Studying at UWN was a fantastic experience!
It allowed me to meet fellow students from all over the world and had a massive impact on my vision, not only of filmmaking, but also on the role of film in depicting the world itself and it's different realities.
Today, I still collaborate and work with my old colleagues. The team spirit that made us bond at Uni is still very much present and we have easily managed to apply it in the industry's day to day work environment.
Having to present my films and ideas to the teachers and students taught me to think critically and creatively, to take on board criticism in a positive way, to stand up for my work and gave me a strong attitude that makes me follow all opportunities with a forceful determination.
I’ve always been fascinated by the power film has to transport us to different realities we wouldn’t otherwise experience. Chasing my filmmaking dream, I’ve studied and worked in the industry for over a decade.
After completing my Film &Video course at Newport Film School I headed back to Portugal, where I am originally from. Working in such small industry meant diversifying; from producing an international short film festival, to working as a Wardrobe Director on a short broadcast on primetime TV, to editing the making of the Portuguese Dismissed, I tried it all! Frustrated with the unpredictability of work and willing to expand my knowledge of the acting process I also did a one-year Acting course.
At the end of 2007, looking to get experience in a more competitive industry, I bought a one-way ticket to London, where I’m now based. I soon got a job as a Post Production runner for the The Edge Picture Company, where I learned the ropes of post. After the credit crunch hit, and missing the excitement of being on set, I went Freelance, working on several different shoots, mainly in advertising.
2010’s highlights were working as a Production Assistant on the Milky Bar adverts and on the beautifully directed Cherry Ghost music video, besides working both as Production Assistant & Coordinator for Nike's 3-minute advert Write the Future (directed by Alejandro Gonzáles Iñarritu).
Directing, however, is my true passion. My understanding of acting allows me to bring an extra physicality and emotional detail even to projects that rely heavily on improvisation, such as Glance (short film made for the National Dance Company of Wales) and my latest short film Daily Grind.
At the moment I am working as a Versioning’s Producer for Smoke & Mirrors/Tag and looking into getting as much experience as possible in Fiction.