45 Comments

Oscar! You did it, amico mio. This is awesome, and a titanic project. I will re-watch the movie on a big screen, as you suggested, but I can already tell you that I loved it. So, so, SO happy for you!

Expand full comment
Dec 23, 2023·edited Dec 23, 2023Liked by Oscar Obregon

HE’S A FILMMAKER!!! YUHUUUUU!!!

I’m happy you wrote up this entire thing, I loved getting to read about the entire process from beginning to end! (Mistakes and all lol) Truly buzzing with joy for you. Is a secondhand filmmaking buzz a thing? I think I have it.

It was the greatest thing to hear about your journey along the way and witness your joy and see you working through the challenges. And SO grateful you trust me enough to reach out and ask for help and that you even wanted me to help at all! I’ve loved getting to be in your corner rooting for you, even if it's from a distance, and I’m always going to be here rooting for you.

As a True Fan™️ I loved all these details. Like hearing about the color palette, checking out your shot list, the lighting, etc. And that tip about making sure you just focus on directing the day of filming. Makes sense, this sounds like so much project management! And it being your first time, you did an incredible job with how much you were juggling and learning. I know it wasn’t easy.

You know, very few people follow-through with what they say they’re going to do. And you did! That’s fucking amazing. Like, truly. When you consider how much time, thought, and challenges go into making even a small film, it’s crazy that any movie gets made at all. And the fact that you picked such a challenging concept, brought in AI into the mix, and just threw yourself into this beautiful chaos with no idea what was going to happen, but really striving to complete it and do the best you could do while literally figuring it out along the way. I can't believe this was 4 months, that's crazy. It went from IT'S ALL HAPPENING, IT'S REAL to it HAPPENED. You're such an inspiration, my friend.

And the REAL scene with them arguing was so good. I’m happy to hear how much fun and joy you had with that one. And I was thinking the intro to Mexico 2020 had a music video vibe, so I’m excited to see what you do when you dive into making a real one!

I laughed so hard at this: "My wife helped and was pivotal in bringing the tamales guy, who was both thrilled and a bit confused on why we had to get so many takes of him doing the same" and the kid with the basketball. I see you forgot to include Ale in your budget!! The tamale guy was an important role, she deserves compensation!

This was so insightful, I’m learning so much from you by reading this and it makes me look forward to the day I get to really dive into filmmaking in some way too. Loved seeing the progression to this final version. It came out awesome, Oscar. Forever proud of you.

I feel like I have more to say, but I’ll stop there for now. You and everyone involved did a fantastic job. (And it’s so cool to see my name in the credits! Biggest smile on my face!!!!) One day, I hope to witness you in your element in person. Until then, I’m happy to get a tiny glimpse of it from a distance. I hope you're enjoying the post-publish in peace, Director Oscar. Abrazos.

P.S. Ready to make a film together when you are.

Expand full comment

YOU DID IT! I am so proud of you. I am celebrating you and this achievement. Seeing you in the week leading up to production I knew you were ready. Finally seeing the end result is a joy. I'm still thinking about that Tamale scene. Well done. Well done. congratulations. felicidades. fuerza abrazos y mezcal!!!

Expand full comment

Wow Oscar. and I'll bet this is only a fraction of what you learned. congrats on diving in. what better way to accelerate your craft. I especially appreciated pieces of this that are related to taking on any project. Like “make sure you’re only directing the day of the shooting, not worrying about logistics or something else” could apply to any endeavor. And also the 3 1/3s advice from Vicky Zhao. you're a film-maker! wohoo!

Expand full comment

Wowowow - so surreal. Working with you was a gift of dreams. I could talk for a thousand years about the impact you had on me. Awesome project, thank you!

Expand full comment

Espectacular corto! El

primero de grandes logros.Orgullosísima de ti.

Expand full comment
Mar 20Liked by Oscar Obregon

It took me a while, but here I am. So proud and happy to watch your first film of many. So happy that you changed your mind and decided to pursue this passion instead of waiting until [money, time, etc]. To read your story, to have seen you fighting with the toothbrush scene . Ayyy qué emoción. Y claaarooo, los detalles, aunque ya los había escuchado en persona, es tan bonito imaginarte emocionado re contándolos. Gracias por el behind the scenes tan detallado y gracias por recordarme de una paranoia que todos vivimos. Me quedo con: “talking makes monsters evaporate”

I’m gonna get you, George!

Expand full comment

Congrats on finishing such an ambitious project and for teaching yourself so many things. I can't wait to see what you do next.

Expand full comment

Can't believe I've just stumbled upon this. Your journey into filmmaking takes me back to when I started making short films.

Right now, I'm focusing more on writing short stories & scripts. https://story-portfolio-page.super.site/

But man, I can't wait to see more of your work! Feel free to reach out if you want to collaborate!

Expand full comment
Dec 30, 2023·edited Jan 5Liked by Oscar Obregon

Oscar!!!! Congratulations!!! I am so proud for you!!! You dreamed it! And you made it happen!!!

I loved watching your beautiful micro film! It’s so entertaining and poetic. I felt George’s external and internal experiences. You captured the story arc from how anxiety and distrust can create rifts to his tiny steps toward a path of courage and hope. George’s layered experience reminded me of how the Save the Cat books discuss an A Story (external experience) and a B Story (internal experience.) Have you read those books? My husband has read the screenwriting, movies, novel, and young adult versions. He and I both appreciate Jessica Brody’s Save the Cat writes a novel and Save the Cat writes a young novel the most because they more clearly explain stories and story beats. https://amzn.to/48TlyFB and https://amzn.to/48xwdFA

I also looooved reading about your movie making process. I loved reading about your experiences and lessons learned through your thoughtful, information-rich article. When I thought about why your article had such a powerful sticky factor for me, I realized this: You captured this life formula beautifully in your lovely conversational retelling of your creative process: Commitment --> follow coincidences & share contagious enthusiasm with other people = generous community support + huge creation.

So excited for see how your 2024 unfolds for you!

Expand full comment

“Taking so much time to start doing this, just do it!”

YOU DID IT!!!

Oscar, huge congratulations on seizing the moment and turning your dream into a reality. It’s so awesome to see your unique style transform, take shape, and emerge on the screen.

I loved reading the behind-the-scenes on how the project came to life through connections, chance, and collaboration. Cheers to you and your team!

Expand full comment
Dec 24, 2023Liked by Oscar Obregon

Que emocionante ver la chispa de un gran sueño, ahora que se prenda el cerro…

Como disfruté leer el proceso creativo y todos los aprendizajes pero sobre todo el corto, sus encuadres y como transmite las emociones.

Vamos por un 2024 de convergencia creativa y que tu empuje nos siga inspirando.

Expand full comment
Dec 24, 2023·edited Dec 24, 2023Liked by Oscar Obregon

Hoy superaste lo insuperable en ti. Es inigualable la forma en la que funciona tu mente, la determinación con la que te riges, la creatividad que hace que la mente de tantos vuele y el humor tan bizarro y exquisito que te define. Y hoy, todo está plasmado aquí.

Agradezco enormemente que hayas ido antes que yo, porque marcas cada paso de mi camino antes de que lo dé a través de la increíble trayectoria del tuyo. “Crezco en hombros de gigantes contigo.”

El día anterior de ver tu microfilm, era solo una idea loca. Hoy es una grandeza. Mi punto de referencia para tantas cosas.

Por favor sigue haciendo mucho de esto, de tu pasión, porque mucho de lo que sé lo aprendí copiándote. Eres un mundo en el que, si entras, te encuentras.

Tienes un futuro excepcional por delante. Vas a tomarle a este mundo lo mejor que tiene, estoy segura.

Tu vida, al parecer, se revela mejor en la pantalla.

Tu vida se está convirtiendo en arte.

Eres mi más grande inspiración!

Expand full comment

OSCAR THIS IS SO AMAZING!!!

It’s funny, I remember chatting about AI with you, and you really convinced me that it’s better to embrace the tools to help make your vision come alive. This video is such a great example of that. The AI adds so much to the surreal elements. When it switches to the “real” scenes, they almost seem more warm and accessible because of the change. I loved it! Including the backstory. Congrats to you and the whole team involved!

Expand full comment
Dec 24, 2023Liked by Oscar Obregon

Congratulations my friend! An excellent project with an equally amazing documentation of the creative process. What an amazingly thorough and rigorous behind the scenes. Merry Christmas!

Expand full comment

Congrats on getting this lovely piece of art out into the world! I know you've been desiring to make short films since we first met, and it's inspiring to see you actually doing it. Huge accomplishment Oscar. I look forward to the next one :)

Expand full comment