Meet Ann Valdés | Artist & Filmmaker

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

Hi Ann, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I try my best to be positive and not take things personally. Production is a hard, fast-paced job and everyone on set is under a lot of pressure. People may not be in the headspace to say “please” and “thank you” when cameras are about to roll. But that doesn’t mean they don’t value you and your work.

That said, I know my worth and the difference between someone who is in the zone and someone who doesn’t respect my contributions. In which case, I make a mental note about that person and keep it moving.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m currently trying to merge my careers together and make more of a name for myself. I work in unscripted production as an Associate Producer in addition to making fine art, writing scripts, and directing. To me, they are all related and feed each other. My first short, Arroró, turned out pretty good if I do say so myself and I attribute that to my work in production and my artmaking.

I don’t think I’ll ever feel like I’ve overcome a particular challenge. All I know is that I’m proud of the work I’ve done so far.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I was borned and raised in Los Angeles, my favorite places to show people are the little holes in the walls.

I love taking people to the Norton Simon museum in Pasadena. It is a perfectly sized museum with a great permanent collection that spans from Medieval to Modern art.

Casa Bianca in Eagle Rock is probably my favorite restaurant. It’s the type of place where you can run into both your Aunt and your friends. Plus they have great pizza.

For a fun night out, I always enjoy Zebulon in Silverlake. They have a great dance floor and outdoor area where you can sit and people watch all night long.

Also, La Cita in Downtown is always a great time if you want to dance the night away.

If I’m ever on the West Side in time for brunch, I try to make a trip to Destroyer in Culver City. Their french toast is really something to behold.

Otherwise, The Alcove in Los Feliz is a classic spot for mimosas after yoga.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My dad, Oscar Valdes, deserves a lot of credit for what I’ve achieved thus far. He is a psychiatrist and a writer who has even dabbled in filmmaking. Ask any of my friends, my dad is a very inspirational person. He earnestly believes that people can achieve anything they put their minds to.

My dad is retired from psychiatry now but spends his days writing. He is prolific. Any time I’m feeling lazy and don’t want to get up from the couch I think, “What is my dad doing right now?” and the answer is probably writing or reading or walking. At which point I get myself up off the couch.

Website: annvaldes.com

Instagram: ann___valdes

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ann-valdes