Meet Camila María Bermúdez Ortiz | Film Composer and Percussionist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Camila María Bermúdez Ortiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Camila María, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
I think the most important lesson my career has taught me has been to say “yes” and trust my gut in the opportunities that come my way, no matter how last minute or how out of the box the project is. Most of the best opportunities I’ve gotten, to play with orchestras, ensembles, or groups, have been last minute calls. I could be scared, anxious, surprised, stressed, but my whole life I’ve been practicing and preparing for moments like these. These are the moments that demonstrate your abilities, drive and preparation. You can practice 8-12hrs a day, but if that moment comes and you can’t do it, or are too afraid to fail, then it just wasn’t worth it. Staying in the comfort zone is never worth it, especially in the arts. The same has happened to me with film scoring. Even when I didn’t know the “proper processes” that I know now, I was willing to put myself out there and do the job. I knew it served a bigger purpose and experience that has now impacted me, and how I work. If I wouldn’t of said “yes” to one of my first big projects, I wouldn’t have ended up in film scoring. If I wouldn’t have subbed for friends of mine in orchestras and ensembles, I would’ve never kept getting called to play with them. When I took these “risks”, I let the Universe know that I was open to these opportunities, and that I was ready for more.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The combination of studying filmmaking and percussion performance is what got me to where I am today. I never really studied composition until my time at NYU, but being a long time cinephile and a fan of film scores, while also being a professional musician, gave me the tools to give composing a chance. When I first started, I didn’t see myself as a composer because I wouldn’t “write” anything. I would play everything direct to screen, straight from my mind. In some instances, I would actually write it out if I wanted someone else to play it, but I still wouldn’t call myself a composer. It wasn’t because I didn’t think of myself as to a composers level, but more because my music came from somewhere else. Sometimes, people would ask me why I chose that chord change, or the instrumentation, or something in reference to music theory, and my answer was always “I don’t know, it’s the first thing that came to my mind. It’s how I felt the scene sounded.” The way I compose serves the feelings and emotions of the picture, rather than the technicality and rules of composition. It isn’t methodic, I don’t think of a specific key or composing method. I just play what I feel is coming from the scene, what it makes me feel as a viewer, what resonates with me.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my background as a filmmaker. I’ve had hands on experience as a director, screenwriter, cinematographer, editor, and gaffer and I think that’s something that has benefited me when approaching a film. I can respect and see beyond what’s on the screen. It’s one of the reasons I like reading the screenplay even before any picture has been given to me. I can visualize the screenplay in my mind. I can feel the pacing, the edits, the cuts, and that helps me create the sound of the film way before I can work with something. It’s the way I scored my own first film, and it’s been something that has stuck with me throughout the years, and has never failed me.

What I’ve learned the most is to trust my instinct. I used to erase my ideas as I worked on a film or composition, thinking they “weren’t working”, but what I had to do was keep creating others while leaving the original idea intact. It works as a template for the next ideas and, in my experience, almost always ends up being the original idea super developed. It sounds like such a simple thing to do, but it happens to the best of us. Also, taking breaks from the project is very healthy. Getting frustrated, ear fatigue or tired is very normal, and I’ve always found helpful to back away from something and come back to it the next day. It gives you a better perspective and a clear focused mind towards what you’re working.

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?
I love when my friends and family come to New York, because I get to show them some of my favorite places in the city: the museums. I think museums are one of the best ways to learn and have fun at the same time. My favorites are the American Museum of Natural History (I love dinosaurs), the MET, MoMA, and the Museum of the Moving Image. When it’s not freezing, there is nothing better than getting in touch with nature and going to a nice park or any green space, like Central Park or Domino Park. It’s great for people watching, decompressing, and getting inspiration. As for food and drinks, there are so many great places around, but three of my favorites have to be Kenka, La Pecora Bianca in SoHo, and a recent favorite, Double Chicken Please. These all have impeccable service, and atmosphere.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I want to dedicate this to my mother, Sandra Ortiz. Without her, my success and the way that I am could’ve never been as it is. She is my brother and I’s biggest cheerleader, and to us, our greatest example. She leads with action and words, and is firm in every decision she makes. Her acts of service, unique voice, and determination inspire me every day. Without her, I would’ve kept thinking that the sky was the limit. The sky is just one level of the infinite opportunities that the Universe brings and has in store for you. These are just a few things she has taught, not only me and my family, but people around her. She’s the true GOAT. I’m immensely grateful to have her as my mom. Literally won the lottery with her, I love her so much.

I would also like to dedicate this to my teachers. Without them, I wouldn’t be the musician and professional that I am. They have prepared me for the real world since I was a child, and I am very grateful that they had the trust and vision to give me the experiences and leadership opportunities that I’ve had in my life. This is for all of my professors at the Escuela Libre de Música Antonio Paoli in Caguas, the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras, Southern Illinois University, New York University, and all mentors I’ve had the pleasure of meeting at internships, and master classes throughout my life. I only hope to keep your legacies alive and spread the knowledge you’ve all given me.

Website: https://www.camilamariacomposer.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camila-maria-bermudez-ortiz-b06823112

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CamilaMariaBermudezOrtiz

Other: https://play.reelcrafter.com/camilamariacomposer/reel-2025

Image Credits
Brian Muños, Chandra Xu