Janina Manipol
Advertising director and producer Janina Manipol tells us why she loves the art of videography
A video producer with her own production company, Maldavar Films, Janina Manipol ventured recently into a different field with MySmile. Co-founded with dental hygienist Chiara Echiverri, it provides teeth-whitening systems for home use, with a portion of the sales going to non-profit organisations that offer free cleft lip/ palate surgery to indigent children.
How did you get started in the world of content creation and video production? Ever since I was a
kid, I’ve always been fascinated by the way that film and the arts make people feel and how it can impact society. I didn’t exactly know which role in production I was going to be in at first, but I always knew I loved every side of it. I tried everything— TV acting, commercial modelling, sound engineering and hosting. Now I work as a freelance advertising director and co-founded a production company called Maldavar Films with my fiancé Sebastien Gilbert who’s also a filmmaker.
What is most challenging about
video production? Honestly, the whole process is challenging— from writing the story, creating the concept, producing the video and especially the post-production stage.
What made you want to start My Smile? Why did you want to help
people with cleft palate? Chiara, my partner in this venture, and I have very different backgrounds, but we joined forces to help make the world a better place by collaborating with non-profit organisations that give free cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries to children in need. It’s one of our passions to support this single, solvable problem and it makes our heart full to see these kids with new smiles.
What have you learnt about yourself in your journey with My
Smile? That I like exploring new ideas and taking calculated risks and that if you’re consistent in your messaging, clear in your communication and authentic in your story, you’ll go a long way.
What is the best piece of advice you
have received? Always treat people right. The value of having allies throughout your career cannot be stressed enough. Talking with people who understand what you’re going through is so important for me.
Is there someone you look up to? If
yes, who and why? I’ve really been inspired by Elon Musk. His life story is insane. He has a brain of a superhuman and turned his dreams into reality by founding Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company, Neuralink and more. I admire his entrepreneurial spirit a lot.
How have both your companies
adapted to this new normal? It’s definitely been difficult as we all had to suddenly find new ways of doing things. I had to learn how to shoot digital advertisements remotely, directing the talents on how to set up their own equipment and making the video look professional despite the lack of onsite staff.
What was your most memorable
shoot? When I did Ms World Philippines’ Michelle Dee’s advocacy video about children with autism. We travelled to the mountains of Sagada and told such a meaningful story which I shot, directed, scored and edited it as well.
What trends in video/content creation do you see in the future
or even happening now? I really see a future in NFT art and the whole blockchain technology for digital asset ownership.
Name three things you must never forget as a director or producer.
Pay attention to every single detail. Bring all your teams together to collaborate effectively. Always remember that your only competition is yourself.