Creativity often begins with a moment—a spark, a memory, or a curiosity that refuses to fade.
In a recent episode of SOB: Style of Business The Podcast, host Keetra sat down with Cecilio “Chopper” Martinez, an award-winning filmmaker, published photographer, and founder of CM9 Films and Maverick Lens Productions, to explore how creativity can evolve, and how the courage to simply start can transform a life.
Chopper’s journey didn’t begin with expensive equipment or formal training. It began with childhood curiosity, a love for cinematic storytelling, and a single arts-and-crafts moment with his mother—painting an E.T. ceramic together. From Spielberg classics to 80s adventures, the seeds of visual storytelling were planted early.
But like many creatives, it wasn’t until adulthood that he answered the call.
From Bucket List to Award-Winning Filmmaker
What pushed Chopper into filmmaking wasn’t a perfect plan—it was a challenge.
He entered the San Antonio 48-Hour Film Project, a competition that forces creators to write, shoot, and edit a short film within 48 hours. His first film, by his own admission, was “horrible.” But attending the premiere changed everything. Watching other young filmmakers create Hollywood-quality work sparked something powerful:
“That’s when I knew. I’m doing this.”
He upgraded his camera, kept practicing, and entered more competitions—eventually earning over 20 films, multiple awards, and IMDb nominations.
It was never instant. It was steady, intentional evolution.
A Photographer Inspired by Nature, Travel & Simplicity
While filmmaking opened one door, photography opened another.
A photo Chopper took of his wife at Antelope Slot Canyon unexpectedly caught the attention of National Geographic, who highlighted the image on their platform. This recognition was a turning point that reaffirmed his passion for photography.
His philosophy is simple:
You don’t need to travel across the world to find inspiration—sometimes the beauty is already in front of you. Yet his travel adventures—from Costa Rica to Thailand to Ireland—continue to fuel his lens with color, emotion, and story.
Facing Fear & Imposter Syndrome as a Creative
Even today, with a successful creative body of work, Chopper admits he still experiences fear.
Whether it’s screening his films alongside seasoned professionals or releasing new photography, that nervousness never fully disappears. But he shares the key to navigating it:
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Surround yourself with supportive people
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Believe in your work
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Know that everyone starts somewhere
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Accept failure as part of the artistic path
“You fall, you get up. Each time, you grow. You belong here just like anyone else.”
His honesty about imposter syndrome is a powerful reminder that confidence grows through action—not before it.
What Inspires His Films
Chopper gravitates toward storytelling rooted in:
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urban legends
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drama
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horror
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thriller elements
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the resilience of the human spirit
His upcoming film The Veil explores the Bloody Mary legend with a fresh spin, blending folklore with cinematic tension. He’s also part of the production team for The Path Back to You, serving as editor and drone operator.
Chopper’s work blends imagination with real human emotion, drawing from personal experiences of overcoming adversity, rebuilding life, and embracing growth.
A Creative Process Built on Curiosity & Courage
His creative philosophy is refreshingly practical:
There are no bad ideas—only ideas that need to be parked and revisited.
He builds stories by combining real life, myth, and character evolution, crafting arcs where characters emerge wiser and stronger than before.
Just like the creator himself.
Final Thoughts: Start, Create, Evolve
Chopper’s journey reminds us that there is no “perfect time” to create. You don’t need the most expensive equipment, the biggest following, or the clearest plan.
You need the first step.
Because creativity expands through momentum.
And often, the work you think is “not your best” is the work that inspires someone else to begin.
Connect with Chopper on Instagram @cm9films
If you want more conversations like this, tune into SOB: Style of Business The Podcast, where creators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, and innovators share the stories behind their success — and the lessons they learned along the way.
