We had the good fortune of connecting with Pedro Rocha and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pedro, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Caramel Productions started when I first noticed the lack of diversity I was seeing in the film scene in the DFW. The thought process was to build a business and a brand centered on the representation of minorities and LGBTQ+ in film, commercials and overall media. Caramel Productions was born from the principle that nothing can be done alone. That we are all a part of something bigger that can only be achieved once we come together.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began producing short films back in college. It was a big learning curve going from making skit videos in High School to jumping on a real set and delivering something that everyone could feel proud of. Filmmaking comes with many challenges: budgets, locations, casting and more are all part of the equation. The more I learn, the more that I realize I still don’t know. I have bounced around from commercials, to feature films and short formats. Every day on and off set is a learning experience for me. Filmmaking is a collaborative medium and that idea is solidified in me more and more every day. My largest focus is in giving opportunities to minorities and other underrepresented groups to step up to positions that they are not usually offered, and seeing them thrive in those positions. Seeing the growth in minority representation in the media over the past few years is a great sign of progress but we should not forget to also focus on making sure that roles behind the scenes are occupied by minority groups.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Wild Detectives is my spot. The energy in there is great for work, but also to just kick it back with an old friend and have a drink or two before stepping out to the Bishop Arts District. There are a lot of local art galleries and events, just got to look into it. The Texas Theater is also a great time. What better place to catch an indie flick than the theater where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested. If you really want to soak in the city view and relax, I recommend visiting Trammell Crow Park off the bridge and finding a spot there while the sun goes down.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Juanita Jimenez – CIMA Blake Hennigan – Animator
Blaine Stricklin – Producer

Website: caramelproductions.org

Instagram: @caramel_productions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/caramel-productions/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/caramel_prod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Caramel-Productions/100067339512403/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caramelrecords609

Image Credits
Nico – @asianico.le Colin Gilloon

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