Interview with David Mateo Gonzalez from Spain

Andrei Voytishin | NYX Game Awards
Interview with Andrei Voytishin from Georgia
November 8, 2023
Call for Entries | 2024 LIT Entertainment Awards
IAA Announces 2024 LIT Entertainment Awards – International Platform of Creative and Advertising Excellence
November 8, 2023

David Mateo Gonzalez

David Mateo Gonzalez is a passionate individual when it comes to special effects. He earned his Master's degree in VFX from CICE in Spain, which nurtured his strong interest in composition. As a freelance professional, he aspires to transition into a studio environment.


Interview with the 2023 NYX Awards Winner -
David Mateo Gonzalez

1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.

I'm David Mateo Gonzalez, with a deep passion for special effects. I pursued my Master's in VFX at CICE in Spain, where I developed a strong affinity for composition. To enhance my skills, I earned a composition degree from Animun Creativity Advanced School and completed courses at prestigious institutions like Gnomon and Rebelway.

I'm in the midst of working towards becoming a Nuke Certified Trainer under the guidance of my mentor, Victor Perez.

2What led you to become a videography professional?
Currently, I am dedicated to ongoing training and I've had the privilege of contributing as a composer to projects like 'Mercy Land' and 'Swap,' which have been exceptionally rewarding experiences.
3What is your role in the agency, and what traits should a 3D Artist professional possess to be successful in their role?

I am currently a freelance professional and I would love to be able to work in a studio!

To be successful as a videographer depends on many factors which includes being dedicated, financial investment would be essential to acquire good equipment, talent to showcase your artistry and most importantly, always find joy in what you do.

4Tell us more about your agency / company.
I am currently self-employed!
5What is your own definition of great videography?
Good videography is all about making your audience feel what you want to express. It's about crafting scenes that provoke genuine emotions, creating a strong connection with the viewers and conveying your message effectively.
6Describe your videography style/flair and its main characteristics.
I take a personal approach to my videography, with a keen eye for intricate details that enhance the audience's understanding and connection with the content
7Tell us more about your ideation process.
First and foremost, the heart of the creative process lies in generating ideas. I start things by brainstorming plans and how to bring them to life, taking inspiration from various sources. Then, I dive into the technical nitty-gritty, working hard to turn that initial concept into reality while making sure I have a solid technical knowledge base to make it happen.
8Congratulations! As the winner of the NYX Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?

I am over the moon to receive this distinction! First of all, I would like to thank the international jurors for choosing my project as a winner.

It's a truly meaningful honor to have professionals of this caliber choose my work. Winning awards in such a competitive field is no small feat, given the incredible talent out there. It's an incredible feeling of happiness, knowing that the countless hours of hard work and effort have paid off.

9How has winning an international award help to promote your agency and works?
Receiving this award will be a springboard to break into the industry and I wait eagerly to have opportunities come my way!
10What are the challenges of your winning entry(s)?

The challenges are immense, with each scene presenting significant technical complexity. However, I've dedicated countless hours to pursuing my passion.

My favorite scene is the opening one, titled 'Harrots,' inspired by 'El Papel de la Navidad,' an advertisement by 'El Corte Inglés.' It boasts both impressive technical and artistic intricacies, encompassing the most advanced composition techniques.

The entire stage is brought to life through 3D projections, featuring elements such as spheres, the Animun logo, and particles skillfully crafted with Nuke, a staple composition program in the film and entertainment industry. However, the true essence of this scene lies in creating a sense of realism, achieved through meticulous attention to lighting to evoke a truly enchanting ambiance.

11How has the country you are based in helped during your ideation process?
I must say, it has made a significant difference. Being a passionate Spaniard, we tend to pour our hearts into what we love, fueling our unwavering dedication and effort.
12What are the top three (3) favorite things about the videography industry?

- The wonders of VFX.

- I genuinely appreciate a well-crafted movie script. Even with the most exceptional special effects, a compelling script is essential to effectively convey the intended message to the audience.

- The way videography can stir emotions in its viewers.

13What resources would you recommend to someone who is searching to improve their videography ideas and skills?
I would recommend reading a lot, going to museums, opera and watching a lot of cinema, it is a very artistic profession and you should develop your artistic abilities by attending events where art predominates the most.
14Where do you see the evolution of the videography in the next 5-10 years?
Unfortunately, I can very well see that artificial intelligence is going to take away many jobs and by doing so, it would be taking away the essence of people.
15Who has inspired you in your life, and why?

The person who has always inspired me is my mother and unfortunately, she now has Alzheimer's and hardly knows us anymore.

She has always told me to fight for my dreams, but dreams are not achieved just by thinking about it, you must work hard, put in a lot of effort and do what you like most. My mother has always given her life for all of us, she has gone out of her way so that we do not lack anything, she is my greatest idol!

She's always reminded us that while we may not succeed every time, as long as we give it our all with hard work and enthusiasm, we can find comfort in knowing we've done everything we could to reach our goals.

16What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

I often encourage people to pursue their dreams and stay persistent, but there are times when self-doubt creeps in. When things don't go as planned, and opportunities seem scarce, you might question why you've invested so much effort, dedication, and resources. It's a shared experience that many of us have faced.

In those moments it is very important to have the support of the people you love most, so that they continue to encourage you not to give up and to be able to achieve your goals.

17Do you have anything else you would like to add for the interview?

I would like to once again, thank the international jurors for this amazing distinction!

I would also like to thank the fantastic team of NYX Awards for their amazing work and giving people like me a platform to showcase my passion, it is truly a wonderful thing that you do for us all. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, to each and every one of you!

Winning Entry

COMPOSITING REEL DAVID MATEO GONZALEZ | 2023

compositing-reel-david-mateo-gonzalez-animun-creativity-advanced-school
With my training and experiences hope to work at a world-class studio as a full-time Compositor. This is my …
(read more at NYX Awards)

David Mateo Gonzalez

David Mateo Gonzalez is a passionate individual when it comes to special effects. He earned his Master's degree in VFX from CICE in Spain, which nurtured his strong interest in composition. As a freelance professional, he aspires to transition into a studio environment.


Read more about this interview with Aleksei Shamin of VZ Agency, the Grand Winner of the 2023 NYX Awards.

Muse.World