Award-winning producer and director Fernando Del RÃo took time off his schedule to discuss his experience in the communication field. On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, Texas A&M International University’s Communication Department welcomed Del RÃo to speak with attendees. With more than 19 years of experience in motion media, Del RÃo was a great candidate to speak with the TAMIU community.
Del RÃo, a Laredo native, began his career in media almost 20 years ago. He explained that his love for communication began, “at my Tio [uncle] Pancho and Tia [aunt] Ana’s house.” Del RÃo talked about how at the age of 8, he and his cousins would have fun making small films. Falling in love with filming at a young age, Del RÃo continued getting acclimated with filming as he grew. In high school, Del RÃo worked at the City of Laredo’s Public Access Channel and radio stations that covered both Laredo and Nuevo Laredo.
Del RÃo began his collegiate years at Laredo Community College and later transferred to Austin Community College. Del RÃo would go on to earn his Associate’s Degree at Austin Community College, before finally transferring to the University of North Texas. All this time, Del RÃo started finding ways to work and improve his skills in the communication field. He would work with independent companies and film commercials, television shows and motion pictures. This would be worthwhile, when Del RÃo earned his Bachelor’s Degree at UNT in Radio, Television, and Film.
After earning his Bachelor’s Degree, Del RÃo moved back to Austin. That is when a new chapter in his life began. Del RÃo founded Spontaneous Films Production Company. Spontaneous Films have done filming for businesses, television, and more. Examples of clients that Spontaneous Films have worked with are channels like TLC, Discovery Channel, and some local businesses as well.
Towards the end of his presentation, Del RÃo was asked what advice he had for someone interested in filming. His response was “you have to have passion…if you don’t love it; there are easier ways to make your living. It’s not easy to be in this industry…you have to persevere through a lot of obstacles,” Del RÃo added. Del RÃo’s determination is what made him successful to the point that he is at right now.
Having passion and working hard are great skills that a successful person will have. Fernando Del RÃo is a great example of what hard work and passion will result in. TAMIU’s communication department would like to thank Fernando Del RÃo for his time. For more information on Spontaneous Films, visit their website athttp://web.mac.com/fernandoperezdelrio/Spontaneous_Films_Web/Home.html.
(Ignacio Banda can be reached at ignaciobanda@dusty.tamiu.edu)