Antigua-based wedding filmmaker Rodrigo Zadro travels the world capturing raw emotions, unscripted moments, and profound connections for his clients. Read his interview below to learn more about what keeps him motivated, his advice for new and aspiring filmmakers, and how he utilizes Musicbed to find the right music for his films.
Musicbed: What sparked your passion for filmmaking/storytelling?
Rodrigo Zadro: My passion for filmmaking and storytelling originates from my earliest childhood memories, where I exhibited a keen curiosity for creating and documenting moments for posterity. Growing up, at age 10 I remember the ere was a VHS camera in my house, and I was always drawn to it, eager to experiment and capture memories from birthdays, travel and celebrations. This initial fascination with preserving moments and crafting narratives laid the foundation for my journey as a filmmaker and storyteller, fueling my desire to bring stories to life and evoke emotions through the medium of film. As I immersed myself in various cinematic works, I became captivated by the power of storytelling, I found weddings to be a particularly compelling medium for storytelling, as they offer a unique opportunity to capture the essence of love, joy, and human connection.
What keeps you motivated and creatively inspired?
I find my motivation and creative inspiration in constantly experiencing new things and delving into subjects that ignite my curiosity. Recently, I’ve been immersing myself in color grading, which has ignited a surge of creativity within me. I believe that as creatives, it’s essential to always be experimenting and trying out new techniques. This constant exploration keeps me engaged and pushes me to evolve creatively, allowing me to approach filmmaking with a fresh perspective and continue refining my craft. I also draw inspiration from collaborating with other creatives knowing that my work can really touch people’s hearts and create memories pushes me to keep pushing the boundaries of storytelling in film.
What makes a story visually appealing? What role does music play in storytelling?
A story becomes visually appealing when it is expertly narrated, with a precise balance of visual elements that evoke emotions in the viewer without overwhelming them with unnecessary shots, This approach not only maximizes the impact of the visual narrative but also respects the clients time and attention. I think music plays a huge role in storytelling by complementing the narrative, enhancing its impact, and eliciting emotional responses from the audience. It serves to underscore key moments, evoke mood, and deepen the audience’s connection to the story, ultimately enriching the viewing experience and adding depth to the visual narrative. The pacing and rhythm of the music can significantly influence the flow of the story, guiding the viewer through different emotional beats and enhancing the overall storytelling arc.
What elements do you think are essential for crafting a compelling story?
This is indeed a challenging question. I believe that crafting a compelling story demands a careful balance of various elements. Firstly, it demands a focal point of interest, something that captivates the audience and allows them to relate to the narrative on a personal level. Additionally, it is crucial to master the art of pacing, ensuring that the story unfolds in a manner that keeps the viewer engaged and invested throughout its entirety, empathy and connection is another important point , keeping the audience intrigued and eager to discover what happens next.
How important is music in your work?
Music serves not only as a backdrop for my wedding films but also as a source of inspiration. I frequently listen to music to invigorate my creativity and envision how I can weave the story of a wedding film together. It acts as a catalyst for fresh ideas and allows me to visualize the narrative arc, ensuring that each film I produce resonates authentically with the couple’s unique story and emotions. music plays a CRUCIAL role in shaping the overall mood and atmosphere of my wedding films.
What advice would you give other filmmakers/creators just starting their careers?
My advice is simple: find yourself a mentor OR SOMEONE who inspires you. Learn from them, soak up their knowledge, and gain experience wherever you can. Don’t be afraid to explore different aspects of your craft and take risks. Stay curious, keep pushing yourself. Don’t underestimate the power of networking and building relationships within your industry. Collaborating with peers and exchanging ideas can provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth. Remember, the journey to mastery is a continuous process of learning and adaptation.
How do you balance pushing boundaries creatively and delivering what your client or audience wants to see?
I gradually navigate this balance by initially aligning with my clients expectations based on my portfolio of work. Over time, I slowly bring in new creative elements and try out different things., I use social media as my portfolio, which means I’m always getting feedback. Recognizing that each wedding has its own unique story to tell, I approach each project with a deep respect for the couple’s journey. By prioritizing the narrative above all else, I strive to capture the essence of their love story in a way that is authentic and emotive.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a filmmaker/creative?
Managing workload effectively. It’s crucial to resist the temptation to take on more projects than one can realistically deliver on time and to the expected quality. Learning to say no when necessary is a skill that requires finesse but is essential for maintaining professional standards and personal well-being. Additionally, consistently nurturing creativity amidst deadlines and pressures can be demanding, requiring intentional efforts to stay inspired and innovative in every project.
What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on?
In 2018, I had the opportunity to travel to Morocco to cover a five-day luxury event. This particular project stands out as the most significant milestone in my 11-year journey as a filmmaker. We flew all the way from Buenos Aires with two other filmmaker colleagues: Ismael Gonzalez and Andres Proaño. The event featured 600 people and multiple locations in Marrakesh, 180 degree firework show, and ended the night with a live performance by Ricky Martin.
How do you search for music on Musicbed? What are some tips that you’d give other filmmakers to search on Musicbed?
When searching for music on Musicbed, my process involves listening to various tracks as I re wards the cinematic genre. This allows me to find music that enhances the mood and storytelling of my project. My tip for other filmmakers searching on Musicbed is to experiment with different genres and styles to find the perfect match for the tone and emotion you want to convey in your film. The key to finding music is knowing what you’re looking for, and while it may sound simple, it’s 100% true. What are we trying to convey? What story are we telling? These questions guide my search process on Musicbed and help me hone in on tracks that align with the emotions and narrative of my project. By staying focused on the message I want to convey, I’m able to discover music that enhances the storytelling and resonates with my clients.
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Explore a curated playlist of Rodrigo’s go-to songs to use in his wedding films—all available to license only on Musicbed.
