

Unscripted Podcast with Jeremy Rivera: The Conversation Breakdown
Jeremy: "Interesting. you know, you wrote a script. Did the first movie that you made was that self-produced? you have somebody else come up with the script or you come up with the script and direct produce, act, all of the above?"
Vega: "So I wrote, directed and produced. I had a friend of mine who, a friend of mine from elementary school who invested in the project by not charging us for the location. So he gave us access to his whole basement for the whole film. so that was, that was really helpful. I had a lot of other resources, plus the money that I spent.

Smart Jewels Financial Podcast: How to Create and Fund a Major Independent Films
In today's episode I interview filmmaker, writer and producer Vega Montanez on his creative process for filming and funding his first major independent film Burden of 9 Lives which can be seen on Prime Video and Tubi.

ECW EXCLUSIVE: Indie Filmmakers Share Their Secrets With The Wire
Vega Montañez’s journey into indie filmmaking was never a deliberate pursuit but rather a natural progression from his passion for storytelling. He views independent cinema as a crucial phase in a filmmaker’s career rather than the final destination.

Vega Montañez talks Burden of Nine Lives and Breaking Hollywood's Rules on Encuetras Your Voice
Montañez reveals his creative journey, sharing how "The Burden of Nine Lives" evolved from a conventional action screenplay into a groundbreaking narrative exploring Latino family dynamics, community bonds, and authentic representation. This transformation showcases how independent Latino filmmakers are reshaping Hollywood's approach to diverse storytelling.

Amazon Prime’s November Hit: The Burden of Nine Lives Delivers Edge-of-Your-Seat Suspense
The story follows Jimmy, played by Steven Staine-Fernandez, a man on an unyielding mission for vengeance after narrowly escaping a deadly trap that killed his cousins. Set in the gritty Neo Rhode City, Jimmy’s pursuit of justice leads him into violent confrontations with two rival drug kingpins—Gabriel, played by Rico Hundo with explosive intensity, and Russell, portrayed by Luis Berrio with cold calculation. The film’s high-energy action sequences bring to mind the relentless pace of John Wick and Crank, immersing viewers in a pulse-pounding narrative.

"The Burden of Nine Lives" Wins Best Feature Film at Eastern Europe Film Festival

Elevating Your Film with Early Sound Design Integration
Don’t let your sound take the backseat on your movie adventure any more. Shotgun Mic rides Shotgun.

Essential Tips: Securing Funds for Your Film Project
Raising funds is a critical step in bringing your film project to life. As an aspiring filmmaker, mastering the art of funding is as important as honing your craft.

"The Burden of Nine Lives" Nearly Sweeps CIFF Awards

"The Burden of Nine Lives" Wins Best Screenplay at Stockholm City Film Festival

Quick Guide to Prep Your Film for Sound Mixing Like a Pro
The simplest guide to getting your film ready to deliver for sound mixing.

Lights, Camera, Dominican Republic: A Cinematic Adventure in the Caribbean

Why Your Film's Sound Design Deserves a Seat at the Pre-Production Table
Invite the Sound team to the table, it’ll make for a much better experience.

What Is “Latino”?
Latino’s are Everywhere! But to be Latino means to represent the culture and experience of the countries that collectively represent modern Latin America.