Meet the #Superfreelancers: Marcela Ferri
Marcela Ferri is a global integrated producer and photographer from Brazil who’s worked in production since 2002 and is currently based in London. She’s worked with a slew of heavyweight clients such as Netflix, Honda, Nike, Coca Cola and Microsoft. Although she may mention that photography is her passion not her ‘job’ she’s taken photos of big-name rock bands like CSS and she also created and curates thefilmgang, a growing online film photography publication.
Right now, Marcela is busy developing a short film and a web series so it was lucky that we managed to sit her down for a few minutes to chat about what she thinks it takes to be a freelancer and why she loves it.
What I do...
I'm an integrated producer and photographer.
And what I love about what I do...
The possibility of exploring across many different platforms, technology, techniques and outputs.
How I got into the industry...
I studied film and my first job was in a production company specialised in stop motion animation back in Brazil.
The most important lesson I've learned in my career...
A good team relationship and commitment are essential for the success of any project.
The piece of work I'm proudest of and why...
Oh, that's hard; there were many charity films I worked on here and in Brazil that made me really proud and also having to spend time with people who went through absurd things like cancer, concentration camps, wars... really made me want to do more and be better in many ways using whatever skills I have to help.
As I like to joke, I'm a producer during the day and a creative at night, like a superhero with dual identities. I've had the chance to work with artists as Slava Polunin, Les Plasticiens Volants (who are performance artists involved with acts like The Cirque du Soleil), The Smashing Pumpkins, CSS, Gossip and some other cool kids out there.
I also run my own online publication about film photography, which I'm planning on turning into a book. Last but not least, I just finished writing my first short and there are two other film projects starting, which I'm very proud about.
The person I most admire in the industry...
I find it hard to name one person or two as has been many through the years but whoever pushed me forward to be better and thought me to be better deserves my deep respect.
Why I decided to go freelance...
It gives me more flexibility to work on my side projects specially because it tends to involve some travelling.
Also I have the chance to meet more people with diverse skills depending on the agency or prod company I'm working at which is very enriching.
How I think the industry is changing for freelancers…
I believe freelancers are now more than just "hired assassins". It's not just about "come and do the job"; at least with me, I've been lucky enough to have chance to get involved deeply into processes and core needs for many campaigns and specific client requirements.
My impression is that more and more people are interested on becoming freelancers for all of the above reasons.
