Meet Rafael Elorza | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rafael Elorza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rafael, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Failure is a part of success. I don’t think I would have been able to make use of the opportunities that I have been blessed with if I had not failed so much at a young age. And it’s all due to taking risk. Being able to learn from it is the most important thing we can do as creatives. It allows us to develop ourselves and understand how we want our work to be perceived.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I brand myself as a filmmaker first. It’s how I mentally and professionally carry myself. In that aspect it’s what makes me different from other people who create videos. I’m very proud of the relationships I have built with people. I’ve met so many wonderful, talented, and just all around great people and filmmakers. It opened my eyes to how big the world is and how much I still have to learn and improve and to me, that’s exciting. I want to continue meeting new filmmakers, actors, and all around creatives, and collaborate with them to uplift one another. The road has definitely not been easy. I still don’t think I’m where I want to be and that’s fine. I’ve always said I’m in it for the long game. It’s taken years of grunt work, learning alot online, failure, and just doing things that didn’t excite me right away. But it’s all a lesson and I knew that going in. I want people to know that reality is what will help you improve your craft, and being real with yourself is one of the biggest favors you can do to yourself. Also, start with what you have.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I really like Empire café. I think it’s such a vibe and I almost always choose to sit outside because it simply feels right. I also love movies, and deep conversations, so after maybe a drive in and talk till we’re too tired to stay up.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My high school teacher, my friends, family, and those who seen me put in the work and given me opportunities because of it. A special thanks to those who see past what’s on the surface. and take the time to really meet a creative. Also the other filmmakers I have met, the writers, and directors I have had the pleasure of working with and continue to work with.

Website: wakeuprafa.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeup.rafa/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-elorza-2690111b8/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjWYsquwk1AoEEIScMYaJNw?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Adrian Romero, Yung Dee on the Track, Niac, Angie Sandoval, Rafael Elorza