Rising Stars: Meet Manuel Cortinas of Midland, Tx

Today we’d like to introduce you to Manuel Cortinas.

Hi Manuel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Since I was 7 years old I was fascinated by everything film. I originally wanted to pursue acting. I still love the art of acting, although as I got older and became a senior in High School I wanted to learn the film side of it. So when I went to college in Winter Park, Florida I learned a lot. From sound, lighting, directing etc. upon graduating I also learned from others about starting a business. It was a success where I ended up producing my first indie film. Years later I met my wife, from there we decided to move to Midland, Tx and start a new production company. Starting with very little all over again, my wife and I were able to rebuild as a husband and wife duo photo & film. With a small market we took on Quinces, Weddings, Commercials, Family Sessions etc. After all these years we became a large success. As of now my beautiful wife is in school for nursing and decided to move on from photography. From here we have bigger plans for our future. With the success from film & VFX, im taking on a new challenge and starting a skateboard clothing company named “Smile Boi.”

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Because I did it before I knew what to expect. What made it difficult was my daughter having cancer 5 years ago. That made finances and trying to stay booked difficult especially during Covid. After 2 long years of her treatment, I got cancer after she did. That took more of a toll. With still trying to run a business while hearing this news was detrimental to my wife’s and I mental health. After surgery and recovery my daughter got cancer again, another 2 long years of heavy treatment and she was able to recover. So the road to building wasn’t as difficult as the first time I did it, it was the life obstacles that hit you when everything seems to going well.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Filmmaker/Producer,/VFX artist soon clothing brand owner.
As a filmmaker I love working with my 7 cameras to capture beautiful moments in time and editing it as a memorable experience for the audience.
As a producer I enjoy putting together stories to express others visions and putting together the team needed to execute that vision.
As a VFX artist it makes excited designing sets or content that exaggerates the shot, it enhances the creativity after it’s all shot.
What I’m most proud of is starting from nothing but a camera and utilizing my education to further my purpose in filmmaking.
What I’m known in the area for is more Quinceañeras & Weddings in the Midland/Odessa Region.
What sets me apart from others is my background in big budget sets & the understanding of storytelling from a directors perspective, which is why I earned my title of Cinematographer not a videographer, I don’t just point and shoot. I learn, study & execute.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is what you make of it. You can be successful with just feeling fulfilled with a 9-5. Success can be wealth, success can be content with your situation. As long as you’re happy with the life you’re given you’re successful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reunite_entertainment
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/hr4jVIhfgVo

Image Credits
Mayra Cortinas (Wife)
Mexia Photography (Claudia)
Lucky Images (Coral)