Mario Garza

Unaffiliated

What was your first professionally directed work and when was it?
If by professionally you mean paid, it was 2019 when I worked full-time at Honey, a tech company that saves you money.

How did you get into directing?
I’ve worked as an advertising copywriter for a while now, and every time I’d go to shoot a commercial I want to direct it. So I started creating my own projects, investing in myself to define my style.

What is your most recent project?
The latest projects I’ve directed are two commercials and a short-form web series. I do have several narrative projects in development at the moment.

What is the best part of being a director?
Being on set with people you can call friends.

What is the worst part of being a director?
Seeing your work over and over and over until you release it out into the world. Not being able to enjoy your work one time for the first time.

What is your current career focus: commercials and branded content, television, movies? Do you plan to specialize in a particular genre–comedy, drama, visual effects, etc.?
I’ve realized that my true calling is to become rich by directing cinematic, colorful, performance driven comedy commercials. Mainly because I like laughing at things I shouldn’t and I love talking about serious issues in entertaining ways.

At the same time, I’m attached to direct a few feature films that aren’t necessarily comedy and I’m also currently writing both films and TV shows.

Have you a mentor and if so, who is that person (or persons) and what has been the lesson learned from that mentoring which resonates with you?
This year I’ve been part of the AICP Mentoring Program and comedic commercial icons Adam and Dave have been teaching me not to suck at directing. The lesson is pretty basic. Just keep trying to make cool shit. As simple as that.

Who is your favorite director and why?
I don’t have one favorite director. But I do love Peter Farrelly’s sensibilities. I relate to his work because I feel like we have the same sense of humor. Me, Myself and Irene is one of the best movies of all times, but also Green Book is. I’d love to be able to segue into different genres like he does. So Peter, if you’re reading this, marry me? LOL

What is your favorite movie? Your favorite television/online program?
Your favorite commercial or branded content? It’s impossible to just have one favorite. I’m currently watching Ted Lasso and I love it. 9 Perfect Strangers was great too. Uncut Gems is one of the recent movies I’ve seen that I really enjoyed and commercials that’s one tough. I think mine are the best ones out there, jk (just kidding), am I though?

Tell us about your background (i.e., where did you grow up? Past jobs?)
I was born and raised in a small town near Mexico City called Toluca known for it’s amazing chorizo. I moved to the U.S. for college, got a job as a copywriter in a small agency, traveled the world writing ads, and now I’m also directing.

How has the pandemic impacted your career, art, craft, shaped your attitudes and reflections on life which in turn may influence your work, approach, spirit, mindset?
It’s made it better. I’ve had time to concentrate and develop ideas I had. I’m even writing a show about one of my experiences during COVID so i was lucky in that sense.

Contact

Unaffiliated: Contact Mario Garza via email
Website