Meet Jessica Arzate Cerecedo | Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Arzate Cerecedo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, how do you define success?
The meaning of success has changed over the years. Now, I am at the beginning of my thirties, and success is feeling content with my decisions. For that, I need to know what I want and why, and to answer, I need to be honest and reflective with myself, and that’s not always easy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am originally from Mexico City, where I worked in the camera department for ten years. Since day one, as a camera trainee, I have dreamed of becoming a cinematographer, but becoming good at your craft takes time, discipline, curiosity, and constant work, which can be frustrating, especially when you’re young. I have learned to be patient and enjoy the small steps toward becoming the filmmaker I aspire to be. I am excited to continue collaborating with talented screenwriters, directors, producers, and all the other crew members who create magic behind the camera.

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 live in Los Feliz, so a must-to go is a morning hike to Griffith Park. Then a coffee and pastry (because we already worked out) in my neighborhood cafe, Odet Obet, or Friends & Family. I am a big fan of museums, so I always recommend the Getty, which is free and beautiful. The Getty Villa, LACMA, MOCA, and the one in The Huntington Library are among my favorites too. Driving to the beach to see the sunset is always lovely. Before moving to LA, I had never had the opportunity to watch movies projected in 35mm or 70mm, so I always try to take my friends for a little visual treat.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The creative process can be a solitary one, but as an artist, it’s crucial to find your people, the ones you can rely on, learn from, and grow with. I’ve been fortunate to have many such individuals in my life, but I want to mention these mentors and filmmakers who have been instrumental in my journey and inspired me to pursue my film career in LA: Monika Lenczewska PSC, Gonzalo Amat ASC, and Natasha Braier ASC. Their guidance and inspiration have been invaluable to me.

Website: www.jessicaarzate.com

Instagram: @jessicaarzate