An Interview with Prolific and Talented Filmmaker Casilda García López
Casilda García López has been involved in the entertainment industry since before she even graduated from college, creating documentaries and interview series alongside some other highly talented filmmakers.
Her film work has covered cultural trends in Spain as well as notable Spanish figures. She also worked on the campaign for SUMMIT, an immersive art installation designed to promote One Vanderbilt, New York’s newest skyscraper that recently became part of the world-famous Manhattan skyline.
These days, García López continues to create films, and she's also been working in the acquisitions department of Submarine Entertainment Deluxe. If you haven't heard of Submarine, there's a good chance you've come across some of their work, as the company has been integral to the sale of six of the last twelve winners of Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars.
We asked García López all about how it feels to have joined the top tier of the entertainment industry so quickly. You'll find all of her answers below.
Your filmmaking spans several different genres and varieties. Do you think this variety is a natural extension of your passion for film?
García López: Art is an interpretation of reality and so is film. Like anybody else, my way of perceiving life experiences is varied. Since life comes in different genres, so does my passion for art.
How did you originally envision your filmmaking career, and how does that image compare to your current career?
García López: One thing is studying, another one is working. In art school, you’re taught you will be the next big thing. For example, in producing classes, you’re the producer. There’s this false assumption that once you’ve been accepted into a prestigious art school all it takes to make it is just graduating. But in truth, you start all over once you start working.
Outside of the corporate film world, people don’t care that much about your education, aside from the connections it may grant you through professors or peers. I was lucky enough to have professional experience throughout my undergraduate degree. But I didn’t fully understand what working in film meant until I actually started doing so.
Building your way up with no connections on high-profile sets reminds you that you can only succeed through humility and hard work. It’s all a combination of luck, talent, and resilience. Trust your gut feeling. Be selective of the people you work with. Many entry-level roles are easily replaceable as they rely heavily on physical labor. You need to set yourself apart so you’re no longer interchangeable. Balance is key. It’s crucial to continue nurturing your personal portfolio so you can prove that you have an evolving creative voice.
Looking back at all of your projects so far, are you glad that you've tried so many different things?
García López: Absolutely. My multifaceted nature has allowed me to find the convergence between my instinct for business and my vision for art. I’ve learned by trial and error many things I love. Others, not so much.
So you're currently working at Submarine Entertainment Deluxe. What has it been like to work with a company that has such a stellar reputation?
García López: Working with Submarine is an amazing opportunity. Since it’s a part-time role, I get to experience the two sides of the film world: both corporate and production. This grants me a rare and well-rounded profile.
Many professionals on the corporate side have never been on set, and many crew members never get to experience what happens to the product they shot. There’s a disconnect between those who ask for a film to be made and those who make it. If individuals on each side got to experience the reality of the other, the film world would be much more efficient.
You've worked with many high-end clients throughout your career. Did you ever feel intimidated working with a famous client, or were you more focused on the work itself?
García López: Professionalism is above anything. When you’re working with A-list talent, you need to understand that you’re on set to fulfill your job. Unless it’s a requirement for your role, you should never approach a famous client. You should only do so if they choose to interact with you first. It’s only natural to be starstruck, but that should be a motivation to do your role as best as you can. There’s always a risk of being blacklisted, but I believe common sense is your best guide.
Are you naturally good at collaborating? Do you enjoy working with so many other people on a regular basis?
García López: I love collaborating. One of my favorite things about working in film is all the talented, interesting, and creative people I get to meet. So many of them are also young and full of life. I’ve gotten the chance to witness incredibly talented creatives, from directors like Gordon Von Steiner to photographers like Steven Meisel.
But my favorite is meeting emerging professionals like myself. It’s incredibly inspiring to share your own life experiences and learn how others balance work and passion projects so they can both become one.
Following your move to the US, have you spent any time out here in LA? Do you have any interest in working in or around the media hub?
García López: I’ve visited LA on two occasions. When I was younger my family and I lived for a year in the Bay Area. I was just 11 when I first visited LA, but I’ve never forgotten how it felt to visit a city where art was more than just a dream. Right before attending NYU, I got to see LA one last time.
Some of my favorite artist collectives like “Little Spain” are located out there. I’ve also worked in the pre- and post-production of Los Angeles shoots doing all sorts of crazy things. LA takes productions to the next level. It was the only place we could find twenty species of rare birds. I love to think how Rosalia’s first EP was coincidentally titled “Los Ángeles” and she’s now hanging out there with the Kardashians. It feels like dreams can come true.
In the upcoming years, I will be working with the LA-based production company Tivruon.tv and can’t wait to be flown out.
