Alana Mediavilla | Producer & Director

So much has changed in 4 years!

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 10:54:05 -0800

This presentation wouldn't hold up post-pandemic.

This was the last time we all met, just a few weeks before the 2020 lockdown.

2024 : 3 Lessons from the year I cooked

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 13:21:20 -0800

Looking back on 2024, it’s hard not to admit that I cooked. I even managed to cross almost everything off my resolutions for the year. (Waking up at 6 a.m. every day? Still not happening. Turns out, you can achieve your goals and still enjoy sleeping in until 8. Thank God.)

In 2024 I released my first feature film in theaters. A documentray called Dirty Coin. While I’ve been an executive producer for years, releasing a film was new territory. It wasn’t just about making the film, it was about releasing it and getting people to pay to watch it. And wow, did I learn a lot.

1. Narrow your focus

Even with years of experience, I wasn’t fully prepared for the financial demands of a theatrical release. Making a film is one thing; releasing it successfully is a whole other level of expensive.

Lock in your marketing budget and be laser-focused about your release. Pick one city, figure out how much money you need to make it buzz about your movie, and go all in. Then move to the next city. With Dirty Coin, we went global all at once, and while that was exciting, it was exhausting.

Indie films can stretch their marketing dollars much further by concentrating efforts in a smaller numbner of cities. Spreading limited resources across marketing campaigns in over 1,000 cities around the world at once? I won’t be doing that again.

I rather be an inch wide and a mile deep, than a mile wide and an inch deep. (Thanks JLD for that tip!)

2. Step away even if...Read More

The Burden of Critical Thinking

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 13:41:37 -0800

The Paradox of Media Criticism: Blaming Brainwashing While Demanding Persuasion

Media often finds itself in a strange paradox: it is simultaneously blamed for manipulating audiences and criticized when it fails to convince them of a particular viewpoint. This contradictory expectation reflects the complex relationship between creators and consumers, where audiences demand to be informed, yet frequently hold creators accountable for their interpretations of the material. Nowhere is this more evident than in documentary filmmaking, a genre that walks the fine line between presenting facts and telling a story.

This is where the contradiction arises.

If a film, book, or article does not lead them to the "correct" conclusion, they fault the creator for not making a stronger case. In reality, this expectation undermines the very principle of critical thinking they claim to value.

In the relentless hustle of modern life, the quest for work-life balance often seems like an elusive goal. However, I propose a different approach: work-life harmony. This concept moves beyond the rigid idea of balancing separate compartments of our lives, instead focusing on creating a symphony where each aspect of life complements the others.

Redefining Balance

The traditional view of work-life balance suggests a perfect equilibrium between our professional and personal lives. But in reality, this balance is rarely achievable. Work-life harmony, on the other hand, acknowledges that sometimes work will take precedence, and at other times, personal life will. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for you.

Integrating Work and Life

Instead of seeing work and personal life as opposing forces, consider how they can integrate. For instance, if you enjoy your work, it contributes positively to your overall well-being. Similarly, a fulfilling personal life can energize and inspire your work. It’s about creating a seamless integration where both areas support and enhance each other.

Setting Boundaries

Key to achieving work-life harmony is setting clear boundaries. This might mean designating certain hours for work and strictly personal time, or it could involve setting physical or digital boundaries. It’s important to...Read More

Post less online and achieve a higher impact

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 11:19:53 -0800

In an era where social media often feels like an endless stream of content, it’s easy to assume that more is better. But what if we could shift that paradigm? What if less could actually be more? Today, I want to explore how posting less on social media can lead to a bigger, more meaningful impact.

Quality Over Quantity

The first step in this journey is to embrace the mantra of quality over quantity. Each post should be a gem, something that offers value, provokes thought, or sparks joy. ;) Think of your content as a curated art gallery rather than a crowded bulletin board. When your audience knows that you only post when you truly have something worthwhile to share, your words carry more weight.

Strategic Timing

Understanding when your audience is most active and receptive can make a huge difference. Utilize analytics tools to learn when your posts get the most engagement. Posting during these peak times means your content is more likely to be seen and interacted with, even if you’re posting...Read More

The Quiet Year - 2024

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 10:51:27 -0800

As we step into the fresh canvas of 2024, I find myself at an intriguing crossroads. My whole career, the digital buzz of social media has been a constant backdrop to both my personal and professional life. It’s been a platform for connection, a stage for sharing, and a tool for growth. Yet, there comes a time for change, for introspection, and for recalibrating one’s focus. This year, I am choosing to embrace a quieter existence away from the social media limelight. When most people are committing to posting more online this year, I’m committing to posting less.

This decision wasn’t arrived at hastily. It stems from a deep-seated desire to engage in projects that are more aligned with a ‘low time preference’ — endeavors that require patience, long-term dedication, and offer more meaningful outcomes. This article, for instance, is a reflection of that shift. It’s a space where I can share, in-depth and without the constraints of character limits or fleeting trends, the projects and ideas that I am passionate about.

One might wonder, what does stepping back from social media entail for a professional in the bustling world of media production? For me, it’s about redirecting my energy towards projects that resonate on a more valuable level. It’s about delving deeper into the nuances of storytelling, exploring the intricacies of international film production, and nurturing ideas that have the potential to leave a lasting impact.

In this quieter year, my focus will be on nurturing Campo Libre’s creative endeavors, steering Filmkik towards innovative frontiers, and ensuring Colectivo continues to redefine the landscape of event production. These projects are not just business ventures; they are extensions of my creative spirit and platforms for meaningful storytelling.