Meet Your Makers: Why Adrenaline Gives the Most Satisfaction with Aldo Guenther

Habitant Productions is a globally recognised content creation company with a footprint in three vibrant cities: Mexico City, Bogotá, and Barcelona. In Spain, our operations are spearheaded by the talented Carlos Vidal-Ribas, who serves as the managing director, along with Aldo Guenther, our recently appointed executive producer. We are proud to share the same core values as our headquarters in Mexico, emphasising the utmost care and attention to detail in every project.

At Habitant Productions, we consider each project a unique work of art, requiring bespoke treatment to truly shine. With a focus on creativity and storytelling, our teams in these diverse locations collaborate seamlessly to produce visually stunning and emotionally resonant advertising content that captivates audiences worldwide. Partner with us to elevate your brand's visibility and engagement, as we continue to redefine the art of advertising across continents.

LBB> What first attracted you to production - and has it been an industry you’ve always worked on or did you come to it from another area?

Aldo> I ended up in production by chance. My goal was to be a director, but life took me into production by getting an internship in the production department at 'Tiempo BBDO' in Barcelona.

LBB> What was your first role in the production world and how did this experience influence?

Aldo> Agency producer at 'Tiempo BBDO' in Barcelona. It showed me the magic that happens behind the camera from the initial idea, development, pre-production, production, and then post-production until the final result.

LBB> What do you think about production and how you grew your career?

Aldo> Always caring about what everybody wants and needs. Creating the perfect balance for clients, agencies, directors, and production companies. Finding the right balance for all in order to achieve the best result for everyone.

LBB> How did you learn to be a producer?

Aldo> No one really knows what a producer does when studying film after college. I first learned in an advertising agency, then during a shoot in Auckland, New Zealand, I worked with director Perry Bradley. He discovered how passionate I was about producing and invited me to join him as his producer at Film Construction, his production company in New Zealand and Australia. Film Construction showed me what a producer really does in the field.

LBB> Looking back to the beginning of your career, can you tell us about a production you were involved in where you really had to dig deep and that really helped you to grow as a producer?

Aldo> It was that production when I went to New Zealand and got caught up in production. That was when I switched from being an agency producer to a production company producer.

LBB> A good producer should be able to produce for any medium, from film to events to digital experience. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why/why not?

Aldo> I totally agree, as producing anything requires the same skills. The most important one is always staying one step ahead.

LBB> What’s your favourite thing about production and why?

Aldo> Adrenaline is what gives me the most satisfaction.

LBB> How has production changed since you started your career?

Aldo> It has changed quite a bit, especially with technology and the pace at which things move.

LBB> And what has stayed the same?

Aldo> The process has stayed the same, but not the timelines.

LBB> What do you think is the key to being an effective producer - and is it something that’s innate or something that can be learned?

Aldo> The key to being an effective producer, in my opinion, is a combination of innate qualities and learned skills. Throughout my career, including my time at 'Habitant,' I've realised that adaptability and strong communication are crucial. These qualities have been especially valuable when working with diverse teams and clients.

By seamlessly integrating your experiences at "Habitant" into your answers, you can make it feel organic and relevant to the conversation.

LBB> Which production project from across your career are you most proud of and why?

Aldo> A Seat campaign with director James F. Coton. We produced two international campaigns back-to-back. I met a fantastic and talented director who I can now consider my friend.

LBB> And in terms of recent work, which projects have you found to be particularly exciting or have presented particularly interesting production challenges?

Aldo> The last two campaigns for Balenciaga with director Mau Morgó. Working with big celebrities and a major fashion brand in a very tight production timeline.

LBB> Producers always have the best stories. What’s the hairiest / most insane situation you’ve found yourself in and how did you work your way out of it?

Aldo> We were about to shoot a music video with a very well-known artist when, on the shoot day, the director arrived on set, was covid tested, and turned out positive. So, he had to go back home, but we didn't stop the shoot. He directed it remotely, and the music video turned out very well, winning some international awards.

LBB> What are your personal ambitions or aspirations as a producer?

Aldo> Keep producing the best campaigns with the most talented directors and production companies.

LBB> As a producer your brain must have a neverending "to do" list. How do you switch off? What do you do to relax?

Aldo> It's really hard to switch off. Somehow, my brain is always connected to my projects. Going on holidays with no mobile signal is the key to relaxing.

LBB> Producers are problem solvers. What personally fuels your curiosity and drive?

Aldo> Get to know the people you work with to understand how to solve each of the problems. The same problem never has the same solution; it all depends on the person you are interacting with.

LBB> What advice would you give to people who are interested in becoming a producer?

Aldo> Get ready to have your head wrapped around every single detail of the production.

LBB> From your experience what are the ingredients for a successful production?

Aldo> Have everything in place at the right time. It's like clockwork machinery. I think of Habitant as an ecosystem where everything happens at the right time on some sort of chain reaction.

LBB> What’s the key to a successful production-client relationship?

Aldo> NEVER say NO at first; there's always a way to solve a problem. You just need to be creative.

LBB> Producers are naturally hands on - they have to be. How do you balance that in the more managerial role of an EP?

Aldo> Try to always be confident with your producers and stay up to date on what is happening. We are there to support them unconditionally, so we need to know where they are at.