The Black Editorial ™
The Black Editorial ™
Alonzo Rodriguez-Spencer on Storytelling, Representation, and the Future of Cinematography
March 2025
Stills from a short social video made for Amtrak. Shot in a vlog style highlighting the station with compelling visuals romanticizing a common commute to a new destination.
From Buffalo to the Bay: A Cinematic Journey
Alonzo Rodriguez-Spencer has always had an eye for storytelling. The Buffalo-born cinematographer, now based in San Francisco, has worked on everything from documentaries to commercial projects and even Pixar Animation Studios. Now, he’s setting his sights on narrative film, driven by a passion for representation and emotional depth.
Sitting down with The Black Editorial, Alonzo shares the moments that shaped his journey, the challenges he’s overcome, and his vision for the future of visual storytelling.
Inspiration & Early Journey
What inspired your shift into videography, and how has your creative vision evolved over time?
"It all started with my first hybrid camera, the Canon T7i. I was taking a photography class and discovered that the camera could shoot video. The quality was so much better than my phone, and from that moment, I was hooked."
Looking back at your journey, what’s one pivotal moment that solidified your passion for visual storytelling?
"YouTube played a huge role. I was a massive Minecraft fan and started a YouTube channel, downloading modified maps onto my Xbox and inviting my friends and fans to play. That was the first time I realized how powerful video could be in creating and sharing experiences."
Items both used and acquired during a work trip to Vijayawada, India. Tasked with filming for a documentary highlighting a university for girls that are changing their lives for the better.
The Power of Visual Storytelling
How do you approach storytelling through videography, and what emotions or messages do you strive to capture?
"My approach starts with emotion. Every story has to make you feel something. Once I identify the feeling at the core of a project, I build a strategy around it everything from lighting to camera angles is intentional."
In what ways do you think representation in media influences your work and creative decisions?
"Representation is huge. There are so many films that weren’t part of mainstream film school conversations but were essential to my cultural experience; movies like House Party or Friday. If you don’t look like me, chances are you may not have been exposed to those films the same way. I want to create films with people who look like me, talk like me, and act like me to share unique stories and ideas I have for others to enjoy."
Industry & Collaboration
What has been the most rewarding collaboration you've worked on, and what made it stand out?
"Some of my most exciting projects were at Pixar. Being part of the documentary team was an incredible experience. I got to meet some amazing people, and the atmosphere there is truly special. Anyone who gets the opportunity to work at Pixar is extremely lucky."
As a videographer, what are some of the biggest challenges you face, and how do you navigate them?
"Funding is always a challenge. Creating quality video content is expensive, and I’ve encountered too many situations where people expect me to work for free or for very little. I love this work for the art, but at the end of the day, I need to keep the lights on. It’s about finding that balance."
"I want to create films with people that look like me, talk like me, and act like me to share unique stories and ideas I have for others to enjoy."
Videography as a Force in Art and Fashion
Videography is becoming a powerful tool in fashion and art—how do you see it shaping the way people experience these industries?
"It’s revolutionizing the way we engage with fashion and art. Video allows us to capture the movement, the textures, the mood of a piece in a way that static images simply can’t. It brings art to life and makes fashion more immersive."
How important is it for platforms like The Black Editorial and LOUD PALETTE, la GALERIE to create space for underrepresented visual artists, and what impact do you think it can have?
"Sharing Black voices uplifts our communities. We have stories that need to be told, and we need safe spaces to express them. It’s one thing to speak our truth, but it’s another to have platforms that amplify it. I’m grateful for spaces like LOUD PALETTE, la GALERIE, that ensure our narratives reach the audiences they deserve."
Future & Legacy
As technology and media evolve, how do you see the role of videography changing in the next 5–10 years, and how do you plan to adapt?
"Working at Pixar taught me that the skills I’ve developed in cinematography translate beyond traditional filmmaking. There are opportunities in video game trailers, animated films, and digital media. Technology is advancing, but that doesn’t mean our craft is becoming obsolete—it just means we have to evolve with it."
What advice would you give to aspiring underrepresented creatives looking to break into videography? What do you wish you had known when you started?
"Keep pushing. Don’t let financial hurdles or lack of representation discourage you. Find a community, collaborate, and build something meaningful. And most importantly—know your worth. Too many of us are undervalued in this industry, but our stories, our art, and our vision are priceless.
Alonzo Rodriguez-Spencer is a storyteller at heart—one who captures emotion with every frame and champions representation with every project. As he continues his journey in narrative filmmaking, one thing is clear Alonzo is making space for our stories to be shown and heard.
Alonzo Rodriguez-Spencer
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Unmuted is a dynamic space where creativity speaks without boundaries. This section spotlights underrepresented artists, visionaries, and thought leaders through engaging articles, interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights. Here, stories unfold, voices amplify, and artistry takes center stage.