Today we’d like to introduce you to Gio Toninelo.
Hi Gio, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It was a wild ride with an unexpected wonderful detour. I’m from Brazil, ended up in upstate New York studying graphic design in ’96. After graduation, Denver became my new home where I started as a part-time graphic designer. But here’s the kicker… a few years later, everyone suddenly wanted videos, not just pretty graphics. So, my career took a turn from graphics to video production.
You see, as a kid, my bedroom was my stage, directing mini-theater shows for my family using toys and a makeshift stage made out of cardboard boxes. I guess I’ve always been a bit of a storyteller. Fast forward to my early 30s, I was making indie films on shoestring budgets, learning how to create a narrative that tickled emotions, and dabbling with local film festivals.
Eventually, I figured, hey, why not make a career out of this hobby? I started by outsourcing video gigs but soon took the plunge to handle them myself. And voilà, Rocket House Pictures was born.
Now, with almost 1000 videos and films under my belt from Fortune 500 firms to local non-profits my new career has become more than a job; to me it’s about crafting stories with meaning, having a voice, working with amazing talents, being an active member of our community and, yeah, wrestling with technology which is always fun.
Looking back, it’s clear my love for putting on a show paved my path here. My two cents for anyone stuck at a crossroads? Dive into what you love—you never know where it may take you.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Well, smooth as sandpaper! Building a client base when you’re the new kid on the block means lots of compromises and proving you’re the real deal. Finding my voice in the crowded sea of content out there took a lot of trial and error—and yeah, a few duds along the way. It took a while to figure out what I really wanted to focus on.
At first, it was all about keeping the lights on. But as things picked up, I started choosing projects that not only helped us financially but also scratched a creative itch and made a bit of a difference in the world.
Also, being invited to join the Brazilian Association of Cinematographers was a game changer too—great for learning, networking, and just geeking out with fellow filmmakers. And let’s not forget the joys of small business ownership—balancing the books, juggling projects, and keeping quality high. It’s like spinning plates while riding a unicycle. But who doesn’t love the circus, right?
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Rocket House Pictures, we’re more than filmmakers; we’re true wizards of storytelling. Whether it’s crafting compelling commercials, impactful documentaries, or vibrant music videos, we pour our hearts into every project.
I’ve been honored with several awards for my cinematography work with Rocket House, which has been an incredible affirmation of the path I’ve chosen. But what truly sets us apart isn’t just our technical skills or our creative flair; it’s our unwavering commitment to storytelling. We take on projects that do more than dazzle the eyes; they touch hearts and provoke thought.
A recent highlight was our extensive, two years making, documentary/training videos created for all the American and Canadian Law Enforcement Agencies, commissioned by TAT. This project focused on the critical issue of human trafficking victims, demonstrating our dedication to projects that not only inform and educate but also make a significant societal impact.
At Rocket House Pictures, we don’t just create videos; we strive to create change. We forge connections through powerful narratives and innovative visuals, constantly pushing the boundaries of what video production can achieve.
As we continue to grow and adapt, our mission remains the same: to tell stories that matter, in ways that resonate and inspire. Because marketing (believe it or not) can have the power to illuminate the world and bring people closer together. You just need the right video company.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Denver’s fantastic for filmmaking. We’ve got urban vibes and natural beauty—it’s a cinematographer’s playground. Really, you step outside with a camera here, and every direction offers something spectacular. From our downtown to the rugged Rockies framing the horizon, it’s like the city was designed with a lens in mind.
The creative community here is something else, too. It’s vibrant, diverse, and incredibly supportive. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie trying to make your first short film, there’s a sense of camaraderie here that you don’t find just anywhere. People are willing to collaborate, share ideas, and help each other out, which makes it a nurturing place for creatives to thrive.
But, it’s not all perfect—Denver’s popularity has its downsides. The city’s been booming, which means more traffic, less parking, and higher costs all around, from rent to restaurant bills. It can be tough. However, that’s the trade-off. With growth comes opportunity—more businesses, more audiences, and more chances to tell great stories. As Denver grows, we’ve got to grow with it, adapting to the changes.
This means staying innovative in a competitive market. It’s about riding that wave of expansion, using it to propel our projects forward while navigating the challenges that come with a rapidly evolving city. As a filmmaker, change is part of the script, and adapting is just another scene to master.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rockethousepictures.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmcolorado
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockethousepictures
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocket-house-pictures
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/filmdenver
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV33JKJPk7_9kQlqkJ8Ij8w
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rocket-house-pictures-denver-2
- Other: https://giotoninelo.com
Image Credits
J. Le Grand
