March 10, 2026
Emmanuel Camacho (BS ’11, media and cinema studies), founder of Manny Reel Films, is a Los Angeles-based film director and producer with a decade of experience crafting compelling visual narratives. His career spans music videos, short-form documentaries, and branded content, collaborating with industry giants like Nike, Google, Tidal, and Moët Hennessy. He has directed and produced a tour documentary for Lil Wayne, an inside look at Deadmau5’s record label, and Distilled (2024), a half-hour special on AMC+. Learn more about this College of Media alum, whose work merges documentary storytelling with cinematic aesthetics, capturing authentic moments that resonate across platforms.
1. What first drew you to filmmaking and production, and how did that evolve into your current role today?
My first real appreciation for film and filmmaking began when I was 13. My older siblings, Paulina and Orlando, took me to the theater to see Kill Bill, directed by Quentin Tarantino. I remember being completely enthralled by the experience and asking myself, “How can a film make you feel so much?” That question stayed with me and sparked a deep love for cinema.
As I got older, that curiosity turned into intention. I enrolled in film-related classes and programs and eventually pursued a degree in media and cinema studies at the University of Illinois. After finishing undergrad, I knew I wanted to fully commit to building a career in filmmaking. I interned under Chicago-based documentary filmmaker Ben Kolak and later worked as an after-school arts instructor at the National Museum of Mexican Art, teaching Chicago high school students digital media arts.
From there, I began working independently, taking on clients across sportswear, food and spirits, nightlife, and music and culture media. Today, I live in Los Angeles and work with a wide range of clients producing social media content, editorial work, and long-form projects across film and television.
2. What do you consider your biggest career accomplishment. Is there one project that felt especially meaningful to you?
One of my biggest career accomplishments is sustaining my business as an independent filmmaker through major shifts in the media landscape, including the economic impact of COVID-19. Longevity in this industry isn’t guaranteed, and I credit it to staying grounded in my creative convictions while also building strong, lasting relationships with producers, clients, collaborators, and the friends and family who have supported me along the way.
A project that felt especially meaningful was directing a Google commercial in 2021, “Helping Small Businesses: Irazu, Chicago, IL.” It was one of the largest commercial projects I’ve directed, and beyond the creative fulfillment, it played a pivotal role in my career. The opportunity allowed me to make the full move to Los Angeles and continue pursuing my work as a film director at the next level.
Watch Camacho’s commercial:
3. What advice would you give to students who want to break into directing or production but don’t know where to start?
My biggest piece of advice is to create as much as possible and learn to enjoy the process of working. Early in my career, I passed on opportunities because I was too focused on compensation, when I should have been prioritizing experience and growth. That time is invaluable.
If paid opportunities aren’t consistent, create your own projects. Experiment with lighting, scout new locations, and revisit your edits to explore different approaches and workflows. With the Internet today, your work can reach audiences far beyond your immediate circle—you never know who might discover it and be inspired.
If this is truly what you want to do, do it. Stay persistent, stay curious, and keep making work.
4. The media landscape is constantly changing—how do you keep your work both current and true to your vision?
From a young age, I’ve been deeply interested in new media—likely influenced by growing up during the early days of the commercial Internet. I believe it’s important, especially as a student and creator, to stay informed about emerging trends and to actively experiment with new tools and technologies, including AI. Beyond technical growth, I draw inspiration from watching contemporary films, visiting museums, and engaging in creative conversations with friends and colleagues.
Staying true to my vision comes from having developed a clear and intentional visual identity over time. Through years of practice, I’ve learned how to create instinctively while maintaining a consistent point of view. I know what I want my work to look and feel like, and that confidence behind the camera is something I continue to refine through regular practice and self-reflection.
5. What’s one dream project you’d love to direct or produce in the future?
My ultimate dream project is to direct a feature film of my own. I’m especially drawn to telling lighthearted, character-driven stories set in Chicago, my hometown. Since moving to Los Angeles, I’ve become more aware of how Chicago is often portrayed through darker, heavier narratives—projects like The Chi or Chicago P.D. frequently frame the city as rough or dangerous.
While those stories reflect a real side of Chicago, they don’t represent the whole picture. I believe there’s an opportunity to reimagine the kinds of characters and stories that come from the city that highlight its warmth, humor, and humanity, and reveal the beauty that exists beneath the surface.
My hope is to bring those stories to life and, in doing so, inspire both Chicagoans and those who only know the city from afar to see it in a new light.
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