To celebrate Filmmakers Day, we’re spotlighting the people behind the camera, the visionaries who shape how stories are told. One of them is Ola Cardoso, a director known for his striking visual style, emotional storytelling, and ability to move seamlessly between formats.
In this feature, Ola shares what a day in his life looks like, from the early morning calm that sparks his creativity to the collaborative chaos of set life. It’s a portrait of process, discipline, and the quiet details that often go unnoticed but make all the difference.
Your visual style is so distinct from color choices to composition. What part of your day is most influenced by your eye for detail?
My eye for detail is most alive in the quiet hours of early morning, when the light is soft and the world feels untouched. It’s less about looking and more about seeing. I like to let the details whisper before the noise of the day begins. By afternoon, everything is moving fast. But in the stillness of dawn, that’s where I find my rhythm. That’s when I feel most connected to my creative side.
You’ve worked across formats: commercials, short films, and branded content. How does your day differ depending on the type of project you’re working on?
Each project has its own rhythm and energy. Commercials are fast-paced and precise. It’s all about telling a sharp story in a short amount of time, meeting tight deadlines, and working closely with brands.
With short films, the pace slows down. There’s more room to explore, to sit with emotions and scenes. It can be messier, but also more personal and purposeful.
Branded content blends both worlds. You’re crafting narrative, but with a clear strategy and message in mind.
No matter what I’m working on, the core stays the same: I focus on connection. Whether it’s 30 seconds or 30 minutes, the goal is to make people feel something.
From pre-production to shoot day, what part of the filmmaking process do you find yourself obsessing over the most (in a good way)?
I really love pre-production, especially lighting and shot design. There’s something exciting about breaking down a script visually and figuring out how to use light and shadow to create mood.
It’s where I begin to see the film in my mind. I plan every detail, every frame. But I also enjoy shoot day. That’s when all the planning comes alive and anything can happen. I like the energy and spontaneity that comes from being on set.
What’s one misconception people have about working with directors?
People often think directors show up with all the answers, like we have every shot and line figured out ahead of time. But that’s not how it works. The best work happens through collaboration. A director’s vision grows and evolves with the cast and crew. It’s a process of building something together, not just executing a fixed plan.
What’s a moment on set that reminded you why you chose this path?
There was this one morning after an overnight shoot. We had just wrapped. The sun was rising, we were all tired, but there was this feeling of calm and accomplishment.
I looked around at the crew, and it just hit me, we had turned a night of chaos into something beautiful. That feeling is hard to describe, but it’s the reason I do this. That’s the high.
What’s one underrated skill every emerging director should master early on beyond just having “the eye”?
Listening. A lot of young directors focus on visuals, which is important. But real leadership comes from paying attention to people — reading the room, sensing the energy.
When your DP sighs or your AD tenses up, that’s a signal. You have to be emotionally aware to keep the team in sync.
Looking ahead, how are you pushing yourself creatively? Are there genres or formats you’re itching to explore next?
I’m always looking for ways to grow creatively. Lately, I’ve been thinking about how to blend surrealism with slice-of-life storytelling. I’m also interested in deeper collaboration, projects where the process itself shapes the outcome. I want to keep exploring, experimenting, and finding new ways to tell honest stories.
Stories like Ola’s reflect why Filmmakers Day matters. It’s a chance to hear from the minds behind the lens — the makers, thinkers, and collaborators who make every frame count. At Filmmakers Mart, we’re proud to support talents like Ola and the wider creative community by making film production easier, more accessible, and more connected. To every filmmaker building something meaningful, we see you, we celebrate you, and we can’t wait to see what you create next. When you do, you can get your production needs for your next project on our marketplace.
No Comment! Be the first one.