Rodrigo Prieto–an Oscar-nominated cinematographer for the Ang Lee-directed Brokeback Mountain and whose lensing credits also include such lauded features as Pedro Almodovar’s Broken Embraces, Alejandro González Iñárritu ‘s Babel and Julie Taymor’s Frida–has signed with Little Minx for representation as a commercials director.
Prieto is experienced in spotmaking, having shot notable commercials that include Ikea’s “Lamp” directed by Spike Jonze and American Airlines’ “New York Minute” helmed by Rupert Sanders.
Born in Mexico City, Prieto studied at Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica, a leading Mexican film school, and began his career as a still photographer, then cinematographer on commercials. Concurrently, he moved into features, gaining international acclaim with Academy Award, ASC, BAFTA and Independent Spirit nominations. He’s also been honored with Ariel Awards (Mexico’s equivalent of Oscars) and the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Osella Award. He moved to Los Angeles in 2000 after he shot Iñárritu ‘s breakthrough film, Amores Perros.
Also among his cinematography credits is the Detroit rap film 8 Mile. The movie’s saturated blues and greens and gritty textures stemmed from Prieto and director Curtis Hanson canvassing Detroit for locations and spending a lot of time talking with residents, doing numerous tests for colors and textures, and drawing inspiration from frescos by Detroit Institute of Arts’ Diego Rivera. “I had just finished shooting Frida and went to see Diego Rivera’s work in Detroit,” Prieto related. “It ended up being very inspiring for me on 8 Mile.”
“So many things I do as a cinematographer factor in to directing,” Prieto said. “I enjoy working with actors. I’m not the type of cinematographer who lets the paraphernalia of the camera take over. I acted in the theater while I was in school and really enjoyed it. I like operating the camera to be physically close to the actors as they perform. It’s about connecting with the emotion. The lighting, composition, production design, costumes, editing, sound and music, are all elements that support the transmission of that emotion to the audience. A director ties these elements together in collaboration with the creative team to bring a story to life. That is a process I find fascinating.
“I’m drawn to pieces with humanity, stories and ideas that I can connect with and find captivating,” he continued. “Like with the films I’ve worked on, in commercials I enjoy exploring any genre. As a director, I’m open and flexible for whatever comes at me.”
Prieto added that he was drawn to Little Minx by the people there, including president Rhea Scott. “I’m confident they know my strengths,” he said.
More of Prieto’s cinematography is slated to hit the big screen this year, with Oliver Stone’s Wall Street 2 and Iñárritu ‘s Biutiful.
Disney Pledges $15 million In L.A. Fire Aid As More Celebs Learn They’ve Lost Their Homes
The Pacific Palisades wildfires torched the home of "This Is Us" star Milo Ventimiglia, perhaps most poignantly destroying the father-to-be's newly installed crib.
CBS cameras caught the actor walking through his charred house for the first time, standing in what was once his kitchen and looking at a neighborhood in ruin. "Your heart just breaks."
He and his pregnant wife, Jarah Mariano, evacuated Tuesday with their dog and they watched on security cameras as the flames ripped through the house, destroying everything, including a new crib.
"There's a kind of shock moment where you're going, 'Oh, this is real. This is happening.' What good is it to continue watching?' And then at a certain point we just turned it off, like 'What good is it to continue watching?'"
Firefighters sought to make gains Friday during a respite in the heavy winds that fanned the flames as numerous groups pledged aid to help victims and rebuild, including a $15 million donation pledge from the Walt Disney Co.
More stars learn their homes are gone
While seeing the remains of his home, Ventimiglia was struck by a connection to his "This Is Us" character, Jack Pearson, who died after inhaling smoke in a house fire. "It's not lost on me life imitating art."
Mandy Moore, who played Ventimiglia's wife on "This Is Us," nearly lost her home in the Eaton fire, which scorched large areas of the Altadena neighborhood. She said Thursday that part of her house is standing but is unlivable, and her husband lost his music studio and all his instruments.
Mel Gibson's home is "completely gone," his publicist Alan Nierob confirmed Friday. The Oscar winner revealed the loss of his home earlier Friday while appearing on Joe Rogan's... Read More