Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Interests
Timeline

Nicolas Ayestaran

Draco Films
Los Angeles
2
Languages
2
years of professional experience

Emerging Filmmaker with experience in horror genre, completed first short film "Bosque de los Nahuales". Developed leadership and strategic planning skills in corporate environment, excelling in team management and driving project success. Aiming to leverage creative and organizational strengths in new, challenging opportunities.

Work History

2nd Assistant Director

3 Months
Draco Films | 09.2024 - 12.2024

This movie is "Mirreyes vs Godinez Las vegas". And this was my last film before starting to do independent films. This was something that shifted my life because after being able to work with American crew and have a taste of the big industry I decided that is what I wanted. So i decided to leave the production company i was working and start showing the world my creative work.

  • Collaborated with network executives to define and propel organization's mission and vision.
  • Observed tight deadlines and strict budgetary controls to avoid waste and streamline costs.
  • Developed project budgets and managed production costs.
  • Found appropriate stories and ideas for programming to engage target audiences and hook advertisers.
  • Alleviated issues between actors on set to keep projects on track and avoid delays or budget overages.
  • Devised and implemented strategies to create new revenue streams and cut operational costs.
  • Supervised breaking news coverage and determined priority for stories within each broadcast.
  • Coordinated daily production schedules to optimize workflow
  • Assisted in coordinating daily production schedules to ensure efficient workflow
  • Participated in auditions and provided feedback on actor selections to support casting decisions.
  • Created a safe working environment by implementing safety protocols and conducting regular assessments.

2nd Assistant Director

1 Month
Draco Films | 08.2024 - 09.2024

I got to work on a christmas special for one of the biggest mexican movies. This was called ".Mirreyes contra godinez especial de navidad"

  • Ensured timely completion of scenes by managing on-set logistics and coordinating with department heads.
  • Implemented creative problem-solving strategies under pressure to address unexpected challenges during productions.
  • Increased efficiency on set by promptly addressing conflicts and resolving issues among cast and crew members.
  • Collaborated with the production team to maintain continuity, keeping careful track of scene details for consistency.
  • Assisted in coordinating daily production schedules to ensure efficient workflow
  • Aided in casting processes by scheduling auditions and managing talent communications
  • Assisted casting director by organizing audition schedules and communicating with talent. by scheduling auditions and managing talent communications

2nd Assistant Director

3 Months
Draco Films | 02.2024 - 05.2024

This movie is called "Our times" on netflix and It's a movie that for me changed the way I looked at the industry. Why? well because I understood the hunger that working in this industry means. And in doing things with the correct people, and also understanding that they're will be people who ditch you, but those who stay will be there forever.

  • Supported director by managing communication between departments, enhancing collaboration
  • Collaborated with the production team to facilitate on-set logistics and equipment management
  • Assisted in coordinating daily production schedules to ensure efficient workflow
  • Organized and maintained production paperwork, streamlining document retrieval processes
  • Conducted research for location scouting, contributing to informed decision-making for shoots
  • Maintained a professional environment on set, fostering positive relationships among crew members

Key Set Production Assistant

4 Months
Cinemat | 07.2023 - 11.2023

After my first movie a lot of people started to look my way, first of all because I was really young and after that, I started to get a lot of job opportunities and this was my first time in the production department. This was a reality show of famous boxer Julio Cesar Chavez. It's on disney plus.

  • Assisted in assembling key sets for film production, ensuring components met quality standards.
  • Collaborated with team members to streamline set preparation processes and improve efficiency.
  • Operated tools and equipment safely while adhering to industry safety protocols.
  • Maintained organized workspace, contributing to a productive and safe working environment.
  • Aided in managing budgets by tracking expenses related to production supplies and equipment rentals accurately throughout the project's duration.
  • Contributed to a safe working environment by promptly addressing any safety concerns or hazards on set.
  • Facilitated collaboration among crew members with clear communication and efficient task delegation.

Trainee

2 Months
Draco Films | 10.2022 - 12.2022

I wanted to be a marine biologist and I got the opportunity to work on this film called "Counterattack.". I was invited to just go see the set, but I saw the opportunity to help and got a radio from the production company. And I fell in love with this industry.

  • Conducted research on film trends to inform creative decisions and thematic elements.
  • Learned new materials, processes, and programs quickly.
  • Participated in on-the-job training, working closely with supervisors and coworkers and asking appropriate questions.
  • Attended training courses to build understanding of processes, techniques, and industry.
  • Assisted production teams in scheduling and coordinating daily film shoots.
  • Supported script development by organizing notes and feedback from creative sessions.
  • Maintained equipment inventory, ensuring proper functionality and availability for projects.
  • Collaborated with various departments to streamline communication and project updates.

Education

High School Diploma

The American School Foundation, A.C. Mexico City, | Bondojito 215, Las Américas, Álvaro Obregón, 01120

International Film Production. - International Film Production

Gritnova Global Campus | 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX. | 07-2026

Skills

Directing experience
Adaptability
Shot planning
Crew management
Script coordination
Permit acquisition
Production workflow
Logistics planning
Regulatory compliance
Scene management
Shot capturing
Sound design
Music selection
Scheduling
Leadership
Film direction
Production support
Team collaboration
Client management
Project coordination
Production coordination
Score coordination
Audio coordination

Accomplishments

After stepping aside from the film industry for differnt reasons. i strted to meet a lot of fellow film students who where starting theyre final project before graduating. I met a friend and he i vited me to be his 1st AD in his short film. I had never worked in short films before, and being able to help him, and also being able to pe part of the production team, helped me had a a deeper understanding in how this industry works and how important also being able to tell story is the same thing in a short film and in a movie. I leanred a really important thing these past years while working on diverse short films. "If you can tell a story in 1 minute, you can go on to do great things". i just finished my short film in the first weeks of July 2026. And I produced it, It was also my first time writing a script and directing a whole creative piece. Right now I came to live to Los angeles and have a 48 hour challenge this weekend. All and all i believe that I am ready to share and to learn from this industry and its beautiful people. even though I know its a hard time for this industry. My life moto is never put your guard down. And last and most important in spanish we say "ser necio" which translates to "be foolish". It may sound wrong and when my mentor told me that I did not quite understand. But its the most important thing in life , make people see who you are. And you never stop learning.

Languages

English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional

Interests

Enjoy participating in meditation for overall physical and mental well-being.
Avid Reader
Documenting and sharing travel experiences.
I am a marathon runner.
I am also a Triathlete. (Ironman soon)

Timeline

2nd Assistant Director

Draco Films
09.2024 - 12.2024Read More

2nd Assistant Director

Draco Films
08.2024 - 09.2024Read More

2nd Assistant Director

Draco Films
02.2024 - 05.2024Read More

Key Set Production Assistant

Cinemat
07.2023 - 11.2023Read More

Trainee

Draco Films
10.2022 - 12.2022Read More

The American School Foundation, A.C. Mexico City,

High School Diploma
Read More

Gritnova Global Campus

International Film Production. from International Film Production
Read More
Nicolas Ayestaran