When we first met, Claudia Costa was the project manager of the 2^nd Brazilian Film Festival of Vancouver. Since then, our paths have crossed in various initiatives related to the Latin American community.

Costa is both a Brazilian culture enthusiast and an admirable cinematographer who is making room for her talent in Hollywood. Recently, she worked as an Assistant Director in both Diablo Cody’s Juno, and most recently the blockbuster 2012. Last week, we chatted about her work in this latest Roland Emmerick’s production and her career path in the Canadian film industry.

Veronica: When we first met, I remember asking you where you were from in Brazil and you said that you feel that you belong to at least three different cities. Can you tell me how you found your way to Canada? How did you land your first job in Vancouver?

My hometown is Curitiba. Luckily, my work allows me to live wherever I want and I surely take advantage of this characteristic. In Brazil, I lived in both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo and that’s the reason of my funky Brazilian accent!

I first came to Vancouver to study English for 4 months. However, since I am a workaholic professional and my Brazilian soul enjoys exploring the world I could spend my time only studying here. And when I first saw production trucks parked on the streets, I decided that I wanted to be part of the film industry and work here!

In Brazil, I worked for many years as an assistant director for TV commercials. This professional experience was crucial to get my first job in the same role. However, I wanted to follow my dream and work in the film industry. So, I decided to send letters to producers and directors who were shooting feature films in Vancouver asking for an opportunity.

Only after 2 weeks of complete silence, I answered a call from a producer who gave me my first opportunity here. Since then, I’ve been working in what I am passionate about and I am very thankful for all the people that I have been able to work with. I made lots of new friends and had great mentors throughout my jobs.

V: How hard is it to work with Roland Emmerich?

Working with Roland was an awesome experience. Roland is both a visionary director and a great person to work for. It is always exciting when you have the opportunity to learn from the masters and in Roland’s case; I had the opportunity to learn from the master of disaster.

V: What is special about 2012? Why should people pay to watch another Emmerich’s apocalyptic movie?

2012 will blow your mind! The visual effects are incredibly well done. It’s the biggest catastrophe that you’ll ever watch!

Another added value of 2012 is the great performances of John Cusack, Woddy Harrelson, Oliver Platt, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Blu Mankuma, Chin Han, Osric Chau, Beatrice Rose, Zlatko Buric, and the young Liam James.

V: If you were starting your career now, what type of advice you’d like to receive from a fellow professional?

Everyone wants to know how to get the foot on the door, what the secret to start in a project is and how to make a difference in your profession. I might confess that I’m still working on that!

The secret is never quit. It’s a hard industry to get in, but if you are passionate about filmmaking, you will find your way! Work in as many movies as you can; take advantage of the Internet and sources available about the industry; and come up with a good idea! If you don’t give up, you convince people to hire you!

Also if English is not your first language and you want to work in North America, please never quit the English classes!

V: What is your next project?

My next goal is to produce another feature film. My dream is to make a co-production with Brazil. Maybe it could even be the project that I am writing right now… Who knows?