Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Pantoja.
Juan Pantoja was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. His career in the entertainment business began as a dancer and performer on several theater productions and corporate event s in Puerto Rico. In 1997 he began making masks and prosthetics for the theatre company Teatro Rodante de la Universidad de Puerto Rico. That year he decided to change his major from Biology to Theater Education to be a teacher. His formation included costume design, stage design, prop making and directing in theater. After a few productions, the production aspect of the entertainment industry made him go into the makeup and special effect aspect of the production process. After starting to teach stage makeup at Universidad del Sagrado Corazon, he decided to formalize his makeup education by getting certified as a professional makeup artist at the Joe Blasco Makeup Center East in 2003. This led to the first TV miniseries, “Parece Que Fue Ayer” filmed in Puerto Rico. After coming back to Orlando from Puerto Rico, Juan worked on several projects in Puerto Rico, remotely making masks for theater and in several films in the Orlando Area, local Theater and Disney.
While developing his skills and getting used to the industry in Orlando, Juan worked as a senior instructor for MAD Science of central Florida, teaching science to children 3 to 12 years old by performing experiments with the students as a mad scientist. Juan is also an accomplished beauty makeup artist. He worked as an artist for MAC Cosmetics for nine years and during that time he was the key makeup artist for a train the trainer session in Orlando, was backstage artist for several industry-level events in Orlando, Facilitated training to artists and clients while freelancing in commercials, and for the Orlando Magic basketball team. Juan also worked as a drama teacher at Montessori School of East Orlando for four years, where he created and developed the drama program for the school, a program that is still a great success amongst the families of the school. In 2016 Juan finished his BA in Graphic Design from Full Sail University and just finished his MFA in Film production from the same institution. In April 2018 Dolphin Image, LLL was formed By Haichen Huang and Juan Pantoja to promote the film industry in the state of Florida. The now known as Dolphin Image Studios has grown since then from a small office in Orlando, Fl. To a Film Production Studio located in Winter Haven, Florida. In 2018 We purchased the historic Patterson Studios, the oldest film production studios in Central Florida, built-in 1964. With a 3000 Sqft. Soundstage, we offer the capability of virtual sets like the ones used in the Disney show The Mandalorian. Juan Pantoja is currently working with several local filmmakers and production companies to bring more film projects to Florida.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth rod whatsoever. When I moved to Florida to go to school for Makeup artistry, I left my family behind in Puerto Rico and I had to go to school full time and work nights to maintain my family. After I moved to Orlando, I had to start like a newbie because all my contacts and work were in Puerto Rico, so I had to build my reputation here. It took me years and during the time I had to work in industries not related to entertainment. Those experiences gave me knowledge on different areas and industries that help me know as I run Dolphin Image Studios. I have been in Florida for 16 years and the road has been hard and challenging but from every struggle, I learn something that helps me be a better person and grow with experiences that I can share with others as they are beginning their professional careers.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
First of all, I am mostly known as a makeup artist. I started my artistry journey in theater and spent 8.5 years of the twenty-something years doing it as a MAC Cosmetics artist. I am known for my bodypaints and special effects makeup. I think I feel more accomplished because of the people I have been able to help by teaching them and coaching them in the art of makeup. While working as a makeup artist, I also ran a drama program at a Montessori School in Orlando where the students were the stars and we taught them how to make everything from sets, costumes and props from everyday materials, a great way to be creative and resourceful. Now that I am in the production side of the film industry, I am still learning a lot about the industry, the process and the art as I share what I learn with others while collaborating with professionals and students alike. What sets me apart from others? I like to teach, I like to share what I know with others. My success is a reflection of the success of others that I have been able to help achieve their dreams in any way, I can take my experience with me to the grave or I can try to make a better tomorrow by sharing it with as many people as I can to make sure they can be successful and maybe not make the same mistakes I have.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the Film Industry right now, there is a shift to virtual sets as they can be very cost-effective. Also, the streaming services and people spending more time at home will require filmmakers to create more story-driven content that to fill the gap in the theaters. The industry has been shifting for the need of content. There is not enough shows and movies to watch and the demand keeps growing.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@dolphinimagefilms.com
- Website: www.dolphinimagestudios.com
- Instagram: dolphinimagestudios
- Facebook: dolphinimagestudios
- Youtube: dolphinimagestudios
