Carlos R. Diazmuñoz AMC

When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?

My first big break working behind camera in the advertising industry was in 1985 as first assistant cameraman for my late father working on a commercial shoot in Mexico City with a famous film actress. My late dad was a Director/Cinematographer and I had to pass a rigorous test with him shooting a short film of "behind the scenes" of a huge 30 day commercial campaign. He was uncertain that I could work 18 hour days for so long and was not fond of giving me work just because I was his first son. I not only photographed in Super 8mm film the BTS (behind the scenes) I also edited and inserted sound as well as getting up before sunrise every single day to film the crew setting up and the trucks arriving to the various locations. I am not counting the time I worked in front of camera in a Pepsi commercial with a soccer superstar that played for the national select team in the world cup in the 70's since I am not an actor now. Both shoots went well. As 1st Assistant Cameraman it was not as difficult since it was with a video camera and I did not have to load film so I only concentrated on pulling focus and carry the equipment but it was very challenging. As an actor in the commercial previously mentioned, it was amazing since the soccer player also played for my favorite soccer league team when I was in grade school when the commercial was shot. The only bad part is that kids in grade school called me a show off since the commercial aired internationally in many channels.

What is it like when your job gets tough?

This is a great question as my job has tough challenges many, many times. I really have to keep my cool and be chill about it and focus. No matter what, the final outcome in the image is my responsibility and sometimes that is forgotten by other departments dealing with the budget so you have to be a great mediator in an amicable way and do your best with what is possible, Perfectionism is not always achievable. It is unavoidable to go to bed and question yourself in many ways as to how you could have done a better job. That is the beauty of this industry or any other as perfection is hard to achieve so you have to accept that you did your very best under the circumstances. We are not perfect so mistakes will happen and you have to be humble about it and continue.

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

I believe it was to finally make a commitment to what I wanted to do as a career. I completely changed my major 360 degrees from Aerospace Engineering to Film when I was 20 years old. I overcame this by committing to my decision, studying film and preparing myself for the professional world with a lot of experience working non stop and proving that I was a great Assistant Cameraman to many cinematographers and not just my father. Most importantly, proving to myself that I made the right choice was a key to my path now.

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

I am the person working behind the camera creating the visual language as a wingman to the director in films creating unique compositions in framing, lighting and camera moves. I am basically the creative artist swiss army knife in a film shoot.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

I moved to Los Angeles from Tucson with two of my friends to get out of the small desert city. I was barely making ends meet working retail to wait for my one year residence in LA so I would not have to pay out of state tuition. On my way to work one day I drove on the famous Sunset Boulevard and passed by a huge Hollywood shoot. There were so many people, film equipment and right then and there, I decided to change my major and study film. I did not know all along to be in the film industry, it was literally a split second decision that changed my future.

Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?

My late father NEVER pushed me in any direction at all. I was lucky to have zero pressure but it is a double edged sword as I also had to be assertive on my own and make my own decisions at a very early age. Luckily I found the right path.

How did you start building your network?

It was through friends made in film school that later on became my collaborators. Also my amicability and professionalism on shoots were crucial when the opportunity arised and proved that they hired the right person for later film shoots.

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

Actually it was my passion for playing soccer including being part of the Arizona State select team of 19 and under. My commitment to be the very best by never giving up as a team player and not and individual. I trained very hard to be prepared for the games and followed my coaches advice.

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

Study as much as you can when your parents pay for your studies but do not become a full time student after your 30's. Stay focused on getting work and experience.