There is a great distinction between being a Movie Director and a Filmmaker: the former is an employee of the movie production, the later is an Auteur.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I was born in Argentina, raised in Buddhism, and my relationship with the arts started at 4 years old when doing 3D perspective paintings in kindergarten. At 10 years old my dad gave me a video camera and a digital editing computer-suite as a present, and I started shooting and editing short films since then.
At 21 years old I moved to Asia to learn Mandarin language. In 2008 I founded my own movie-studio PROVOKE FILMS, directing and producing music videos, fashion films and commercials for Worldwide clients and brands.
From 2015 to 2018 I became a Nichiren Shu Japanese School Buddhist monk, and I did buddhist missionary work in Asia, Europe and America.
On 2018 I moved to USA, left my buddhist missionary work, and focused entirely on creating entertainment and artistic content to bring Awakening, Discernment and Joy to the audience.
2. What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
The beautiful camera movement, visual poetry, provocative storylines and cinematography of Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick and Sergei Tarkovsky’s movies were the inspiration for me to become a full time filmmaker.
3. What advice would you pass on to someone who wants to be a filmmaker?
To learn well all the crew production roles, tools, and tricks needed to make a movie, before labeling themselves Filmmakers. There is a great distinction between being a Movie Director and a Filmmaker: the former is an employee of the movie production, the later is an Auteur.
4. What is your mantra of success?
Don’t give the audience what they already expect from you. Innovate and never stop learning the craft.
5. Who is your favourite filmmaker and why?
I have several favourite filmmakers that inspire my work… Steven Spielberg -because of his storytelling magic-, Stanley Kubrick and Sergei Tarkovsky -because of their visual originality and power-, David Fincher -because of his masterful skills as a director-, Mark Romanek -because of his true Artistic mindset-, and Paul Thomas Anderson -because of his visual energy.
6. What does your typical day look like?
I live in San Fernando Valley with my cat Sammy, surrounded by all the movie and television studios. I normally go to sleep at 8am, and wake up at 12pm yes, I am a vampire (lol). I start the day by listening to the news and reading my email inbox while having breakfast. Then I set up the activities I need to complete during the day, and I start working and making phone calls.
I love to go running or biking at night for 1 or 2 hours, when everyone is sleeping, before I connect with my life and business partner -my Muse- who lives in the northern hemisphere.
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
“Thus Spoke Zarathustra” by Friedrich Nietzsche, because every time I read it, I find freedom and purpose in life.