Meet Elias Posada | Filmmaker/Cinematographer

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

Hi Elias, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think a huge factor in anyone’s success, but I can say for sure for mine, is just being a good person. Talent and experience go a long way, but in this industry you are always working as part of a team. My goal is to prioritize collaboration and relationship building, respecting the knowledge, experiences, and time of others. The diversity of skill and perspectives are what contribute to a project’s success. When leading a project, I want my team to feel valued for what they bring to the table. I will always listen to their ideas and input. These ideas may not always make it into the final product, but by creating a dialogue, your mind is open to seeing things differently. I’ve been teased before for saying “please” and “thank you” too much, but I think it’s those little things that let people know that I understand they are here to support the project, just like me. People want to work with people they see as having a positive and adaptable attitude, so I always strive to be that person.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What excites me most in the creative process is really exploring the story behind each project that I am on. For me, the story should drive everything, even beyond the script or documentary subject. For music videos I am always trying to visually express what the singer is feeling. When working on a commercial or branded content I want to learn and tell the story of the brand and bring that through in my work to make the viewer feel connected. As a cinematographer, I think what sets me apart is my desire to build on emotions and tell that story visually using lighting, framing, camera angle, depth, and movement.

There is no clear path to success in filmmaking, and mine hasn’t been a direct one. It continues to be rough at times, especially as the industry faces a massive slowdown in work. I started out in the production department before shifting my focus to cinematography. While my past experience continues to be valuable, this shift required me to build new connections and work to establish myself in this new role. Each day continues to present challenges including learning different technologies, working with immense limitations, and pushing through with indecisive clients. My method of overcoming these challenges is mainly to trust that I am on the right path.

I often compare it to a long hike. If I focus on the summit, I will never feel like I am making progress, but if I focus on only what is in front of me, the challenge becomes much more manageable, and I know I am moving closer to my goals.

Along the way, I’ve really learned how to deal with the rejection and imposter syndrome that comes with a creative career. There are always outside factors that could also impact a decision. Rejection is not always personal or a reflection of myself or my work. As long as I put my best foot forward, then I trust there is nothing more I could do. Another lesson I like to share is to tell people your goals. You never know who you are going to meet or how they could impact your career. Be clear and concise, and let people know what you are striving for.

If I could choose one thing for people to know about my brand it would be that while my goal is to help tell all stories, I am particularly passionate about showcasing communities that are under-represented. This representation is a focus for me both when deciding what stories to pursue and when assembling a crew. Diverse stories help communities build compassion, broaden their experiences and understanding, and allows them to find common ground. It is crucial that these marginalized communities are given the tools to share their stories, and I am so proud to be even a small part of that. My love and passion for storytelling with the visual medium is something I bring to every project.

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.
Los Angeles is such a huge and amazing city that I am still exploring all it has to offer. The history of the different neighborhoods tell the story of LA, and that’s what I would aim to show. I am a huge coffee lover so we would start our days going to some great coffee shops like Maru in Los Feliz or La Colombe in Frogtown where we could enjoy our coffee while walking along the LA River. We are in the entertainment capital of the world, and I would strive to showcase that. We could visit Disneyland, Universal Studios, or any of the other studio backlot tours. For the evening, we could catch an outdoor concert at The Hollywood Bowl or Greek Theater where we can listen to live music under the city lights and stars. Photography is a huge part of my life, and it allows you to look at your city differently. So something else I would do is have them join me on a photo walk so we can experience some of the more historic areas like Downtown, Boyle Heights, and Pasadena, grabbing some great food along the way. Los Angeles can be whatever someone needs it to be, and I think that is why it is appealing to so many people

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Being a creative requires a ton of support from others personally and professionally. On a professional level, the American Society of Cinematographers has given me huge opportunities in the industry. I was a mentee in their Vision Mentorship Program and also work as a crew member in their Masterclass series. This gives me unparalleled access to learn and grow from some of the best cinematographers in the world. Personally, my family has always had my back and supported me as a filmmaker. It is so freeing to have a support system from not only my wife, but from my parents. Without them trusting me and helping me through the difficult times I would not be where I am today.

Website: https://www.eliasposadacine.com

Instagram: @eliasposada

Other: vimeo: https://vimeo.com/eliasposada