Today we’d like to introduce you to René G. Salinas.
Hi René G., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since my childhood, I have been curious about the filmmaking process. I would film every trip my family and I embarked on. At any opportune moment, I would ask my teachers if I could turn my essay papers into short videos instead. For my high school graduation project, I created a video and received an encouraging compliment from my principal. It was the first time the school had a student use visual art to complete the required graduation project. And I received my first genuine compliment on my work, nudging my curiosity along.
While attending Arizona State University (ASU). Intuitively I thought it would be a good idea to invest my financial aid capital to purchase my first camera. The Panasonic DVX-100B, and I went to work producing informational, commercial and narrative videos in my free time. Through consistent trial and error, I discovered that I could truly convey what I imagined by being a great organizer and communicator. And through this process, I found that filmmaking is the only art form I’ve experienced that provides me with a sense of honestly expressing myself.
Shortly after graduation, I found employment as a Media Planner at a seasoned advertising agency in Santa Monica, California. In my spare time, I produced short films and submitted them to numerous National Film Festivals. On one occasion, I received an award suggesting that my work brought value and captivated an audience’s interest. After receiving the award, I came to an understanding that the idea of filmmaking was no longer a passion project, but it could become a viable career choice. Therefore, I resigned from my marketing role to pursue a career in filmmaking.
Everything was going well. I was connecting with the local film community. Geeking out on camera specs, lighting equipment, and hobnobbing with local talent. Everything was evolving as I had hoped. But in April 2013, everything changed. My life went in a different direction. My father was diagnosed with cancer with a poor prognosis.
I became my father’s primary caregiver and advocate. During one of my father’s chemotherapy treatments, he shared that he thought he would have more time to fulfill his envisioned life. When my father passed in April of 2014, humbled and inspired by the experience, I reached for the stars. This new perspective led me to gain an internship at the Austin Film Society (AFS) and graduate from the prestigious Master’s film program at the American Film Insitute Conservatory (AFI) in Los Angeles. I also met my future wife there, further confirming I was on the right path.
That experience led me to produce over four short films, line-produce several others, and co-produce and edit live events with the likes of Edward James Olmos, Danny Trejo and Luis Guzman. I currently produce short documentaries for a technology company based in Austin called findhelp. And although my journey has been winding, it has taught me that no matter how many twists and turns you encounter on your path, it’s always possible to find your way back to your dream.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A recent obstacle I faced was overcoming the trauma and anxiety following my father’s passing. Although I was determined to advance confidently in the direction of my dreams, I had looping negative thoughts, difficulty focusing and felt uncomfortable in large crowds. It took extra effort to perform tasks that I would otherwise complete effortlessly. The only relief I found was spending time in nature. I’d go hiking or climbing and bathe in the sun. It grounded my mind, providing me with an opportunity to think clearly. It wasn’t until I sought help and went to neurofeedback therapy. They did a brain scan and recommended a protocol to balance my overactive high beta waves causing anxiety. I furthered my research and read a book by Dr. Amen called “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” and I learned other wholistic ways to regulate my trauma and anxiety. This was a challenging time for me, and even though I accomplished the goals I set for myself, I understood the body keeps the score, and all the events leading up to my life up to that point came home to roost. And I’m grateful that I recognized I needed to seek professional help.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work full-time at a software company in Austin, supporting our storytelling initiative by producing mini-documentaries.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve had many mentors along my journey, and my approach to finding a mentor is simple. When I genuinely feel that a person can help me, I ask. It’s that simple. But, it’s not easy and can be tricky. Because even though you believe in your heart that this person can help you, they may not have the space to do so. If you don’t get the response, you are looking for, it is OK. Don’t fret. Revisit another time. But, keep searching for the person who can help you answer your question and trust that it will be effortless when you come across the right mentor.
Contact Info:
- Website: renesalinas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rene_the_producer/
Image Credits
Personal Photo: Miranda Kelton Photography
