We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexis Duran. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexis below.
Hi Alexis, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
As a freelance filmmaker and educator, my work schedule can fluctuate by the day. Thus, self-care is constantly on my mind. There are certain activities I do habitually, and others I have to force myself to do.
The following are my self-care habits:
A workout at the gym.
Walking with my dog.
Playing with my nephews.
Baseball catch with friends.
Reading(book or screenplay)
Watching a movie at home or theatrical.
Talking with my girlfriend, friend or family member.
Watching videos on YouTube.
Meditating(I haven’t in a few months)
Eating a healthy meal.
All of the above, with the exception of watching videos on YouTube, enable me to relax, as well as return to my academic responsibilities, editing projects, writing, emails and day-to-day errands with greater clarity, effectiveness and at times excitement. The key is to do at least one or two activities daily for myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m in a special position to be a working freelance filmmaker and college educator. I’ve been fortunate to work as a director, producer, camera operator, editor and on many occasions as a one-person band shooter for the last eleven years. The majority of my work is in documentaries. I’ve had the opportunity to work with over a dozen global media companies in telling unique, personal and major social-political stories affecting us all. I love working in this medium due to the ability in meeting new people, discovering interesting stories and being able to execute production in one or two days. From there, I’m able to send over the footage to post, wait a few months and see what they put together in 7-15 minutes.
As a freelancer, I’m always open to collaborating and breaking into new sectors. In the last two years, I’ve picked up work as a “B” and “C” camera operator on popular reality shows and docu-series for various production companies and networks. These types of shows are great as it allows me to sharpen my skills and continue learning from different crews. And, it’s always a plus using new tools and equipment on set.
As I continue to work on different productions, I’m able to ensure I teach my students proper set etiquette, safety, terminology and practical hands-on skills that can be applied to almost any type of audio-visual project. That’s one of the biggest joys for me knowing I’m able to show them skills that will help them grow their craft, find work and keep up on set to a certain point.
While teaching and freelancing, I make sure I contribute to my own projects as well. I’m currently working on two observational documentaries. One of the docs is in post and the other is still in production filming throughout Baja California. And, there’s always writing going on. I’m hoping to begin production on my next short film in summer of 2024.
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?
• Kindness • Discipline
• Resilience
If you’re able to be a kind and easygoing person to be around with, continuously exercise discipline with work and autodidactism, and can be resilient through all the ups and downs in every aspect imaginable, you’ll be more than fine.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would love to meet any fellow filmmakers. I’m specifically interested in meeting producers, writers and editors.
Producers- I’d be great to meet producers working in narrative, both short and long form.
Editors- Specializing in documentaries.
Writers- I’d like to meet other fellow writers that would be open to writing once a week in person or virtually. Not necessarily on the same project, but to create a space and support each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alexisduran.me
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexis.duran.9047506
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-duran-a7a71955/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexisDuran87
- Other: Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/alxsdrn
Image Credits
Alexis Duran, Dustin Serrano, Marjan H., Francisco F., Garrick M., Claire.
