Every creator has a story, and mine was forged in the fast-paced, high-pressure world of indie filmmaking.
Before I dedicated myself to coaching and empowering other creators, I spent years on set, learning not just the craft of filmmaking but the invaluable lessons of leadership, resilience, and creative problem-solving.
These experiences taught me how to work with people, how to lead a team under impossible deadlines, and most importantly, who I wanted to be as a creator.
The following five projects were more than just films; they were the classrooms where I learned everything I bring to the table today.
Table of Contents
La Otra (The Other)
My love for horror and spooky stories came to life with La Otra (The Other). This suspense short follows a young woman, Marcia, who returns to her childhood town of Pergamino to confront a dark secret.
What made this project so special was getting to work with a talented female director, Cintya Fondato, in her actual hometown. The film was made possible by a 2017 creation grant, and the local support was incredible. The town’s governor even allowed our crew to film in a house that locals believed was genuinely haunted, turning our seven-day shoot into a completely immersive experience.
The passion paid off, and we were thrilled when the film was selected for the International Short Film Competition at the renowned Buenos Aires Rojo Sangre festival.
Karáũ
This film was my first taste of working with a major outside investor—in this case, the government of a northern state in Argentina. They funded the project to help us bring the ancestral legend of the Karáũ to life, a powerful folklore tale about a young man’s desperate attempts to save his sick mother.
Working with director Facundo Vallejos Yunes came with the pressure of delivering on someone else’s dime, but the real challenge came when the original Art Director couldn’t make it to our remote location. I had to step up and take over the role, making this film a trial by fire in managing expectations and wearing multiple hats.
That hard work paid off when Karau was featured in festivals from Paraguay to Spain and even landed a deal with DirecTV.
Un Paso Más (One More Step)
As the first short film for my indie company, Un Paso Más taught me the true meaning of a deadline. We had just one day to shoot the entire film.
A friend’s brother, an airplane enthusiast, had built an entire plane interior in his warehouse and gave us a 24-hour window to use it. Our team worked around the clock without sleep, building the set, lighting it, and even running out to the street to find extras.
It was chaotic and exhausting, but we pulled it off. This project proved to me that with enough energy and a determined team, you can achieve the impossible.
El Ultimo Toque (The Last Touch)
The 48-Hour Film Project is famous for its creative challenges, and for El Ultimo Toque, we were given the ultimate prompt: Horror Musical. We had to create a film with original music in just two days.
The logistical puzzle was immense; our actors couldn’t sing, so while one team was filming them lip-syncing, another team was across town recording the actual vocal tracks.
As a floor producer, my job was to keep everything moving on set. It was a masterclass in coordination and creative problem-solving, and we walked away with the award for Best Casting.
Et Anima Mea
Et Anima Mea was where I first dove into the world of practical special effects and on-set makeup.
We filmed this horror short in a real, incredibly creepy orphanage, which set the perfect tone. The shoot took place in the freezing cold, and one of my biggest challenges was caring for our lead actress, who had to be barefoot for her scenes. I spent the day keeping her warm and constantly reapplying makeup to her feet and hands.
This project wasn’t just about the art; it was about taking care of your team and learning how to bring a vision to life, no matter the conditions.
Conclusion
From haunted houses to 24-hour shoots, these films taught me that the best work comes from passion, teamwork, and the ability to think on your feet.
Here is a quick rundown on the films that forged my path as a creator:
The challenges on set forced me to become a better leader, a more resourceful producer, and a more empathetic collaborator. These are the exact skills I now use to help other creators find their voice and build their brand.