Meet Pedro Garcia | Filmmaker & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Pedro, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The way we’ve thought about risk has been a reflection of our lives prior to ever starting any business. Kellen and I don’t come from wealth, and while most see that and think it’s safer to go the college route and get a regular 9-5, we didn’t see it that way. We always say, what’s the worst thing that could happen by following our dreams? We either succeed or end up doing what most people would expect us to do anyway: get a regular job.

Our upbringing may have a lot to do with this way of thinking. We’ve seen our parents take the biggest risk and leap of faith there is. They moved across the world to a country where they don’t speak the language, and they’re not wanted, all to give their future generations a chance at a better quality of life. With this in mind, how can you not chase your dreams and aspirations? Why take the safe route?

Risks play a huge role in the success of any entrepreneur and creative. Risks are scary, but it’s an indicator is of the reward on the other side. Risk-taking has gotten us to places we never thought we could go, and it has helped us realize our true potential and growth. Not everything we’ve ever tried has gone well, but this is the only way we feel we can become our truest selves, and realize the highest reward for the risk our parents took.

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.
Our art is based on the experiences of our life, and always want to better communicate our ideas and experiences to a larger audience. What sets me and my team apart from others is our love for telling stories. We aren’t afraid to be uncomfortable and push boundaries of how we’re used to doing things. Instead, we embrace that feeling and welcome it like an old friend. I’m personally incredibly proud of all the stories I’ve been able to capture. I have over 6 years of experience in producing, directing, filming, and editing films and Ads for businesses and media organizations. I’ve worked with international media organizations like VICE, AJ+, Bloomberg, Weather Channel, ATTN, and ABC10 on documentaries focusing on the massive fire issues in California, and water rights around the U.S. With these experiences we have been able to develop a story process that has been key to my and my team’s success. I’ve earned 9x regional Emmy awards, a Cronkite, and an Edward R Murrow award, and my cinematography work has been featured in Ron Howard’s latest film with National Geographic, “Re-building Paradise.

Kellen and I got Hidden Temple and Imported Studios to where it is today with simple hard work and sacrifice. It wasn’t an easy journey, I dropped out of college my first semester, and began working full time at a TV station. All at the same time building a production company on my time off. Kellen on the other hand was working full time, going to school full time, and building this business with me. This was 14-hour days almost every day for the first 2/3 years of Hidden Temple. We’re incredibly proud of our resilience, and tenacity to make something from nothing.

What we both hope for the world is for folks that look like us to see that you can do whatever you set your mind to. That whatever the hurdles are you can always get to a place where you want to be. Hopefully, our brand stands as proof of overcoming adversity, and challenges. That you can build a life where you feel like you belong.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout our journey, we’ve had many folks support our journey. From school teachers, bosses, and incredibly talented co-workers. There are 2 specific people who without, we might’ve not been able to have reached this level of success this quickly. Glenda Macatangay, and Johnny Neang. These two folks have become our mentors and business partners. Glenda and Johnny are social entrepreneurs who when given the opportunity always choose to invest in their communities.

I’m sure many of us have been there before in a place where all you are looking for is a chance. Glenda and Johnny saw our potential as young entrepreneurs and gave us the push forward we needed.

Website: www.hiddentemplemedia.com

Instagram: @pedrogarciafilms / @hiddentemplemedia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-garcia-27a024147/

Other: www.pedrogarciafilms.com