Crew Member: Mirna Vasquez
Who are the people in the film industry which have had an influence in the way you make films today?
A local filmmaker taught me and showed me everything he knows about filmmaking, and more. He shows me every day what his dreams look like, and it has inspired me to the point of wanting to do it on my own. That filmmaker is Ramon Vasquez Jr. He has taught me to appreciate the work of directors such as Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino, and Alejandro Gonzalez-Iñarritu. I’ve learned to see the greatness in other directors, such as Sofia Coppola, and James Mangold, who brought me my favorite move, “Walk the Line”. But if it wasn’t for Ramon, I think my extent in filmmaking would be in giving directors my money when I would see their movie at the theatre.
Why do you make films?
I’m a baby when it comes to filmmaking. I can honestly say I’ve only been in it for about a year. I didn’t get into the business to make films; I wanted to be a radio DJ. But thru school and meeting Ramon, I fell in love with the production of movies. I can be 100% happy with helping out in pre-production, arranging locations, casting actors, preparing food, script supervising or even holding a boom. I love to see the fruits of my work when I see the movie on the screen, and know that I helped bring it there, whether my job was a little one or a big one.
What advice would you like to give other filmmakers?
It might be cliché, but it’s totally true. Follow your dreams. If you want to make movies, do it! What’s stopping you? Life is too short to have the words “I’d like to make movies” come out of your mouth. Take action and make yourself a movie! But always remember that this is a hard industry, and if you want in, you can’t do it for the money. You have to do it because you love it. Otherwise, don’t quit your day job.
Credits
“THE CAREGIVER” – May 2008 – San Diego, Ca. – Diffusion films and Shave Stone Productions – Independent / Short: Production Assistants
“NECESSARY MEASURES” – July 2006 – San Diego, Ca. – New Liberty Entertainment – Shot in 48 Hour Independent / Short: Production Coordinator, Script Supervisor, & Craft Services
“AMERICAN NIGHTMARE” – May 2006 – Escondido & San Diego, Ca. – Diffusion Films – Independent 16mm Film / Short: Script Supervisor, Craft Services, & BTS Photographer
“FOREBODING” – April 2006 – San Diego & Poway, Ca. – Diffusion Films – Independent 16mm Film / Short: BTS Camera, Photographer, & Slate
“SIGN” – April 2006 – San Diego & National City, Ca. – City Band Production – Student Independent Film / Short: Producer, Director, & Executive Producer
“EMPTY” – August 2005 – San Diego & Poway, Ca. – Diffusion Films & City Band Productions – Independent / Short: Executive Producer, BTS Camera, Buyer, & Production Accountant
“COUNTDOWN” – 2001 – Short – San Diego, Ca. – City Band Productions – Independent / Short: Executive Producer