Meet Nicholas Guerra

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicholas Guerra a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Nicholas with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in the lessons my dad taught me. He instilled in me the values of resilience and perseverance, showing me how to navigate life’s challenges with unwavering determination. His tough love was a guiding force, pushing me to strive for excellence in everything I do. My late great-grandmother also had a huge impact on me and my success, her wisdom and strength shaping my approach to life and work. As a photographer and videographer, I channel this relentless drive into my craft, always hustling to achieve my goals and create meaningful work.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

What excites me most about my work is the blend of creativity and accessibility. Using an iPhone for photography and filmmaking allows me to push the boundaries of what’s possible with a device that’s always in our pockets. It’s a powerful tool that democratizes the art of storytelling, making it accessible to anyone with a vision.

I’m passionate about inspiring others to see the potential in everyday tools and encouraging them to pursue their creative passions. Whether through photography, film, or design, my mission is to show that great art can come from anywhere and anyone.

I’m currently diving into an exhilarating project—crafting a horror film alongside a few incredibly talented individuals. Our cameras will start rolling this September in Atlanta, GA.

This film breathes life into a Spanish urban legend my grandmother used to whisper about when I was a child. While many have explored the tale of the weeping woman, my rendition will bring a fresh, unique twist to the narrative. I’m thrilled to delve deep into my Spanish heritage and roots, aiming to deliver something truly different to the industry. And in a nod to innovative filmmaking, we’ll be capturing the entire haunting tale using just my iPhone.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been game-changers for me:

1. Resilience and Adaptability: Being able to roll with the punches and adapt to new situations, like moving from city to city or trying new approaches in filmmaking, has been crucial. Even overcoming challenges like homelessness and rising above it all has shaped my journey.
Advice: Embrace change and stay flexible. Every challenge is a chance to grow, so learn to see setbacks as opportunities rather than roadblocks.
2. Creativity and Innovation: Thinking outside the box, like using my iPhone for filmmaking, has helped me stand out and bring fresh ideas to the table.
Advice: Keep experimenting and don’t be afraid to take risks. Let your creativity lead you to try new things and push boundaries in your work.
3. Connection to Personal Heritage: Diving into my Spanish roots and bringing that depth into my projects has added authenticity and meaning to my work.
Advice: Use your background and personal experiences as a wellspring of inspiration. This will not only make your work richer but also help it connect more deeply with others.

For those just starting out, focusing on being resilient, creative, and connected to your roots can really set you up for success and make your journey more rewarding. Remember, rising above tough situations, like homelessness, can give you a unique perspective and strength that fuels your path forward.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m definitely looking for collaborators! I’m searching for individuals who are passionate about indie filmmaking and storytelling. Specifically, I’m interested in:

1. Filmmakers: People who have experience with iPhone cinematography or are eager to explore it. Creativity and a willingness to experiment with new techniques are key.
2. Editors: Skilled editors who can work with iPhone footage and bring out the best in our raw material.
3. Sound Designers/Music Composers: Individuals who can enhance the mood and atmosphere of our films through sound and music.
4. Actors: Talented actors who are excited to work on indie projects and bring scripts to life.
5. Musicians, Rappers, and Rockers: Artists who can contribute their musical talents to our projects or collaborate on soundtracks.
6. Inspiring Models: Individuals who are interested in showcasing their work and collaborating in a positive and creative environment.

If you’re interested in collaborating or know someone who might be, you can connect with me directly through my Instagram @ngviisuals. Let’s create something amazing together!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ngviisuals

Image Credits

Mike Epps
C Gutta
Sleepy Brown
Ana Galvan
Raven Moon
Kimberly Quintana

Sherifat A. Mohammed
‘Anissa LaShay
Rashidat Mohammed
Kristin Hunt