Dream Teams: LOBOS on the Importance of Representation and Dreams

LOBOS is the collective name for Carmelo Varela and Andrew Garcia, a pair of directors, DPs and editors that met at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Drawn together by their similar values and Latin upbringings, the pair - now represented by NYC production company Easy Mondays - kickstarted their shared venture during the covid pandemic with hybrid narrative-documentary work. And they've since gone from strength to strength, working with clients like Timberland, Puma and more.

Driven by stories that honour heritage and underrepresented communities, Andrew tells LBB’s Ben Conway that they view filmmaking as a form of education. “One of our main goals is to promote camaraderie through filmmaking,” he says. “We’ve seen that the foundations of Latin familial, cultural and social values have helped communities stay unified throughout history. It is pivotal in helping us all grow together.”

This is vital for duo, who are of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent and lacked role models within the commercial space who reflected their own lives when coming up. “It means so much to me to work and prove to myself and younger filmmakers that those opportunities can happen with hard work and consistency,” says Carmelo.

While their similar backgrounds helped bring the two together, Carmelo also adds that their differences have played an equally important role. With many different interests and hobbies between them, the name ‘LOBOS’ (meaning ‘wolves’) is itself a hint towards the ‘lone wolf’ attitude they felt early on. “But I realised that it takes a pack to make a film,” says Carmelo.

Above: Timberland - 'Beeline’

Both multi-talented generalists of the craft, Andrew explains that this pack of two works quickly to designate specific roles upon starting a project - recognising each of their strengths and splitting the directorial, cinematographic and editorial duties between them as needed. More comfortable with a camera in-hand, Carmelo shares that he prefers to adopt a DP or photographer role on set, rather than editing, but explains that their joint hands-on film experience is key to their communication.

Equally as varied as their on set responsibilities is LOBOS’ subject matter, having worked across beauty, sport, fashion, music videos and more. “The story and emotions behind each project is what really entices us,” says Andrew, explaining that regardless of genre, feelings are always firmly in the driving seat for their narrative direction. His creative partner agrees, holding an identical approach to stories from all walks of life.

“Every genre has a specific thing that could draw you in as a filmmaker,” says Carmelo. “As much as I love the aesthetic of a fashion project, there’s a part of us that really enjoys the raw reality of a documentary project.”

A specific piece that Carmelo is most proud of is the duo’s recent film for Puma, celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

“We really believed in this monumental moment in history, so we wanted to honour that by shooting on 35mm film,” says Carmelo. “To make this happen, we had to forfeit our day rates to afford the film - but we truly believe it was the right decision. We also only had two hours with each talent, so we really had to think quickly on our feet and make split-second decisions. At the end, once we saw the developed film, it was a huge relief.”

These creative decisions - be it filming digitally or analogue, casting, location scouting, equipment choices and more - are what shapes a film into ‘the LOBOS look’. Often digging deep into their documentary backgrounds to offer a distinct, real-world perspective, the duo loves to explore every unique process of the production to curate their style. “Our voice thrives when diving into the core of an idea, behaviour or character of a piece,” says Andrew. “That’s when you get the most interesting, honest and meaningful material.”

Sharing that they’re particularly fond of using 16mm film whenever possible, Carmelo adds that one particular direction they take is to employ a mixed media approach. “It gives a more personal and relatable feel to some of the brands we collaborate with.”

Always on the lookout for new collaborations, the duo note that they’re especially looking forward to some upcoming fashion projects that are soon to be released, as well narrative projects that will harness ‘similar sensibilities and cultural roots’ to their commercial work.

Just as consistent as their creative ethos is LOBOS’ teamwork and mutual admiration. Feeling lucky to work with someone that shares the same beliefs and ambitions, Andrew says that work rarely feels like ‘a day in the office’ for the pair, as they continue to express themselves to a growing audience, and a growing list of clients and collaborators.

Speaking on their unconditional creative bond, Carmelo adds, “In knowing Andrew, he’s really taught me to never limit myself, and especially my creative ideas. It’s important to dream, because it can absolutely become a reality.”