Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafael (The Wizard) Noriega.
Rafael, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was a child I had an opportunity to use an analog Kodak camera, and when I looked through the viewfinder, the trajectory of my life changed. The feeling of capturing a moment with that tiny box was something I could not explain — I knew I was hooked.
My love for the arts was instilled by my grandmother. She taught me how to make art, enjoy the whole process, and make it a part of my life. Thanks to her great influence on me, I’ve been able to expand my creative reach into other mediums: visual arts, graphic design, web development, 3D modeling and printing, and even martial arts.
After years of dabbling in many artistic genres and ultimately feeling unfulfilled, I became interested in photography and managed to turn that into a career. Not too long after, photography led me to find my one true passion: filmmaking. Nothing has been able to keep me as motivated and consistently engaged as the work I’ve been able to create within the world of filmmaking. I have been a filmmaker for six years and can honestly admit my excitement for the field has only grown over the years.
Over the years I’ve been able to amass an eclectic portfolio including nature documentaries, television pilots, short films, commercials, and feature-length films. Though the work has been varied, the one constant that has remained the same over the years has been my mantra: to feel the story. Creating a script, crafting the shot list, and finalizing locations are all crucial, but emotion is essential.
After collaborating and leading over 20 film projects, I have discovered filmmaking must translate into feeling. That mantra of ‘feeling the story’ even influenced the detailed lighting design applied in my award-winning science fiction short film, Explorandum. I also made sure to ‘feel the story’ when editing the documentary series, An Island in Time.
No matter what project I’ve worked on, I’m grateful for having had so much filmmaking experience in such a relatively short time because I believe it’s how I’ve been able to expand upon my skills and develop new ways of effectively communicating through film.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Though it hasn’t always been an easy road, I pride myself on being a generally positive person and feel like it’s served me well over the years. Having a positive outlook serves you well in such a social industry, where everyone ends up knowing each other, and helps you build important relationships. Life is difficult enough as it is — why make it worse?
Currently, a struggle I’m working through is getting the financing I need for a feature film I’m working on, but that’s something all creatives will go through at some time or another in their artistic endeavors. I’m incredibly grateful to be in a relationship with another creative person, my girlfriend Fatima, who understands and emotionally supports me through the ups and downs of ‘the business. I consider myself lucky in that regard.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the proud owner of a multimedia company, Wizard Studios LLC, where I do everything related to visual media for clients, from professional photography to video production. I specialize in photography and video for models, products, and food where I focus on providing the best possible quality work so I can help take clients’ businesses to the next level.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The energy; it’s a living thing, this giant creature that never sleeps and is always evolving. I guess you can say I relate to the city in that way—my work is ever-evolving and I, too, never get enough sleep.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rafaelfilmdirector.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Rafaelfilmdirector
- Youtube: https://vimeo.com/rafaelthewizard
- Other: https://imdb.me/rafaelfilmdirector
Image Credits
Fatima Da Gama
