Behind The Scenes With Claudio: EEAbroad Lead Media Consultant
Meet Claudio! Claudio is our Lead Media Consultant and typically, he can be found behind the camera shooting EEAbroad virtual learning videos and breathtaking photography. He has been instrumental in the filming, editing, and overall production of our newest programming — virtual learning and virtual tours.
In this blog, we interview Claudio about life in Cuba, his passion for film and photojournalism, and his role in making the EEAbroad virtual initiative from a dream to a successful reality. We hope you enjoy getting to know Claudio and feel inspired to see for yourself, all that Cuba has to offer.
How long have you collaborated with EEAbroad? What do you do as the Lead Media Consultant?
I started collaborating with EEAbroad at the end of 2020 to create a few promo videos. From there, a working relationship emerged that has become increasingly tighter because, in addition to the work, we share common ground and values. In my role as Lead Media Consultant, I now collaborate with EEAbroad, working closely with the Cuba Country Director, Alejandro, to produce virtual learning videos and virtual tours. This entails everything from deciding upon the shoot location, lighting, staging, interaction with the video expert, guide, or panelist(s), and more. We strategize how to best reach our audience to share relevant and important topics about Cuba in an engaging and informative manner.
What inspired your love and desire to pursue photojournalism and video production?
In 2014, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the Department of Communication at the University of Havana. That's where I formed the basis of my training and tools as a journalist. During my career, I discovered audiovisual journalism as a kind of language and tool for communication; since then, I’ve realized that this is my preferred manner to engage and communicate with people. The world of photography and video is fascinating to me, and sometimes I move from more observational styles to more interactive ones, and sometimes I’m a little more conceptual. No matter the case, my goal is always to make an impact on those who see my work.
What is your main goal when shooting and producing EEAbroad virtual learning videos?
I always try to imagine the way in which students are watching the video. I wonder if they would be bored, if they would laugh, if something would make them angry, or if something would catch their attention — I always have the students’ interest and engagement on my mind. Of course, I always produce videos thinking about achieving positive outcomes but I’m aware that sometimes I can't control every reaction. I would like to have a little camera like in the Netflix series, The Circle, to see students’ reactions. The goal is to always give them the best possible understanding of the speaker and the topic at hand.
What has been your favorite part about creating virtual learning videos?
The best part has been the camaraderie and working with a team made up of mostly American women. Above all, it has been satisfying to see how many things we have in common and the respect that has always prevailed. I’ve also met many Cuban experts and lecturers, and I confess that I’ve enjoyed and learned a lot myself by being a part of their virtual learning video production — it has been like taking a University course.
What makes EEAbroad virtual videos special and worth watching?
What makes them special is that they aim to challenge the stereotypes one may have about Cuba. If someone wants to know a real and sincere Cuba, watch the EEAbroad virtual learning videos. In these videos, there is no advertising of Cuba, no propaganda, and each video expert, guide, or panelist brings so much knowledge from their years of experience, study, and research. I’ve learned things that I did not know about my own country. This has been a great privilege. Those who don't know Cuba won’t ever know the truth — they will see a Cuba that the mainstream media shows, which is biased and exaggerated.
Why should people visit Cuba — whether in person or virtually?
Cuba is not the center of the world, although we Cubans are (haha!) But it’s a good opportunity to get to know a mixture of cultures, a culture of resistance where there are material deficiencies that are made up with lots of love and ingenuity. Like any other country, it’s a country with virtues and defects but it’s worth visiting, so you can break through and go beyond those stereotypes in which we are framed. I also believe that visiting Cuba is an opportunity to learn what is truly useful and needed in life, and a reminder of what may be unnecessary in these modern lives that we live. In Cuba, strong values are still intact and it’s a country filled with incredible people.
What do you love about Cuba? What do you want people to know about Cuba?
I love Cuba's contradictions. It's uncertainties. There is nothing certain here — we live on a constant crest of the wave. That has also made us feel unattached to many things allowing us to not place too much value on things that don't warrant it. But this is what I like about Cuba — not to mention the vast landscapes, crystal blue waters, and brilliant sunsets.
I think people must know the Cuba outside of the hotels. Go to the streets and deal with the guy with the smile who wants to sell you something for double the price! The Cuba within the walls of hotels is a plastic Cuba — it’s a simulation of something that someone imagined. The real Cuba begins when you step foot outside of those hotels.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to work out, ride my bike, and spend time with friends. I like to see my plants grow. And I like to walk with my camera portraying people. I love human beings and their beautiful ways of seeing the world, and even seeing myself.
Dulce de Leche, one of Claudio’s favorite foods.
What are “Claudio Fun Facts?"
I like to dance reggaeton. I'm a fan of Bad Bunny and Calle 13. I love chocolate ice cream and dulce de leche.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself?
Don't believe anything I’ve just told you about Cuba — you have to come and see it for yourself!
So what are you waiting for? Take Claudio’s word and come experience all that Cuba has to offer for yourself. And if you want to start by traveling to Cuba from the comfort of your home and see Claudio’s amazing work, we encourage you to join us and EEAbroad tour guide, Ron, on the Old Havana Virtual Tour where you can wander the cobblestone streets of la Habana Vieja, visit local budding private businesses, meet Ron’s family members in their homes, and get access to intimate spaces where groups can’t fit. Check out the promo to get a taste of what to expect.
We, at EEAbroad, are passionate about showing our clients the non-touristy, off-the-beaten-path Cuba in-person through one of our tailored experiences ranging from faculty-led and study abroad programs, cultural tours, virtual learning, or a hybrid program. The options are endless and we will work with you to create an experience that fits your specific needs. What is guaranteed is that you’ll see Cuba through the lens that Claudio describes — one that gets you into the streets, interacting with locals, and making genuine connections.