The Hustle of a Filmmaker: Michael Garcia on Passion, Persistence, and Creativity

In this episode of the Que Bola podcast, I had the pleasure of
sitting down with the talented filmmaker and music video
director, Mr. Michael Garcia. We kicked off the conversation
with a light-hearted exchange about the podcast setup,
particularly the absence of headphones, which Michael
appreciated as it allowed for a more personal connection during
our chat.


Michael shared his philosophy on creativity, emphasizing the
importance of not taking oneself too seriously as an artist. He
believes that maintaining a sense of fun and chaos is essential
to preserving one's edge in the creative field. We delved into
his early days as a filmmaker, discussing the struggles of
starting out broke and hustling to find clients. Michael
recounted how his passion for film was ignited by childhood
memories, such as watching Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and
experiencing the cinematic magic of "Purple Rain."


As we explored his journey, Michael revealed the lengths he
went to in order to create his projects, including a clever yet
risky strategy of buying and returning cameras to complete his
work. He recounted his early experiences shooting music videos
for local artists, often losing money in the process but driven
by a blind belief in his potential to succeed.


We discussed the significance of the relationships and
experiences he gained through filmmaking, highlighting how the
memories made during projects often outweigh the final product
itself. Michael shared stories of his travels to various
countries for shoots, emphasizing the unique experiences and
friendships he formed along the way.


Transitioning into the technical aspects of filmmaking, Michael
explained how he initially got his start as a production
assistant, learning from industry veterans while honing his
craft. He recounted a pivotal moment when he was offered the
chance to direct a music video for Kodak Black, which
unexpectedly skyrocketed his career. The success of that video
opened doors to numerous opportunities, leading to
collaborations with major artists and record labels.


We also touched on the evolving landscape of music videos and
the impact of platforms like TikTok on the industry. Michael
expressed his thoughts on the importance of making artists look
cool and the challenges of adapting to new trends in content
consumption.


As our conversation progressed, we explored the differences
between directing music videos, documentaries, and feature
films. Michael emphasized the importance of storytelling and
character development in film, contrasting it with the more
visual and stylistic approach of music videos.


Throughout the episode, Michael's passion for filmmaking and
storytelling shone through, as he shared insights into the
creative process, the business side of the industry, and the
ever-changing dynamics of content creation. This episode is a
must-listen for aspiring filmmakers, music video directors, and
anyone interested in the art of storytelling through visual
media.