Meet Cesar Reyes | Film Director & Production Designer

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

Hi Cesar, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Lima, Peru. At the age of 17, I immigrated to the United States with my father and younger brother. I started attending school and worked as much as possible on weekends. However, needing more experience and fluency in the language, my options were limited to manual labor tasks such as house painting, lawn maintenance, and moving. Upon improving my English skills, I enrolled in cooking and baking classes and entered the food industry. However, I soon realized that spending long hours in the kitchen wasn’t fulfilling, prompting me to switch careers. I earned an Associate of Arts degree in graphic design and secured a position at a small marketing company.
After a few years, an opportunity arose to become a kitchen manager at a catering company. Though it wasn’t my desired career path, it was the best option at that time. When I got my Green Card, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a film director. I returned to school, taking numerous film production courses and participating in various school short films. Additionally, I attended a summer workshop at the Prague Film School, broadening my understanding of filmmaking and networking with professionals worldwide.
Upon obtaining my BA in Film Production, I left my role as a Kitchen Manager to seek film projects. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, my experience in manual labor and graphic design enabled me to transition into roles as a set dresser and later as an Art Director. I believe my experience as a kitchen manager equipped me with valuable organizational skills that have proven beneficial in my current role as a Production Designer.
While working in the art department is fulfilling, my ultimate goal is to become a director. Last year, I had the opportunity to direct two episodes for a TV show, which was a significant milestone in my career. I understand that the journey ahead will be challenging, but I am determined to pursue my dreams. I’ve learned that the path to one’s dreams may not be linear, but every experience and accomplishment, no matter how seemingly unrelated, contributes to personal growth and eventual success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Most of my work is in the art department, contributing to numerous films, commercials, and music videos. Each project offers a unique experience, presenting different stories, diverse challenges, and opportunities to meet new people, which is what I find most rewarding about my profession. As a Production Designer, one of my early tasks was constructing a set representing a 1980s rural town in El Salvador, right here in Los Angeles. This project reinforced my confidence and solidified my commitment to working in the art department. Since then, I’ve been involved in building various sets, ranging from The Garden of Eden to a Market in Ancient Mesopotamia, a 1970s computer lab, an American Civil War Camp, a basketball court in the middle of the desert, a floating island, and a Medieval Market, among others. Additionally, I worked on a TV show where we had to shoot 40 different stories in 40 days, spanning 40 different locations and time periods and collaborating with multiple directors. Despite the challenges this presented, the sense of accomplishment upon seeing the final result and knowing I was part of it is truly gratifying.
For the past three years, working in the art department has been my life. I’ve learned a great deal and forged meaningful friendships and professional connections. However, as I’ve mentioned before, my ultimate goal is to become a director. Last year, I had the opportunity to fulfill that aspiration. Directing was an incredible experience; working alongside Richard Karn, Corey Feldman, and the great Quinton “Rampage” Jackson was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Yet, the most significant aspect was the unwavering support of my family and friends, who have always believed in me.
I’m deeply passionate about this industry and understand the challenges of starting and creating one’s own film. Whenever possible, I strive to support friends with their projects because in this industry, collaboration among talented individuals is essential, and we all need assistance at some point.

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.
Well, I don’t go out that much, but every time I have friends and family visiting from out of town, they want to go to theme parks, which is great. However, working in the film industry, it’s hard to avoid taking them to iconic places like the Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, Universal Studios Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, Venice, and Santa Monica Pier, to mention a few. For dining options, I would recommend Raffi’s in Glendale, Chios Peruvian Grill in Van Nuys, Mel’s Drive-In, Randy’s Donuts, Las Fuentes in Reseda, The Coffee Company near the airport, and a great spot for both eating and shopping is The Original Farmer’s Market.

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?
There are countless individuals who have played an important role in shaping my journey to where I am today. Firstly, I thank my parents, who tirelessly worked to provide me with the best education possible despite all the limitations we faced. Their support and sacrifices have been the cornerstone of my success. To my older sister and younger brother, who has consistently stood by my side through thick and thin, offering encouragement and guidance along the way. To my wife, who gives me the strength to keep moving forward and overcome any obstacle in pursuit of my dream. To my friends and family who have believed in me and supported me throughout my journey. I am truly blessed to have such incredible individuals in my life, and I am eternally grateful for their support and encouragement, which have served as a constant source of motivation.

Website: https://www.cesarmreyes.com

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

Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9823536/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Image Credits
https://www.marshallhall.com