Step into the cinematic world of Ana Amortegui, an accomplished cinematographer and visual storyteller whose evocative imagery, emotional sensitivity, and innovative approach continue to shape film and television. In this in-depth biographical interview, Ana reflects on her artistic evolution, cultural influences, and the eye-opening journey that led her from early fascination with cameras to becoming a sought-after cinematographer. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the creative decisions that guide her lighting, composition, and narrative choices—along with the unique challenges and rewards of collaborating with directors, producers, and talent across diverse visual genres. Ana discusses the importance of authenticity in filmmaking, how she builds cinematic language for each story, and her thoughtful approach to representation both in front of and behind the lens. From early inspirations to career-defining projects, this episode explores Ana’s creative process, technical mastery, and artistic discipline—revealing how she balances intuition, emotional storytelling, and craft. She speaks candidly about navigating the film industry, building a network, and making bold creative decisions that have helped her forge a dynamic and enduring visual voice. Whether you're a filmmaker, film student, DP, visual artist, storyteller, or lover of the moving image, you’ll find inspiration and practical insights in Ana’s journey. This conversation is a powerful look at building a career in cinematography and the passion that keeps artists evolving.
✅ Key Topics
- Early creative influences and visual language
- Developing a personal cinematographic style
- Collaboration and communication on set
- Approaches to lighting and composition
- Narrative storytelling through camera movement
- Career milestones and personal breakthroughs
- Representation and identity in cinema
- Navigating film industry opportunities
- Advice for aspiring cinematographers and filmmakers
✅ Keywords (SEO) Ana Amortegui, cinematographer, director of photography, DP interview, filmmaking podcast, visual storytelling, film career, behind the scenes, camera movement, lighting design, composition, film education, movie industry, creative storytelling, women in film, film and television production, cinematography interview, filmmaking journey, artist biography, podcast for filmmakers
BIO
Ana Amortegui, ADFC DP, is a Colombian Director of Photography with a string of credits, including
Resident Alien, Black Lightning, Into the Dark, Twenties S2, Gentrified, the web series,
Heal and
Quantum Leap S1 and S2 which is currently in production. Ana defines passion, determination and focus in her ambitions never letting anything or anyone stand in the way of her goals. And her journey from being a dancer in Colombia has taken her to the heart of Hollywood where women have to fight extra hard to break into the tough world of running camera. But Ana set herself a goal which she never lost sight of and worked her way up from Camera Assistant to DP. Born in Medellin, Colombia in 1979, Ana lost her mother Miriam when she was just seven years old so she was raised with her father Santiago and two brothers Jose and Javier. She proved herself a natural sportswoman, even playing softball for her country, but it was dancing that became an early passion and one that grew into her first career. Undeterred by her father’s opposition to her dancing ambitions she appeased him with being a diligent student and studying electrical engineer. Her talent soon drew the attention of casting directors and producers and she was hired on
Protagonists de Novela as their dance teacher. Whilst on set Ana began to develop an interest in camera work and would take every opportunity to learn new skills. Following Electrical Engineering School, Ana graduated from video production and filmmaking at the Art Institute of California in 2010. While she was in school she would work a variety of jobs to make a living until she established herself in the industry. Her determination and passion on set led her from one job to another and she recalls that the turning point coincided with getting pregnant with her daughter Mila. Her friend and fellow Cinematographer Gretchen Warthen says: “Within four years, she achieved everything she told me she was going to do. Ana’s will and positive attitude is amazing. She inspires me always and I am so very proud of all she has accomplished.” During the actors strike Ana made use of the time studying a model of responsible parenting, as well as photography skills and face painting. Ana lives in Los Angeles with her husband actor Danny Pardo and their five year old daughter Mila.
Ana’s Playlist:
Salsa,
Tango,
Regueton
Marc Anthony
Carlos Vives
Some favorite female artists:
Kira Kelly, ASC, DP
Mariscela Mendez, DP
Alicia Robbins, DP
Kendra Jarnagin
Catalina Gomez Beuth, Colombian Painter
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
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