Things I’ve Learned as a Moviemaker

Be flexible.

You have to learn to listen and understand to the
needs of the director. You will learn to see things from new perspectives
that will make your work richer and better.

Don’t be flexible.

If you give in to “logical” or “easier” ways of working
that don’t make sense to you, you will suffer greatly, especially
when watching dailies. Line producers will typically be on your
back trying to bend you, but if your instinct tells you that you
are right, stick to that.

Listen to your gut.

You may be hungry, and it’s important to eat to keep
your energy level. If you have eaten, then your gut is trying to
tell you something important. Pay attention!

Go for it!

I have learned that whenever I take the biggest risks,
the happier I am with the results. When I’m extremely careful about
my choices and think too much, the resulting images are usually
weak.

Enjoy the shoot.

I try not to take myself too seriously, because the
stress level is high no matter what you do. So if you lose your
sense of humor you can easily risk a heart attack. You are going
to suffer, so at least try to have some fun on the set when you
can to avoid going crazy. I find this also helps me to focus better
after a bit of laughter has loosened me up.

Filmography for Rodrigo Prieto

25th Hour (2002)
8 Mile (2002)
Frida (2002)
Ten Tiny Love Stories (2001)
Original Sin (2001)
Ricky 6 (2000)
Amores perros (2000)
Optic Fiber (1998)
Un Embrujo (1998)
Oedipus Mayor (1996)
Sobrenatural (1995)
Dama de noche (1993)
An Instant to Die (1993)
Perfume, Efecto Inmediato (1993)
Objetos perdidos (1992)