From Cinema in São Paulo to Music in Amsterdam
Working in film production in Brazil before making the move to the Netherlands, Antfood’s producer Marina Kagan now finds herself biking along Amsterdam’s streets to her favourite tracks, as she embraces Dutch culture.
Having joined the creative audio studio in 2020, her background gaining a social communications degree with a focus on cinema meant that her internships and career in São Paulo were immersed in feature films, festivals and even delved into radio, making a perfect parallel for when she joined Antfood. Aside from that, Marina also spent some time as a professional swimmer, and now applies all the discipline and hard work from that pursuit to her current career.
In her role as producer, she communicates with composers, agencies and clients about audio, and shares advice about music to those without a technical background. As a Brazilian with a Polish passport, working across the language of English and learning Dutch – not to mention her understanding of French and Spanish – the role combines all of her strengths to make the perfect match.
To hear more about her journey, LBB’s Nisna Mahtani spoke to Marina, who shares how her diverse background brought her into the role she’s in today, and how to stay goal-oriented to break into the industry in an impactful way.
LBB> Where did your journey into the industry begin?
Marina> I started my journey in the film industry in São Paulo, driven by a passion for cinema and visual arts. My career began in the early 2000s when I enrolled in university, majoring in social communications with a specific focus on cinema. During my initial years of study, I found myself naturally inclined toward the organisational aspects of film production, observing the various roles and sectors responsible for crafting compelling audiovisual content.
During my studies, I had the opportunity to take on a diverse set of roles during my internships which significantly contributed to my professional growth. From assisting on a feature film with the Brazilian director Sérgio Bianchi to my time at the renowned Brazilian Cinemateca, which houses one of the most memorable film archives in Latin America. At the Cinemateca, I worked closely with the restoration department, collaborating with festivals to bring historical films to a broader audience.
LBB> During your younger years, was there an inclination towards you being in the creative industries? What were some of your hobbies and interests during this time and what were some of the formative lessons you learned?
Marina> Early in my formative years, my curiosity naturally led me into the creative industries. During my professional swimming career, I gained essential skills such as discipline, goal-setting, and hard work, which have proven invaluable throughout my journey in the creative field.
Simultaneously, my creative spirit thrived. During this period, I honed my storytelling skills by organising plays involving my cousins in imaginative adventures and venturing into radio hosting as a child. Running my own show was a thrilling creative outlet and marked an early spark of interest in the world of communication and storytelling.
LBB> You then transitioned into the audio side of things. What prompted the change and when did you start at Antfood Amsterdam?
Marina> Transitioning into the audio side of the industry was a natural progression for me. Throughout my whole professional life, I have always collaborated with music houses, though in the role of the client. I had always been intrigued by the creative process in audio production and saw parallels between audio and other media production.
My journey with Antfood Amsterdam began in 2020 when I joined the company. At that point, I was seeking a new challenge and an opportunity to expand my knowledge, not only within the audio industry but also in understanding the dynamics of the European market.
LBB> Focusing on the communication side of things, what is the most important thing to consider when sharing advice about music with those without a musical background?
Marina> When it comes to sharing advice about music, the most crucial aspect is effective communication, and establishing a common language. I often find myself bridging the gap between audio expertise and the unique perspectives and goals of clients or partners with diverse backgrounds and goals. I personally am not musically trained and firmly believe that it's not an absolute prerequisite for conveying a creative vision. In fact, I've explored this topic in detail in an article I authored for Antfood's blog, titled 'A New Perspective: Communicating Audio When You're Not a Musician.' It delves into strategies and insights for fostering shared understanding and language to bring audio ideas to life.
LBB> What does your listening diet look like at the moment and where do you find your audio inspiration?
Marina> In the Netherlands, public transport often means hopping on a bike, and there's no better soundtrack for cruising through this rainy, beautiful country than music. Right now, I'm in a nostalgic mood, juggling two distinct musical genres. On one hand, I'm indulging in the soul-soothing tunes of Brazilian music legends like Caetano Veloso and Liniker and on the flip side, I'm revisiting my teenage years, shouting along to the anthems by Le Tigre.
LBB> Can you share some of the work that has been most significant to you in your career so far?
Marina> One of my newest and proudest accomplishments is a project called 'Let's! Revolution!' - an indie game that can be described as a rogue-lite puzzle mashup that blends the rules of Minesweeper with procedurally generated mazes. I truly enjoyed the creative process, which not only brought together diverse media elements, but also required orchestrating the workflow between various studios and talents. It was a testament to the power of collaborative work. By the way, the game is currently available on Steam!
LBB> What are some of the differences and similarities between working across São Paulo and Amsterdam (besides the weather)?
Marina> In terms of business culture, São Paulo tends to lean towards a more formal approach, especially in the field of advertising. While this formality can work effectively, it's worth noting the city's reliance on in-person meetings could be streamlined! Both São Paulo and Amsterdam are cosmopolitan hubs that draw talent from around the world, and they share a reputation for upholding high standards of performance and work commitment. However, one notable distinction is that Amsterdam places a stronger emphasis on achieving a better work-life balance, and that is greatly appreciated.
LBB> Aside from work, what are some of the hobbies or interests which keep you busy nowadays?
Marina> During the pandemic, I fell madly in love with yoga. While I'm not sure if you could classify it as a hobby, it's something I make an effort to do every day. Self-care is essential!
LBB> For people looking to get into the industry, what’s one piece of advice you’d share?
Marina> Entering the industry can be tough; I've experienced the challenges firsthand. The key is to stay goal-oriented and be kind. As a producer, you'll encounter a lot of challenges and noise, but staying focused and delivering your best is essential. People notice more than we think.
LBB> Is there anything people would be surprised to know about you?
Marina> I'm a Brazilian with a Polish passport, working in English and learning Dutch, along with a fair understanding of French and Spanish. I actually used to know Hebrew but not anymore. I do love being a producer - keeping creatives engaged and busy is always a good thing.
