We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aiden Delfin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aiden below.
Hi Aiden, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?
Growing up I was not very good at communicating with people, my mom could tell you that in a heartbeat. But I think just growing up and seeing the world played a huge part in learning how to communicate effectively. I’d watch TED Talks or podcasts and just listen and pick up on how the speakers were able to convey their message and what makes them stick.
I also think working in the film industry forces you to learn how to communicate. Being one of the most collaborative industries there is, communication is so important. You literally have to communicate every second your on a film set; from where each light needs to be and how it should be set, to what lens you’re on, and especially directing the actors. Before going to film school I don’t think I ever had to communicate so much in this type of way.
I hear a lot that communicating is a learned skill, and I find that to be true, but it does also come with time. You kind of just need to immerse yourself in it and find what works.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m currently a 3rd year film student at Woodbury University, I’ve spent thousands of hours working on film sets ranging from class projects, commercials, series episodes, professional short films, and soon (hopefully) feature films. My main goal in the film industry is to become a cinematographer, being the go-to person for everything related to the visual side of the film. Besides wanting to focus as a cinematographer, I spend a lot of time as a gaffer or just working in the grip and electric departments on set.
I’m mainly a freelance filmmaker, finding whatever work I can as it comes to me, but I also do corporate video work on the side, filming location events and recruiting videos. As for work that isn’t on set, I’m also a Student Assistant for the 1st year film classes at Woodbury University with a goal of helping out the 1st year students and being a guide of sorts as they start college and their film careers.
I’ve recently started working on my thesis project, right now I’m writing the script for it but it will be shot next fall. It’s a 2 year thesis track so this is basically what my life will be geared on until 2026. But I enjoy it regardless.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Like I said earlier, communicating is so so important. It’s how you get ideas from your head into other people’s heads. I honestly think the best way to improve your communication is just to talk to people and collaborate. There really isn’t any other way.
For filmmakers, knowing what equipment you’re using/will use is huge. Especially as a freelancer, knowing how to use a variety of equipment can be the difference between getting the job or not. I’ve found the best way to learn equipment is obviously using it, but you don’t always have the luxury of getting access to the equipment you want on every project. One of the other ways I’ve found useful is going to hands-on events or other events showcasing new equipment, you get to see the some equipment you might not have access to on your own and can get a feel for what you might want in your personal kit or just want to use in general.
Self-care is also very important, as a filmmaker and just in life in general. The film industry is an intense place to work; long back-to-back work days, sometimes a lot of physical labor, it gets exhausting. So knowing how to take care of yourself and when to take a break can really help you bounce back between projects.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents have been nothing but supportive of me and the career I want to follow, and I couldn’t ask them of any more. Compared to the rest of my family I’m on a very unconventional path. It’s very common in my family to either work in the medical field or a 9-5 office job, but I basically went the opposite way, and my parents have given me their full support. I think that their support and just knowing that they’re in my corner rooting for me has been huge in my drive towards working in this industry.
My parents have literally given me everything and it’s always meant the world to me. Mom, Dad, if you’re reading this, thank you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aidendelfin.com
- Instagram: @aiden.lando
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidendelfin/
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/aidenlando
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