Meet Sebastian Berenguer | Filmmaker

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

Hi Sebastian, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
The film industry is something incredible but, at the same time, very complex. People who are not involved do not realize the number of individuals working in different areas to achieve the final product. It is a highly competitive industry, yet deeply loved because everyone involved shares the same objective: creating that work of art that will make people forget all their problems and experience a rollercoaster of emotions for the next two hours. And although that is the goal, and the audience enjoys or endures those two hours, the time dedicated to the project spans years. From creating the story, writing the scripts, securing the funding, and starting to piece together all the puzzle parts, this cannot be done without the collaboration of the different areas. Therefore, when you start a project, you will probably begin working with a group of strangers who will become your family by the film’s end. It is something beautiful, and everyone in this industry, regardless of their level or scope, continues in it because the feeling of the audience watching your final product is magical.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What I do is something magical. Literally, we are creating stories out of nothing and turning them into something magical for the audience, something that generates those unique emotions I mentioned earlier. These emotions make people connect with the characters, become addicted to a series, and help change lives and shape future leaders. Because what a movie does is present a story that may be perfect or not, but I’ve always said that in life, every day, there will always be an opportunity to learn something new and that learning stays with a person. If, through an audiovisual piece of content, I can provide one of these things to someone, I can feel satisfied that I’ve done successful work.
Many people believe that great directors have something special that sets them apart, but the greatest differentiator is twofold. First, they have a very clear vision of how they want to tell their story, and they will do whatever it takes to bring it to the big screen. They will fight until the end. That brings me to my second point: great directors are the ones who go the extra mile in everything in every project they participate in. They don’t let themselves be defeated; they go all the way, and honestly, what makes me most proud is being able to be part of this industry that fights every day to create these works of art, regardless of the time invested and all the obstacles that need to be overcome.
It hasn’t been an easy journey for me either. I started when I was fifteen as a DJ. After several years, I decided to continue in the audio world, so I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Audio Engineering, which was related to the DJ world. Shortly after starting classes, I began working for an event production company that was growing exponentially. It belonged to a large group of companies in Mexico. So, in the mornings, I studied; in the afternoons, I worked; and on weekends, I continued DJing. This job led me down two different paths, but they were the ones that helped shape who I am today and brought me to Los Angeles.

The first path is that I continued working as a producer at Matatena, and it led me to be part of major festivals in Mexico with internationally recognized talent. It gave me a solid foundation in production, albeit in a slightly different way than how it’s done in the film industry. However, it provided a strong base that I only had to complement with the terminology specific to each field. The other path is that, due to the internal persistence of our group, I had the opportunity to find and direct a film production company called Latro Films. It gave me my first real and direct contract change to contact in the audiovisual entertainment world. It expanded my vision and helped me discover my true passion.

Over the years, we have worked on numerous projects of all kinds, from photoshoots to TV commercials. Nowadays, we are heading towards venturing into the world of film and television. It hasn’t been easy because nothing good in life is easy. You have to fight for it and earn it. I appreciate that because it makes people value things more. I faced problems from not knowing how to do something and trying to learn from the internet to swallowing my pride and asking someone, “I don’t know how to do this; can you explain?” It may sound easy, but when you’re in charge of a project, it makes you question if you are the right person to lead it.

One day, I received advice: Good leaders are not the best because they know everything and because they are the best at everything. They are good leaders, and they are the best because they surround themselves with the best, organize and ensure that everyone shares the same vision and dream of bringing the project forward. And so, there are thousands of stories of how, by asking and searching, one can learn everything. The greatest lesson I have learned, and one that I can give to everyone, is never to stop fighting for what you want and pursue your dreams until the end because those who persevere will achieve them. In this industry, there are thousands of stories of people who have given everything to make that dream a reality.

And well, you can see it in many things that I have done or where I have worked. Matatena, the company where it all started, is now a recognized company that specializes in all types of live events. It has transcended and works with the best brands and at the best festivals. I feel very proud to have been working in that company for ten years, which started from nothing and has become a giant of which I have been a part from the beginning. Second, Latro Films, the production company I founded in Mexico five years ago. My baby, nowadays, is a strong teenager running around and creating spectacular things, from small advertisements or photo sessions to television commercials. Currently, we are heading more towards the narrative world, where we are focusing on making short films and starting to produce feature movies, starting with my new graduation project.

After two years of being in the master’s program and focusing on creating a screenplay, we are entering the pre-production process of my first feature film called “No Loose Ends.” Well, for now, that’s its name; we know that in this industry, that’s the last thing to be decided. It is a project that, more than being my graduation project, is my directorial debut to the world. And honestly, I am very excited and fortunate to receive so much help and support from people close to me. It will be an ultra-low-budget action film, and the idea is to try to show the world that good movies can be made with a low budget. But at the end of the day, everyone knows that there is never enough money for every project unless you are James Cameron, but that’s another story.

Honestly, I will keep you informed of everything that happens and how the project develops. But this is the project I plan to dedicate myself to in the coming months until it sees the light. And from here, many more projects will arise where I can continue to meet incredible people, collaborate, and learn from this incredible industry. And to contribute my little grain of sand so that people can be entertained for a couple of hours with my content.

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?
What a great question. Los Angeles is so incredibly amazing, but at the same time, it’s so complex because there are so many things to do everywhere. But let’s say someone from Mexico is coming to visit me for three days. They will arrive on the midday flight and leave on Sunday night at 10 p.m.
First things first, as soon as I pick them up at LAX, I would take them to In-N-Out because everyone in this city knows there’s nothing like In-N-Out, and it’s something that excites people who are not from here. Then I would go to my house in Glendale, let them settle in, and then we would go for a walk at The Americana and Glendale Galleria, which are beautiful and pleasant places. After that, we would have dinner at Din Tai Fung, which is a delicious place. It’s not the most expensive or the most elegant, but it’s something quick for the first day (make reservations in advance, I don’t know why there’s always a two-hour wait). If they want something more upscale, I will make a reservation at Bestia (also reserve in advance).

On the second day, we would start with a hike at Griffith Observatory/Hollywood Sign, and after the hike, we would have breakfast at Urth Caffé. We would then return to freshen up and first go to Venice Beach so they can explore Abbott Kinney, skateparks, etc. Then I would make a reservation at Elephante for lunch and to watch the sunset. It’s an incredible and delicious place (also reserved in advance). After eating, we would take a walk on the pier and finish watching the sunset, and we could continue walking along Promenade Street.

On the third day, if they wanted to relax, we would have breakfast at IHOP, a perfect breakfast spot. But if they want to do activities, we could start the morning with a hike in Topanga and then have breakfast. After that, we would pack our bags and take a stroll on Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills. For lunch, we would go to Jon and Vinny’s, and if they wanted dessert, we could stop by the cereal side of Kith before heading to the airport.

It’s a very interesting plan, but at the same time, it’s quite intense. It’s fun and allows you to explore many places. If they had more days, we could go to the Getty Center, watch a movie at the cemetery, or go to the beach in Malibu. There are also activities like the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, where you can see all the studios or go to Universal Studios or Disneyland, which are about a 45-minute drive away. And the list could go on because there are activities for all kinds of people, with all kinds of interests and at all times. Not to mention the variety of restaurants available.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A person who has always been by my side and supported me through thick and thin is my wife. She is someone I know I can rely on in every project, from beginning to end. She will help me and always know what to say when I’m feeling down so that I don’t stop working. And that is incredible: having such a person in your life. For me, it’s what helps you overcome any challenge that comes your way because you know that no matter what happens, someone is behind you, pushing you forward and not letting you give up. So thank you very much, Paloma Quintanal. You are the best today and always.

Website: https://www.latrofilms.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebasberen/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebasti%C3%A1n-berenguer-7025b0199/

Youtube: https://vimeo.com/latrofilms

Other: WHAT DO I WATCH: https://vero.co/sebasberen

Image Credits
Pranav Mehta