Meet Andrew Bonello | Producer, Videographer, Editor

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

Hi Andrew, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After graduating from university, there was something about the corporate world that never meshed with me. I remember the early days of interviewing for jobs and every time I sat down, I felt so out of place. I pursued these 9-5 jobs convinced it was the only way to make money until my brother bought a basic camera kit and started creating some really amazing videos at the time. That really broke the barrier for me and showed that I didn’t need to be on a Hollywood set to start creating elevated content.

I spent most of my life savings and picked up a professional camera and got to work. I started in weddings, moved to promotional, and really began finding my niche. Throughout the whole process, I never really considered myself as an entrepreneur or businessman, but rather a creative that needed to prove himself.

A couple years into the process, my work was put in front of a growing production company and a business relationship was quickly formed. I look back on this as the catalyst for my growth in the space. The industry works on a network and being able to tap in to their space gave me the opportunity to carve out what I really wanted to focus on while also giving me the opportunity to dive into hyper specialized roles (such as camera car rigging).

Looking back on the evolution of my mindset throughout the whole journey is really fascinating. Making the move all in to the creative industry honestly lacked a lot of foresight in my early years, and perhaps that is the only way I would have survived it. Taking it day by day and allowing yourself to learn and make mistakes was essential. Fast forward to today and I’ve finally been able to shift my focus to the business side of things and create more systems and structures for growth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Video production is a vast art. Almost a decade in and I still feel like there are so many techniques and styles I have yet to learn and implement. The way I shoot and edit has always leaned towards short form with fast cuts and movements. Recently however I am making conscious effort to slow down and let the scene unfold and tell its own story.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned it to collaborate. Work with people. Early on I found it difficult to let go of any part of the creative process. I wanted to film every shot and make every edit. I wanted to have complete control and ownership over the final product. This mindset was very limiting and something I am still learning to fully let go.

I founded Mazza Media which derives its name from Maltese slang to describe something as attractive. That is something I always want my work to evoke. I want people to stop for a second and do a double take. The work I enjoy the most has always been in music and sports. Both are worlds that I am very invested in and I hope to continue in those directions.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First stops in California is always the beach. Laguna boasts some of the best coastline in south county with Table Rock beach being one of my favorites. Rooftop bar for some of the best mojitos and sunset views. Live music at Marine Room is always a good time.

One of my favorite spots to hang out is The Bungalow in Huntington. The reformed beach house is the perfect bar for a casual evening.

With so many things to do in LA, a night of NBA basketball at the Staples Center is one of the few things that is a must. For a late night, dancing at Sounds Nightclub always hosts fun new music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My story wouldn’t be possible without my parents. My dad has always showcased a work ethic unlike any other. I see a lot of the sacrifices he made, potentially even in his own career path, that allowed me the opportunity to pursue mine. My mom always believed in my creative pursuits. In a world that prides you on money and success, she always encouraged me to lean into my talents over a dollar.

RD Media House is the first major step in my journey into the industry. They were the first to bet on me and take a chance. I definitely would not be anywhere near where I am now without their trust and mentorship as I grew with them.

Website: WIP

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