Del Río: The Life of a Filmmaker

Award-winning producer and director Fernando Del Río 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 Río to speak with attendees. With more than 19 years of experience in motion media, Del Río was a great candidate to speak with the TAMIU community.

Del Río, 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 Río 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 Río continued getting acclimated with filming as he grew. In high school, Del Río worked at the City of Laredo's Public Access Channel and radio stations that covered both Laredo and Nuevo Laredo.

Del Río began his collegiate years at Laredo Community College and later transferred to Austin Community College.  Del Río 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 Río 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 Río earned his Bachelor's Degree at UNT in Radio, Television, and Film.

After earning his Bachelor's Degree, Del Río moved back to Austin. That is when a new chapter in his life began.  Del Río 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 Río 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 Río added. Del Río'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 Río is a great example of what hard work and passion will result in.  TAMIU's communication department would like to thank Fernando Del Río 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)