The act of directing any kind of production, whether it be a mediocre skit for an elementary school or a grand film for theatres across the world, is a task that requires a fair amount of knowledge in the topic at hand, skill at organizing effects and props, as well as charisma required to influence the people working under the director. The skill required to balance these three aspects towards the point of perfection can either come naturally or through progression of failed attempts and successes. It is this skill, this innate ability to maintain this balancing act that makes Juan Carlos Mazorra a superb director whose fame only came through hard work and a drive to pursue what he feels passionate for.
As with most beginnings, Juan Carlos’ were humble while situated in the bustling metropolis of Houston, Texas. With dreams of film directing, he attended film school, where he completed the Motion Film Program with an Associate of Science degree in Film and Television Production at the Full Sail School for the Recording Arts in Orlando, Florida. After attaining this degree, Juan Carlos returned to Houston to begin looking for a job. He was granted an internship at KRIV Fox 26, working in an entry-level position. He acquired many entry-level positions at various corporations and companies throughout Houston, though he soon found out that he could no longer be limited by such corporate ideas and measurements. This need to expand and spread out pushed him to branch off into Los Angeles, California where he arrived with no friends to provide any needed shelter or support.
Juan Carlos continued to pursue his dreams, leaving great wakes wherever he went as he worked as production assistants for many independent film companies. One of these wakes caught the attention of the hit music producer, 7 Aurelius, and requested Juan Carlos to direct a documentary named after the producer. Because of this documentary, Juan Carlos traveled to New York where he was driven even more to pursue his aspirations.
During his time with 7 Aurelius, he meets Irv Gotti, CEO of The INC. Records, formerly known as Murder INC. Records. After Juan Carlos’ documentary project, Gotti hires him on as director of the company’s first DVD release, Irv Gotti Presents The Inc. Following the direction of the DVD, he became director of video promotions and productions for The INC. Records that gave him the prestigious position of being able to work behind the scenes of some of media’s most well known music videos performed in places across the world.
One of these performances topped the video charts in America as well as maintained the coveted position of number one on BET’s “106 & Park” for two straight weeks. This video, “New York” by Ja Rule featuring Fat Joe and Jadakiss, was featured on BET’s “Access Granted” along with the acclaimed director, Juan Carlos, who was interviewed on the show. Ashanti’s “Christmas Special” and DVD “A Star Is Born” were also highly esteemed works directed by the superb perfection of Juan Carlos direction. Each of these works are continuously aired and listened to, much like Ashanti’s “Christmas Special” aired every winter on BET.
“I am driven by art,” says Juan Carlos, who now calls Los Angeles, CA his home and his source of creative inspiration. “I deeply enjoy connecting with artists, and bringing to life a captivating video which captures the singer’s lyrics, which, in turn, draws emotion from the viewer.”
Juan Carlos continues to direct music videos, documentaries, commercials and DVD projects with partner Ghost Kasen under their own production company Dream Star Entertainment, as he actively revamps his career with more stunning and masterful works. He continuously chases his dream, even as he makes the transition to the big screen, since music videos have done little more than to quench his artistic thirst. However, directing feature-length films has always been his driven passion and ultimate goal, and it is now time for Juan Carlos to shine in this domain.
Dream Star Entertainment presently collaborates with Stella Link Entertainment and Scratch Pad in its first motion picture project, “Children After the Killing Fields,” a full-length feature film about child trafficking and prostitution in Cambodia. The story follows an American doctoral student struggling to save two young women from the ravages of the illegal sex trade in Cambodia. Juan Carlos now brings his directorial talents and expertise to this political thriller.
The Snap-Shot Biography of a Skilled Master