Meet César Fión Góngora | Production Sound Mixer & Sound Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with César Fión Góngora and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi César, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
After almost a decade of being a part of and working in the film industry, I can safely say that I’ve made more life-changing decisions than I thought I would. While each one has brought me some level of success, the decision that truly opened the big door for me was immigrating to California from my native country of Guatemala. Although I had worked in the film industry for some time before the move, having contributed to reality TV shows and films in various roles, it wasn’t until I started working in the LA industry that I truly achieved the level of success I have now. It wasn’t easy by any means—being in a new city that happens to be 2,000 miles away from my family—yet I had a great support system that helped ease the transition. Had I not moved to LA, I don’t think I would’ve learned what I have, experienced what I have, met the people I have, or achieved the success I have.

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.
My work in film has taken many forms, but my main focus lies in screenwriting and sound production. Over the past decade, I have written and directed several of my own award-winning films, as well as worked on set for feature films, short films, television shows, and commercials as a production sound mixer. Both of my passions are on opposite ends of the same spectrum: screenwriting is one of the most important parts of pre-production, while being the “sound guy” on set is one of the heftiest—and sometimes overlooked—jobs.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over time is that attitude is everything when you work in the film industry, not just toward your job but toward your peers as well. We often work over 12 hours on our feet, so maintaining the right mindset throughout the day is easier said than done. My goal is to always deliver my best work on set while also helping others get through the day as best I can. I love what I do, and helping others enjoy their job not only benefits the production but also strengthens the relationships I build with them. After all, if I’m going to spend 12 hours looking at your face, I might as well be friendly.

This industry—and by default, this job—can be tough to navigate, but I’ve learned to handle it as best I can. More often than not, I’m a one-man department, handling sound mixing and operating the boom pole, which takes a hefty toll on my body. On top of that, I have everyone’s voice in my ears all day, which can get old quickly. Even so, I love my job. I love being on set, meeting new people, and seeing (and hearing) films come to life in front of me. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do.

It’s taken me a long time—10 years, to be exact—since I took my first baby steps into film back in my home country, but I made it. I’ve accomplished my dreams, and now I have new ones to reach.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot in all of Los Angeles is Little Tokyo, hands down—specifically, the Japanese Village Plaza. Every store, restaurant, and vendor combines to create a colorful collage of cultures that all happen to converge in the same spot. If you are my friend, or anything close to that, the one place I’ll always take you is Ramen Maruya, one of the best ramen restaurants I’ve ever tried—and it’s LA, so you know there are tons. Whenever I have one of their combination plates or their incredible Kimchi ramen, I know it’s been a good day.

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 journey in film wouldn’t have been possible without the support and love from my family, who not only believed in my dreams but also put up with me and all my crazy ideas, and for that, I dedicate this to them. Throughout my time in the industry, I have worked with incredibly talented people—producers, directors, and writers—who trusted me with their films, and for that, I want to thank them and dedicate this to them as well.

Website: https://calaverafilm.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafg__96/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cesarfiong/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9s-5vz5lg8GMUuKok2g2kQ

Image Credits
Beatriz Santamaria Pinha
John Soto III
Kushagra Jain