Today we’d like to introduce you to Gustavo.
Hi Gustavo, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, I developed an early obsession with film, fueled by curiosity and self-teaching.
At just nine or ten, I dove into books, films, and hands-on experimentation—always teaching myself, always pushing boundaries. Unlike my peers who followed traditional paths, I read, watched, and experimented, all while preparing for a future in filmmaking. It wasn’t easy—my parents hoped for a more conventional career. But eventually, they let me chase my dream, and I started working with production companies in Venezuela. Film school noticed my drive—I became a TA, then a teacher, blending hands-on skills with a passion for mentoring others. I landed at HBO Latin America—a dream for someone who’d always looked to Hollywood and the gold standard. After a few years, I moved to New York—an exhilarating leap for someone from South America. There, I thrived in advertising, working with top agencies and clients. My 14 years in New York were a whirlwind—advertising for major brands, bridging the Hispanic and American markets, and even producing a video for New York’s Olympic bid in 2012. I collaborated with big names like DirecTV, Nissan, TD Bank, French Culinary Institute, March of Dimes, Verizon, Old Navy, Heineken, and even cut commercials with Spike Lee—some of my career’s highlights.
From music videos and music projects with Gorillaz, Lilly Allen, Moby, We Are The Kings, and Questlove to editing independent films, New York made me a storyteller in every medium.
Editing films taught me patience and collaboration. Around this time, while living in New York, I met Alexandra, my wife, an architect whose encouragement expanded my path. She urged me to get my degree, so I studied visual effects and animation online with the Academy of Arts University while juggling work in New York.
That experience gave me a deep respect for online learning, especially after the pandemic made it essential for so many. I’ve always embraced change (sometimes I questioned)—jumping from advertising to independent film, always seeking new skills and challenges.
My wife, Alexandra, started participating in the AIA Austin chapter after we moved from New York to Austin, launching a video series in 2021, which began as a simple phone project (during COVID) and quickly grew into something bigger. We produced, filmed, and edited together—she as the mastermind, me as the storyteller—creating virtual tours and learning the language of architecture. My involvement with AIA Austin Women in Architecture has been enormous—producing content, learning to see through an architect’s eyes, and building a new professional chapter. Architects’ encouragement pushed me to launch my own business, focusing on content creation rather than traditional advertising.
I launched my own business—still learning, still growing, and most surprisingly, building something together as a team.
My career highlights include winning several awards for architectural films worldwide, an AIA Austin President’s Award, and the Texas Society of Architects Media Award.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most challenges come from navigating different markets as an entrepreneur, learning by experimenting, meeting people, interacting, and trying repeatedly. Embrace technology not out of fear of missing out, but because the market requires skills, know-how, and a traditional approach with modern technology. As a Gen Xer, I think three steps ahead because I process information quickly and strategize even faster. I learned that from my years in advertising.
I started in video post-production, learning the market in different genres: advertising, TV, film, and corporate. That gave me the tools, but I learned to lead through trial and error. Projects require someone with the guts and tenacity to pursue quality and results. That was not easy. I am an introvert by nature, so how can you lead when you need to interact with others, learn from them, and teach them? The transition to entrepreneurship has not been easy. As I moved from being an introvert to becoming more extroverted, I had to step away from imposter syndrome and believe in what I do and what I can create with my business.
The skills and talents have been there from the very beginning. I’m extremely creative, a purist of my craft. However, clients are looking for results, someone who can solve the problems and needs, which means looking for the best approach, out of your comfort zone, and breaking boundaries.
We’ve been impressed with Gus Bernal: Film+Photo+Education, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started my business in response to clear demand from clients seeking video, photography, and educational services tailored to the construction, architecture, and design sectors. Few professionals effectively understand and use storytelling tools in the ACE (architecture, construction, and engineering) industry. This gap inspired me to offer a service that meets these needs and improves how these industries communicate through visual media.
I help customers communicate their stories through high-quality film, photography, and education. By listening closely to client needs, I create visual work that authentically represents their mission and connects with audiences. Through education and mentorship, I also equip emerging creatives with the skills to document and promote their own work, building long-term creative and community impact.
My community includes diverse creative professionals, students, and emerging leaders who use storytelling to shape projects that improve the quality of life. Many of these initiatives address challenges such as sustainable development and community resilience but often lack the resources to document and share them. Through Gus Bernal: Film + Photo + Education, I provide film and photography education that gives people the skills to tell their stories, promote their work, and raise awareness of our community’s needs. By empowering individuals to document and communicate their impact, my business supports sustainable growth, civic engagement, and long-term community vitality. My work spans photography, video, and instructional components, ranging from developing social media strategies to producing long-form videos with strong storytelling.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
For me, defining success is difficult. Recently, I discussed this with my cohort in the 2026 AIA Austin Leadership Collective.
Some people see success as winning awards or becoming famous, but for others, it’s about finding fulfillment in their work and personal lives. I feel successful as a parent because my child looks up to me. We learn from each other, and I support him whenever he needs me. By giving him meaningful gifts, not just something he would forget about in a few weeks.
I also feel successful because my wife supports my work and business ideas. She always encourages me to do my best and helps provide for our family. Not everyone has a partner who truly understands and supports their life goals.
Finally, I feel valued by my community in the ACE industry. They trust me to share their stories and respect my approach to their work. They welcome me, recognize my efforts, and often ask for my opinion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gusbernal.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gus_bernal_film/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavobernal/
Image Credits
Picture file name and photo credit:
11012025_TXA_Conference_ Day03_272 – Killy Photography
LV107219 – Lucero Studio
LV102016 – Lucero Studio
1724447517590 – Dylan Jon Wade Cox – DJWC Photo
53437344937_338fd9e9e2_k – Suzanne Cordeiro
