Entering the Creative Media Production industry at a young age is a terrifying feat—the cliquish network, the professionals with years of experience, the intimidation that comes with applying to a job without the proper credentials nor background. We always want to put our best foot forward, but what happens when our own doubts and fears are the very reason we cannot make that initial step in the first place?

While the evolving standards of the creative and cultural sectors can be discouraging for aspiring creatives, it can also be their chance to shine. This is the truth for four young creatives in the Philippines who have defied expectations before even turning 25 years old. While each of their testimonies are unique, having to persevere at such young ages tie their stories together.

Danao’s Leap of Faith

Luis Danao is a 21 year old photographer, videographer, and filmmaker who moved to the US to pursue his dreams in the film industry. From the very beginning of his career, Danao was able to manage his expectations without letting them stand in the way of his ambitions. After finally purchasing his first camera, Danao started creating his own videos and finding his style. 

In his first year as a student, Danao made it a point to build a name for himself wherever he went. “Anytime I meet someone that I look up to, I’m always talking to them. When you leave conversations like that, showing genuine interest, that leaves a good impression,” he shares. 

A year later, in his sophomore year, a friend referred him to a wedding videographer, and Danao landed his first job as a production assistant. “When I started, I conditioned my own mind that I won’t be able to do the things I want to do,” he shares as he talks about first entering the industry. “If you are entering a circle, an industry, a company where there are already people with five years of experience and a couple projects over you, don’t expect to be given the reins.” 

Eventually while he honed his creative practice, he took a bold step with some initiative to reach out to brands, and it only took a while for the clients to keep rolling in. “At the end of the day, no matter what job you start with, it’s good to condition yourself to be as creatively ambitious as you are.”

Despite lacking credibility and significant experience at the time, his enthusiasm and fake-it-til-you-make-it mindset helped him climb the ranks from being a production assistant at wedding shoots to a freelance narrative filmmaker. Danao now works closely with Abakada, a prominent Filipino-American streetwear brand founded in Chicago. 

The Armovit siblings’ strong foundation

Now that the siblings have built solid connections among their clientele, Sprezzatura Studio remains busier than when they first took their first step running a business. “I think, honestly, you just have to put yourself out there, and not expect everyone to like what you’re doing. You have to navigate getting approval from others while staying true to yourself and what you want to do,” Natalia advises younger creatives who aspire to enter the production industry.

Lagman’s unexpected start

On the other side of the camera is Alex Lagman, a freshman at DLSU who recently joined the TV industry as a commercial actress. While she did a few commercials growing up, the defining moment in her career happened in the most unexpected of situations. Walking into a potential networking opportunity in her school bathroom. “I recognized this girl from Instagram, so I told her I used to do commercials when I was really young. Then she told me about an open casting call, and I thought to myself, ‘you know what, wala naman mawawala‘. So that’s how I joined actually,” Lagman shares.

As her career eventually led her down various paths within the industry, she started walking into the trap of impostor syndrome the more she had been surrounded by professionals much experienced than her, Lagman shares, “ang daming mayayabang sa TV industry. You will really feel intimidated by the ‘first time mo palang? Bata bata mo pa. Masasanay ka din.’” But it didn’t take her long to realize that everyone has to start somewhere. “I learned how to cope with the intimidation by learning more about my co-actors’ stories and not looking at them too highly. We’re all human lang naman.”

Even with all of her doubts and hesitations, she persevered and continued to invest in her career. She applied and auditioned confidently, and the past year, she was able to land jobs with popular brands such as Knorr, 7-Eleven, and Coca Cola. Lagman’s story is proof that we are stronger than our fears.

The youthful advantage

A common misconception is that practitioners need three things to thrive in the creative industry: connections, credibility, and experience. While younger creatives may not be able to bring all three to the table, they can offer something that is much sought after: fresh and new perspectives. 

“The youngsters are the ones running the industry because they have new stuff to bring to the table,” Danao shares happily as he talks about the beginning of his freelance journey. Specifically in his video coverages, he believes that the current styles are lively and dynamic, which is something that the younger generation may specialize in. “When [clients] see someone as young as us pursuing something creative, they get more excited to work with us. But it all comes down to how you present yourself, of course.” 

The same goes for the Armovits, who noticed that clients tend to look for younger creatives who bring fresh ideas and are new in the scene. “Actually, [being young] works. It’s an advantage. They look for driven young professionals,” Natalia shares. The two were able to draw the line between pushing for their own visions while still honoring their clients wants and needs. That is how they built solid relationships with clients who now constantly reach out to them for projects and shoots. 

As for Lagman, she believes that her experiences at her age is a great advantage in the industry, “especially since I know how things work now, [working in the industry] will be easier over time,” she shares. Despite acting alongside industry giants and big scary names, Lagman remains focused on her goals as a young professional.

Instead of seeing their youth as a disadvantage or an excuse to be overlooked, these four creatives use it as their tool to success. It’s in their perspective shifts and exposure to the Creative Media Production industry that molded them into who they are today. 

Whether you’re a fresh college graduate with zero working experience, or someone who wants to explore a new career path, we all have to start with one step. Because it’s not about beating those in your industry, it’s about finding the courage to walk among them. 

You can find the featured creatives and support their work through the pages below!

Luis Danao – Student Filmmaker based in Chicago. 

• Instagram: @luis.danao
• Tiktok: @luisdanaoo

Alex Lagman – Student Actress based in Metro Manila

• Instagram: @alextherese_

Natalia and Anton Armovit – Co-founders of Sprezzatura Studios based in Quezon City

• Instagram: @sprezzaturastudio