POV: Director
How would you describe what you do?
For me Madness is the only sane way to live and definitely my life is about the madness of finding and telling stories wherever they're hidden.
How did you get into this job?
When I finished high school I wanted to be a doctor but I realized that one mistake could be fatal for a patient, so I changed my mind. Then it came to me the idea of studying something related to advertising. I got into College and fell in love with this crazy way of life. I executed every job I could, from producer to editor, from to lightning to audio, to voice over actor to on screen actor. I started a job in a Post production audio studio and learned about the importance of sound. Then some video post production. When I moved to an advertising agency, I started as a Sr. producer for Telmex, a big national account, which let me interact with great directors and just then it hit me: This is my path, therefore I became an AD so I could learn everything from the directors I worked with. Happy Monster came to my life so I could confirm that there is madness everywhere but there’s nothing better than a bunch of mad people working together in harmony, with the same focus: Create great stories.
What is most challenging about what you do?
1. The Struggle between production companies. Everybody wants the project no matter the cost, literally and in the end, to see how a great idea is compromised for money.
2.Client’s sanity! Hahaha
3.When you struggle with common sense: the people who need it most never use it.
2.Client’s sanity! Hahaha
3.When you struggle with common sense: the people who need it most never use it.
What is most rewarding?
Happy clients, but also create pieces worth being in our company's demo reel.
And, of course, a satisfied self.
And, of course, a satisfied self.
What’s a typical work week like?
Pitching, working late, shooting, planning and creating content in order to develop, understand and learn the business from my unbelievable associate who is the best partner in crime and creation. Learning from others and co-working with my amazing team. Having a blast here at the Happy Monster den.
What needs to happen the most in order for a shoot to run smoothly?
Having the best talent in your team. When the Happy Monster takes the set everything runs smoothly. I’m a firm believer that when you have a happy and creative team, everything goes in the best direction.
Whats your best job/worst job?
My best job is when everybody lets their Happy Monster out and then they allow me to give the best of me as a director and as a person.
My worst Jos is when the client hires me due to my expertise and suddenly they need to take control and be "creative" not letting the process flow as planed.
My worst Jos is when the client hires me due to my expertise and suddenly they need to take control and be "creative" not letting the process flow as planed.
What advice would you offer someone considering a career as a Director?
Be true to yourself, do not take any comment on your work as a fact or personal, reinvent but also stay persistent, if your gut says "it’s ok", take the shot. Take all the chances you can get. Feel the fear and do it anyway.
If you had one project that you could post on AdForum to represent your work, what would it be?
I’m very proud of all of my work because I’ve seen that it fulfill its purpose, no matter which piece. Take a look to "Xoloitzcuintles" in my reel.
Finally tell us something that most people don’t know about being a Director?
Directing is not only about telling actors what to do and how, or deciding where the camera goes, is knowing about every single thing on set so you can make everything work smooth. Directing is to help your crew to bring out the best of their mind and soul.