Kerwin Escobar shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Kerwin, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, I would.
As a 1st AC , I think being good at the job isn’t just about knowing the gear — it’s about leading the camera team with professionalism and staying calm under pressure. I make sure things run smoothly, anticipate what’s needed before it’s asked, and handle problems quietly so the focus stays on the creative work. I’d hire me because I bring reliability, communication, and a steady mindset to every set.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kerwin Escobar, and I’m a First Assistant Camera (or focus puller) based right here in Houston. In the world of film and video, my role is all about bringing a sense of organization and leadership to the camera team. I make sure that every shot stays sharp, the crew is in sync, and the creative vision flows smoothly.
Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects featuring artists like Drake, The Weeknd, Grupo Frontera, and Christian Nodal, Sports teams like Chicago Bulls, Houston Texans , and Houston Rockets, as well as big brands like Nike, United Airlines, Marshalls, and Adidas. What makes my work unique is the balance of technical precision with a real passion for storytelling. I love making sure that the camera team is a rock-solid foundation for every creative project we take on.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Early in my career, a Director of Photography I worked with noticed how naturally I took responsibility for keeping the camera team running smoothly. At the time, I thought I was just doing my job — checking batteries, organizing lenses, making sure everyone had what they needed. But he told me I had the instincts of a leader: detail-oriented, and always a step ahead. That conversation changed the way I saw my role. From then on, I started leading with more confidence, realizing that a good 1st AC doesn’t just pull focus — they set the rhythm for the entire camera department.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Early in my career, I thought being a good 1st AC meant never making mistakes — that every setup had to be flawless. But after a tough shoot where a simple miscommunication caused a delay, I realized that perfection isn’t the goal — composure is. What matters most is how you respond when things go wrong: keeping your team calm, taking responsibility, and finding the fastest solution. That moment changed how I lead on set. Now I focus on communication, trust, and preparation instead of trying to control everything. The result is a smoother, more confident camera team that can handle anything.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, for the most part, what you see is what you get. I’m a pretty open book: I’m friendly, I’m loyal, and I love the same things off set that I do on set. I enjoy going to concerts, finding good food spots, and just having those real experiences that keep me grounded. So the person people meet in public is definitely the same person behind the camera — just as genuine and just as real.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’d definitely say I’m doing what I was born to do — and what I genuinely love. It all started back when I was 13. My parents got me my first camera on a family trip and I just started filming everything. From there, I got into making videos with friends, capturing all our outings, and then diving into photography once I got my first DSLR. It just took off from there.
When I eventually went to film school and discovered what an AC does, I realized it was the perfect blend of everything I love: being on set, telling a story, and diving into the technical side of filmmaking. So yes, this is absolutely what I was born to do, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kerwinescobar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsbykiwi/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D
Image Credits
Shaider Divina and Reece Moffett
