Meet Elise Blasco | Filmmaker & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elise Blasco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elise, how do you think about risk?
At some point, you have to take a leap of faith! In college, I was hyperaware that a film degree wasn’t necessary, and having zero work experience weighed on me. I was confused about the course of my career and how to turn my creative skills into something concrete. In my sophomore year, I got my first gig at a small donut shop creating reels and being a part of the social media team. This one gig gave me the confidence to do social media marketing as a day job while pursuing projects as a filmmaker and photographer. That fall, I decided to take the risk and not go back to school. Of course, it was scary breaking the news to my parents. They were already side-eyeing me for choosing a creative industry.

Fortunately, this became one of the best decisions I made. During this break, I directed, produced, and edited my short film Cant Get Over U. A film I wrote from the perspective of my ex-boyfriend and how he handled our break up. Soon after, my plans of continuing to work within social media flourished as I worked my way up from a small business to different companies as a content creator or photographer. Simultaneously, I started picking up freelance videoshoots and photoshoots learning the joys of working for myself and others. The last 2 years showed me I was more capable than I imagined, landing opportunities I felt were years away. Had I not taken the risk, I wouldn’t have any of the experience or confidence I have now.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to think of my films as souvenirs from my past. My films represent different eras of my life and how I felt about myself or those I knew at one point. My short film Can’t Get Over U was something I wrote in the perspective of my ex boyfriend. What the audience sees is a young man coping with his breakup by dating someone new. But really, I wrote it to make me feel better. It was my funny way of indirectly “at-ing” him to send a message that he’s never getting over me.
I feel what sets me apart from others is my perspective on storytelling. I think of it as a “heavy topic but light-hearted approach.” In my short film Miss Ego, I quite literally threw myself away in the trash can upon seeing a prettier woman on Instagram. I created that for younger me to make a statement about how fragile one’s self-esteem can be. Meanwhile, taking a jab at social media and still being able to laugh at myself. In other words, I like to romanticize the hard parts of my life with humor.

While it’s easy to say all this, putting myself out there can still feel scary. At times, I wonder if I’m cut out for such an overwhelming industry. But I remind myself that you can make moves and see growth even while afraid. This sentiment allowed me to see success right where I am and evolve into someone more disciplined and ambitious, someone I didn’t naturally see myself as. Little by little, I’m happy to see the progress I’ve created in my life.

Although what makes me most proud is when other artists compliment my work or express how they can relate to it. We of all people know how much dedication and attention to detail is put into our craft. It is humbling when someone else can see it. Like many others, art says the things we cannot. Whether it’s film, music, performance or literature, they all have a way of moving the soul. To me, art is the highest and most beautiful form of self-expression, and when done right it’s unforgettable. That is something I hope to give the world one day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For an adventure, I would take them to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Getty Museum and Chinatown! For something more nature-related and relaxed, Crystal Cove State park for sure! Hands down, one of the most beautiful beaches and scenery I’ve come across. As far as dining, I’d love to take them to Pelican Grill if we’re looking to get dressed up or Dan Sung Sa for a casual vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I’d love to shout out, but there are two I absolutely must talk about. The first being Layla, my best friend and chosen family. But really I prefer to call her my sister. The first to wholeheartedly believe in my dreams and recognize my talent. She has celebrated every win of mine no matter how big or small. She’s an incredibly talented singer and songwriter. I am so proud of the music, she’s released and I have no problem telling everyone about it so stream Inevitable! She is without a doubt my artistic other half and I can’t imagine a better person by my side.

Last but not least, Baxin. We met in high school sharing a passion for film as well as the same video production class. We quickly became good partners, working on our projects together. Eventually, this collaboration would last well beyond high school. 6 years later he is still supporting me ready to help with any film or photoshoot! For as long as I can remember, Baxin has fiercely believed in me. I know I’m incredibly blessed with people like this rooting for me.

Website: https://eliseblascophotography.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://youtu.be/K7hdw35jig0?si=oWq0FPJ4NWErfraS

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-blasco-8096581b5/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/K7hdw35jig0?si=oWq0FPJ4NWErfraS