Today we’d like to introduce you to Humberto Blanco.
Humberto, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m a Cuban immigrant raised in Miami. I grew up fascinated with movies and followed a path of film production beginning since in high school and leading into college. I became very involved in the camera and lighting department when studying and became infatuated with the idea of one day becoming a successful DP (Director of Photography). I work professionally under the title of Camera Assistant, Focus Puller, and Film Loader with hopes of using that experience to transition into leading the camera and lighting department as a DP. I’ve worked on many award-winning projects throughout the years that have been selected in film festivals locally and internationally. One of the jobs I’ve come to appreciate while working in this trade is working as a Film Loader, in which my skillset requires me to install a roll of motion picture film into a magazine that then gets loaded onto a film camera for the film to be shot. It’s a dying art and a skill that is rarely taught in the ever-evolving digital age.
Has it been a smooth road?
The famous poet Robert Frost once wrote: “ Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” I think about that every time I am confronted with a choice and I always favor the bold. Sometimes opportunities are scarce and being bold can open doors for you. I was once offered a gig to work with a film camera I had never loaded before, and when asked if I had experience with it, I lied, and immediately when I was approved for the gig, I browsed for hours researching the camera so when I appeared on set, I knew exactly what to do. I don’t like to picture anything as expected to run “smooth” because 10/10 it doesn’t. A set can be a very fast-paced environment and thinking on one’s feet and always having a contingency is key to efficiency and moving up in this trade.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I have experience working in both camera and lighting but all my colleagues know me best for my knowledge and experience with a camera, both digital and analog. Working for several years in camera and I can say it what I enjoy the most and what consistently challenges me in a way where I learn something new each time. I take a bit of pride, having extended my knowledge of camera into the vintage realm. I actively seek to work with cameras and lenses that have a history in Hollywood. I believe that the embrace of both digital and film really sets me apart from others interested in the camera.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The film industry is constantly evolving. Digital cameras have really changed the landscape and direction of the industry, especially in the last decade. Now there are movies being made today with iPhones and consumer level cameras. And with the growing accessibility of streaming platforms and the demand for content on these platforms, I think movie theaters could become a thing of the past. A lot can happen in this industry, really, but only time will tell.
Contact Info:
- Email: blancocinematography@gmail.com
- Instagram: @blancocinematography
Image Credit:
Michelle Ryan
Maria Diaz
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