valley Films under the mentorship of Oscar-nominated documentarian Scott Hamilton Kennedy. Following my graduation in 2023, I joined a renowned Academy Award-winning film director as a creative executive and production coordinator.
At the same time, I am embarking on a film festival circuit for two shorts that I recently produced. A documentary short titled “The Party is in the Kitchen,” directed by Laura Medeiros, and a dramedy short film named “Have you ever wanted to kill somebody?” directed by Sebastian Berenguer, which just premiered at the California Women’s Film Festival.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I believe it has definitely not been easy to get to where I am today. The major struggles along the way have been dealing with imposter syndrome and stepping out of my comfort zone repeatedly to keep growing and someday become the producer I hope to be.
Sometimes, the fear of starting something new and the uncertainty of whether it will go well or not, or if it’s the right decision or not, or if we are ready and prepared to take on new challenges or not, is our biggest obstacle. I have undoubtedly realized that my worst enemy in my growth and professional success has been myself, and although I have forced myself to face those fears and doubts, I know it’s a continuous process. However, every challenge overcome has been an invaluable lesson and an opportunity to strengthen my determination.
The path to success not only involves achieving tangible goals but also facing internal challenges that arise in the journey. Imposter syndrome, resistance to change, and constant doubt are common aspects we all face. In my case, overcoming these obstacles has meant going beyond my comfort zone, taking risks, and learning to trust my abilities.
Every time I face the fear of the unknown, I remember that personal and professional growth lies on the other side of uncertainty. Embracing new challenges, even when I’m not entirely sure how they will turn out, has been key to my development. I firmly believe that constant preparation and willingness to take on new responsibilities are crucial to achieving my goals as a producer.
However, as I look back on my journey, I have nothing but good memories of everything I’ve experienced and a lot of gratitude. I am a firm believer that dreams, if we work very hard to achieve them, generally not only come true but also come with a bonus of reward. I still have many dreams to fulfill and many stories to tell, and I am excited about the journey ahead.
Every challenge I have overcome has been a valuable lesson, and every achievement has been a confirmation that dedication and effort are worthwhile. As I look to the future, I not only visualize my goals but also the path that will lead me to achieve them.
I know the journey may present obstacles, but I am prepared to face them with determination and perseverance. Every chapter of my life so far has contributed to my personal and professional growth, and I am grateful for all the experiences that have shaped me.
In my journey, I seek not only personal success but also the opportunity to inspire others to pursue their dreams. I believe in the importance of sharing stories and motivating those around me. Life is a blank canvas, and I am committed to continue painting my own narrative full of passion, achievements, and, above all, a deep sense of gratitude for every step of the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I take immense pride in my journey and the hard work that has brought me to where I am today. As a female Mexican filmmaker, I understand that opportunities didn’t simply fall into my lap; I had to actively pursue them. I’ve put in the hours, made tough decisions, and willingly paid the price for my success.
What sets me apart is not only my dedication but also my approach to the industry. I’m a risk-taker; I believe that the people we know by name took big risks at some point, and I’m not afraid to do the same. I embrace failure as part of the process and a learning opportunity. In this town designed to beat you down, I’ve found that perseverance is key, and those who keep getting up are the ones who make it.
Being an expert in my field is crucial. I believe in holding my own in conversations, constantly learning, and honing my skills to stay at the top of my game. Additionally, reliability is a core value for me. If I say yes, I do it. If I can’t, I say no. My word is my bond. Loyalty is another aspect that I hold dear; when someone helps me, I make it a point to help them back. We’re all in this together, and fostering a sense of unity and collaboration is essential in our industry.
I believe that it’s not just my work but also these principles that set me apart in a competitive and challenging field. With hard work, dedication, and a passion for storytelling, I am confident in the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.
My belief in the power of storytelling as a means to inspire reflection and empathy drives me. I aim to infuse my stories with sentimentality and depth, creating a profound emotional connection between the audience and the characters on screen. I draw on universal themes that people can relate to and am committed to taking risks, challenging conventions, and pushing boundaries to produce innovative, authentic, and impactful content.
What matters most to you?
These last years, I have understood that what matters most is to be happy. It’s not just about existing; it’s about feeling truly fulfilled. The ultimate objective is not merely to be happy but to thrive in an environment that brings joy, surrounded by people who contribute to our happiness and engaged in activities that genuinely make our hearts sing. To me, nothing else holds significance if it doesn’t contribute to our happiness. It’s crucial to recognize that happiness isn’t a final destination; it’s an ongoing journey. As we navigate through life, our aspirations and priorities may evolve, but the essence of our pursuit should remain centered on experiencing authentic and enduring happiness.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paloma_qe?igsh=YzVkODRmOTdmMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/paloma-quintanal-897b10120
