Meet Carolina Colombo | DIT/ Filmmaker

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

Hi Carolina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has played a major role in both my life and career. Looking back, every important opportunity I’ve had started with a decision that felt uncertain at the time.

I started working in the film industry when I was just 15 years old, learning the technical side of filmmaking in camera rental houses in São Paulo, Brazil. Later, I took the risk of leaving a stable path behind the scenes to pursue a career on set, where I could be directly involved in the creative process.

The biggest risk I ever took was moving to Los Angeles. Starting over in a new country meant leaving behind my professional network, my reputation, and the comfort of an established career. Suddenly, I had to rebuild everything from scratch in one of the most competitive entertainment markets in the world.

That decision taught me that risk is not about being fearless. It’s about being willing to move forward even when you don’t have all the answers. Many of the opportunities I’m most proud of today came from taking chances before I felt completely ready.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on productions involving artists such as Karol G, Maluma, Ricky Martin, Ozuna, Peso Pluma, and Don Omar, as well as projects for brands including the NFL, Visa, Baby Dove, Itaú, and Colgate. I’ve also contributed to editorial and documentary productions, including an ELLE Magazine project featuring Dakota Johnson and Netflix’s *If I Were Luísa Sonza*.

Those experiences didn’t happen because I had a perfect plan. They happened because I kept saying yes to growth, learning, and new challenges. For me, risk has never been about gambling. It’s been about believing that growth usually happens outside of our comfort zone, and being willing to take that step forward.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What makes my work unique is that I combine a strong technical background with real-world production experience. Before working on set, I spent years in camera rental houses in São Paulo, Brazil, learning the details of cinema cameras, lenses, image workflows, and production equipment. That technical foundation gave me a deeper understanding of the tools filmmakers rely on to tell stories.

Today, I work as a Focus Puller and Digital Imaging Technician (DIT), roles that require precision, problem-solving, and attention to detail. While audiences may never see the work of a camera assistant or DIT on screen, these positions play a critical role in the filmmaking process. Film is often associated with directors, actors, and cinematographers, but every image depends on a much larger team working behind the scenes. I believe there is artistry in these technical roles as well. Helping a cinematographer achieve a visual vision, maintaining perfect focus during an emotional scene, protecting footage, and ensuring that every image is captured correctly requires both technical expertise and creative understanding. These contributions may be less visible, but they are essential to the final result and deserve recognition as part of the art of filmmaking.

One of the things I’m most proud of is building a career from the ground up. I started in the industry at 15 years old and gradually worked my way from camera rental houses to professional productions in Brazil and the United States. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to projects involving artists such as Karol G, Maluma, Ricky Martin, Ozuna, Peso Pluma, and Don Omar, as well as productions for brands including the NFL, Visa, Baby Dove, Itaú, and Colgate. I’ve also worked on an ELLE Magazine editorial featuring Dakota Johnson and Netflix’s documentary series *If I Were Luísa Sonza*.

My professional journey definitely wasn’t easy. One of the biggest challenges was moving from Brazil to Los Angeles and starting over in a completely new market. When you move to another country, you leave behind your network, reputation, and many of the relationships you’ve spent years building. I had to prove myself again, earn trust from new collaborators, and adapt to a different industry environment.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success is rarely about one breakthrough moment. It’s usually the result of consistency, preparation, and being willing to keep going when progress feels slow. Every project, every connection, and every challenge taught me something valuable.

What I want people to know about my story is that filmmaking is one of the most collaborative art forms in the world. The audience sees the finished image, but behind that image are dozens of professionals contributing their skills and creativity. I’m proud to represent a part of the industry that often works behind the scenes. My story is proof that technical artists and crew members are also storytellers, and that meaningful contributions to the arts can come from many different roles, not only the ones that receive the spotlight.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I live in Los Angeles, I’d probably build a trip that mixes iconic LA experiences with some of the places that make the city feel special to me.

I’d start with a day exploring Hollywood and Griffith Park, ending with sunset views from the Griffith Observatory. It’s one of those places that reminds you how unique Los Angeles really is. Another day would definitely include the beach—probably Santa Monica, Venice Beach and my favorite: Manhattan beach —walking along the boardwalk, watching street performers, and enjoying the ocean.

Because I work in film, I’d also want to show them some of the creative side of the city. That might include visiting studio areas, exploring neighborhoods where productions are constantly happening, and checking out independent movie theaters that keep LA’s film culture alive.

For food, one of my favorite things about Los Angeles is how international it is. In a single week, you can have incredible Mexican food, Korean barbecue, Japanese ramen, Brazilian food, and some of the best food trucks in the country. I think experiencing the diversity of the city through its food is just as important as seeing the landmarks.

I’d also make time for a Dodgers game, a concert, or some kind of live event. Los Angeles always has something happening, and that’s part of what makes it exciting. One night might be spent at a rooftop bar watching the city lights, while another could be a quiet evening watching the sunset along the coast.

What I love most about Los Angeles is that it’s a city full of dreamers, artists, entrepreneurs, and people who came from somewhere else to build something for themselves. As someone who moved here from Brazil, that’s probably what I find most inspiring. Beyond the beaches and famous landmarks, the most interesting thing about LA is the people—their creativity, ambition, and willingness to take risks in pursuit of what they love.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There isn’t just one person I can credit for my journey. I’ve been fortunate to learn from many people throughout my career, starting with the professionals who gave me opportunities when I was a teenager working in camera rental houses in São Paulo. Those early experiences taught me not only the technical side of filmmaking but also the importance of professionalism, teamwork, and continuous learning.

I would also like to recognize the cinematographers, camera assistants, producers, and directors I’ve worked with over the years. The film industry is incredibly collaborative, and so much of what I’ve learned came from observing talented professionals and being trusted with greater responsibilities as my career grew.

Most importantly, I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to everyone who believed in me when I decided to take the biggest risk of my life and move from Brazil to Los Angeles. Starting over in a new country isn’t easy, and having people who encouraged me, hired me, recommended me, and trusted my work made all the difference.

The film industry often celebrates what audiences see on screen, but behind every project there are countless people sharing knowledge, opening doors, and helping others grow. My career is a reflection of that support, and I’m grateful for every person who has been part of that journey.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/carolinacolombo/projects

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroliscolombo/

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14346807/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits
Nick Batanides
Gabriela G