Meet Antares Vargas | Creative Alchemist: Producer, Editor, Writer, Cinematographer, & Photographer

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

Hi Antares, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Mexico City, born into a family of both storytellers and entrepreneurs. Growing up, I witnessed the majority of my family members taking the leap into starting and running their own businesses. This experience was truly inspiring, as it allowed them the freedom to create their schedules and approach every aspect of their operations with creativity and passion. Observing their independence and control over their time left a profound impact on me.

As I ventured into the entertainment industry, two things became abundantly clear to me: my love for storytelling and my fascination with entrepreneurship. The idea that I could establish my own media production company, and not only get paid to write, produce, and edit captivating stories but also grant myself the freedom to explore the boundless realms of creativity, filled me with excitement.

Every aspect of my life is intertwined with my creative pursuits, and they serve as an endless source of inspiration for my work. I firmly believe that my purpose on this earth is to capture life’s moments as we know them and to celebrate the beauty that surrounds us. It is truly fulfilling to turn this passion into a livelihood. I consider myself an entertainment documentarian, driven to produce and edit content that resonates with people, entertaining and reminding them to find joy in their existence. Through my work, I aspire to add a touch of humanity to our lives, bringing us all closer together.

In my heart, I am convinced that each person has a unique purpose in this world, and I have discovered that mine is to be a chronicler of life. Through the mediums of writing, producing, cinematography, photography, and video editing, I feel a deep calling to capture the essence of the world around me. I love making television.

The passion that fuels my creative pursuits stems from the belief that the content I help create today will serve as a valuable resource for future generations. Like a time capsule of our society, these works will enable them to study and understand the nuances of our lives, our struggles, our joys, and our triumphs.

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 am incredibly proud of my decade-long journey in the entertainment industry, experiencing tremendous growth and achieving remarkable milestones. Beginning my career in post-production and mastering both production and post-production, I’ve emerged as a versatile professional. My producing and editing has graced prestigious events like the Emmys, Image Awards, Masterclass, and shows for NFL, Amazon, Max, Discovery, Travel Channel, Oprah Winfrey Network, and other prominent networks and streaming platforms.

What sets me apart is my relentless attitude and unwavering commitment to my craft. Television production isn’t just a job; it’s my undying passion, intricately woven into every facet of my life. Whether on set or in the editing bay, I draw joy from the creative process, propelling me to deliver my very best. With each production, I challenge myself to enhance my skills and master something new, pushing the boundaries of excellence.

My path to success has been paved with relentless hard work and a thirst for continuous learning. Embracing the virtue of patience, I’ve realized that growth comes through dedicated practice and unwavering dedication to my craft. As a Latina woman in a predominantly male industry, I proudly embrace the role of a trailblazer, striving to open doors for young Latinx creatives and advocate for diversity and representation.

Empowered by my journey, I am driven by ambitious dreams for the future. Over the next five years, I envision developing and selling multiple unscripted shows, while honing my skills in writing, producing, directing, and editing award-winning films. My excitement also extends to the realm of creating & producing high-end documentaries that illuminate the human experience, leaving an indelible impact on audiences.

Beyond personal accomplishments, my mission is to redefine leadership roles and showcase the immense impact of Latinx women in executive roles at large production companies. I strive for my brand to be synonymous with exceptional execution and creativity, transcending genres in the realm of unscripted television production.

With unwavering dedication and an unyielding spirit, I take immense pride in my accomplishments thus far. As I continue to master both production and post-production, I eagerly embrace the future, shaping the entertainment industry, and inspiring fellow creatives to fearlessly pursue their dreams, breaking barriers along the way. My journey is one of passion, resilience, and purpose, a testament to the boundless possibilities when creativity knows no bounds. I was put on this Earth to create, and that’s all I ever want to do. The money and success will follow my passion to tell the untold stories of our society.

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.
I live super close to the airport, so if my friend arrives before sunset, I will pick them up, take them to get a drink and food at Melody Bar and Grill, and then drive down to the beach to watch and take photos of the sunset. Afterward, we would head back to my neighborhood to catch some sleep.

The next day, I would take them hiking with me at Kenneth Hahn Park, and after our hike, we would get some food at California Fish Grill. Then, we would get ready and head out to Soho House in Hollywood to meet up with some friends for drinks and a night out in Hollywood.

On the third day of the week, I would take them hiking up in Malibu and afterwards get some lunch at Moonshadows while staring out at the ocean. For dinner, I would take them to the Ritz Carlton in the Marina to have dinner while watching the sunset over the Marina.

On the fourth day, I would head down to Manhattan Beach to rent some bikes and ride all the way up to the Santa Monica Pier. Then, I would take them to Venice Beach to walk around, take photos, visit some bars, and buy some souvenirs. I would also visit some art galleries in Santa Monica and have dinner at Sushi Roku.

On the fifth day, I would buy tickets to a concert at either the Greek or the Hollywood Bowl. I would invite them to an early morning walk at the beach in Playa del Rey followed by breakfast at Senior Gs. Then, we would head back to get ready for our concert that night.

On the sixth day, I would take my friends to Universal Studios. My sister works there and can help me get either free or discounted tickets. We would spend our entire day at the theme park and eat all meals there.

On the last day of my friend’s vacation, I would take them to the beach to relax in the morning and then invite them to lunch at the Stand House in Manhattan Beach. Afterward, we would get ready and head down to the arts district in downtown LA. I would take them to either Little Tokyo or Chinatown to indulge in delicious foods and experience the rich culture of downtown LA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My first shoutout goes to my beloved grandmother, my muse, and the reason for my very existence. Her story of survival and resilience after facing orphanhood at a young age has been a wellspring of inspiration for me. Her wit, charm, and humor have shown me what it truly means to be a strong, hardworking, and independent woman. I find immense joy in photographing and interviewing her, peeling back the layers of her remarkable journey and unique personality.

The second person deserving of a shoutout is my incredible mother, to whom I owe everything. She raised me with a deep passion for life, exemplifying meticulousness and a commitment to follow through on her word. Her contagious sense of curiosity has enriched my life and has played a pivotal role in shaping my creative inclinations. Her love for the arts and culture has left an indelible mark on my work, drawing inspiration from the movies, books, shows, and music she introduced me to as a child. Her unwavering support and encouragement in my chosen career path have been invaluable, motivating me to succeed and prove that women like her and me can achieve success and make a significant impact in the entertainment industry.

A massive shoutout goes to my dear little sister, Dafne, who has been my constant companion and best friend for 29 years. We are each other’s pillars of support, cheering one another on in our respective pursuits. Knowing that I can always count on her unwavering support and pride in my accomplishments drives me forward. I strive to be a positive role model for her, showing her that she can always depend on me for anything.

Last but not least, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my mentor and producing partner, Narumi Inatsugu. His profound influence on my career cannot be overstated. He graciously opened doors into the entertainment industry, taking me under his wing and helping me develop into the producer and editor I am today. Believing in my potential before anyone else did, he gave me my first job and opportunity in the industry. His unwavering support in my creative endeavors has been a constant source of motivation. I am incredibly thankful for his mentorship and for sharing his time and expertise, which have been instrumental in shaping me into the creative professional I have become.

These four extraordinary individuals have played pivotal roles in my life, nurturing my creativity, inspiring my work, and guiding me on my journey in the entertainment industry. Their influence is immeasurable, and I owe a significant part of my success to their love, support, and belief in me.

Website: antaresvargas.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antares-vargas

Twitter: https://twitter.com/immigrantkiddo

Other: https://vimeo.com/cilantrodoodlesent

Image Credits
Antares Vargas