In the vibrant landscape of the contemporary film industry, the transition between digital content creators and traditional filmmakers is a widely discussed topic. In a recent interview, Gusta, a renowned digital creator and filmmaker leading Gusta Film, shared his vision on this transformation and its impact on cinema.
For Gusta, “cinema has always been a reflection of society and the changing times and generations,” emphasizing the importance of the internet in promoting projects and connecting with audiences. He highlights that “this generation’s influence on the film industry is enormous because it breaks away from traditional creation and distribution processes,” stressing how digital productions have made cinema more dynamic and connected, especially with younger audiences.
When asked about the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from content creator to filmmaker, Gusta states, “Step by step! For me, the internet is a great laboratory where I’ve been testing processes, ideas, and formats for over a decade.” However, he points out that there is still some prejudice against digital creators, despite their solid results and international awards.
Gusta also acknowledges the influence of directors who started on the internet and are now respected in the industry, mentioning examples such as Joe Penna, David F. Sandberg, and the Daniels. He observes that “the audience is more fragmented” and that the internet has shaped an impatient viewer who “wants pace, authenticity, and, above all, wants to be engaged quickly.” According to him, this shift not only affects consumption but also impacts film productions, which need to adapt to this new demand.
Regarding Gusta Film, he highlights that “it was born in the digital world but always with the vision of bringing cinematic content to the internet without losing its grandeur.” With projects like the web series Fica Entre Nós, which won 12 international awards, he reaffirms his commitment to proving that high-quality content can be produced with fewer resources.
Commenting on the Brazilian industry, Gusta notes that despite progress, “there is still significant resistance.” In his view, “the audience wants innovation,” and if the national industry does not make room for it, these productions may emerge independently, challenging the market’s status quo.
For Gusta, digital creators’ skills—such as their ability to connect with audiences and their versatility in different production roles—are valuable assets for the future of cinema. He believes that platforms like YouTube and TikTok are becoming as relevant as Hollywood, stating that “cinema is still every artist’s ultimate goal.”
Finally, Gusta mentions that the democratization of production tools has “revolutionized everything” in cinema, enabling “anyone with a smartphone to tell a story.” He concludes by stressing the importance of Brazil adapting to this new reality to seize the opportunity to shine in a constantly evolving global landscape.
With his eyes set on the future, Gusta is determined to forge an innovative path in the film industry, guided by a deep connection with his audience and the ability to explore new narratives and formats.