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Breaking Into Film: Erick Cancela on Forming Important Relationships

Written by

Jorge Lucena

Photographed by

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When it comes to breaking into the film industry, Erick Guillermo Cancela Flores Verdad's inspiring story is a shining example of determination and perseverance ultimately paying off. As a talented Steadicam and camera operator, Erick's remarkable journey has seen him overcome countless challenges to establish himself in the fiercely competitive world of music video and commercial production. Demonstrating unwavering resilience, Erick's outstanding accomplishments in just over a year include collaborations with prominent brands and artists like Soulja Boy, Blueface, and Redbull, which serve as an undeniable testament to his exceptional work ethic and extraordinary abilities.

Erick's ascent into the industry has not been without its obstacles. Early on, he found that creating those initial connections to secure his first jobs was a daunting task. However, Erick adopted a proactive approach, blasting emails about his services, introducing himself to potential clients, and attending networking events. Through sheer determination, he began to forge relationships that would eventually lead to opportunities.

The rapid progression of Erick's career has indeed led to a plethora of awards, recognition, and notable accomplishments. His impressive collaborations with high-profile artists such as Soulja Boy and Blueface in their visually stunning music videos are a significant source of pride for him. 

Erick was the camera operator in the Daniel Curtis Lee-directed “Blue Racks,” a song by Chudeejah ft. Blueface. He notes that this was a large project filmed in a mansion in Beverly Hills. Another of Chudeejah’s music videos Erick worked on as the camera operator was for “Bad Mama Jama,” featuring Snoop Dogg. This provided him with the opportunity to work with the director Daniel Curtis Lee again. For Soulja Boy, Erick was also the camera operator for the video for his track “Lamb Flow,” which was filmed in Los Angeles.

While his talent hasn’t been limited to music videos, Erick was also the cinematographer and camera operator for the short film Hambre, filmed in Mexico City and directed by Rene Baptista. This short film has been submitted to multiple film festivals. Erick was also the camera operator for the short film Doors. It was produced by Redbull, directed by Jason McRuer, and filmed in January 2023 in Los Angeles.

Moreover, Erick's exceptional work on captivating productions by Redbull further highlights his expertise. As a result of his unwavering talent and dedication, Erick has rightfully earned a distinguished place as an associate member of the prestigious Society of Camera Operators (SOC), a remarkable achievement that showcases his commitment to the craft.

When asked about the most significant challenges he's faced, Erick emphasizes the importance of practice and continuous learning as the keys to success. He passionately believes that aspiring Steadicam and camera operators should relentlessly strive to improve their craft, become more efficient, and master the art of maintaining composure under chaotic circumstances. Erick's unwavering commitment to honing his skills, pushing the boundaries of his abilities, and embracing a growth mindset have been indispensable factors that allowed him to overcome the multitude of hurdles that inevitably accompany the pursuit of breaking into the highly competitive film industry.

As for his dreams and aspirations, Erick envisions a bright future where he operates cameras as a sought-after professional for some of the biggest artists in the industry. With ambitious goals in mind, he aims to join the esteemed Union and work alongside the best directors of photography in Hollywood, ultimately making his mark as a leading, influential professional in his field and leaving a lasting impact on the world of cinematography.

Erick's success serves as an inspiration to those seeking to establish themselves in the film and entertainment industries. His relentless pursuit of opportunities, commitment to honing his skills, and unwavering determination demonstrate that with the right mindset and hard work, it is possible to break into even the most competitive sectors.

If you want to learn more about Erick Cancela's work, check out his Instagram page, IMDb profile, and Vimeo page. Follow Erick's journey as he continues to make waves in the industry and inspires others to follow their dreams.

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