Meet Steven Salgado | Filmmaker & Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steven Salgado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
“I have to achieve it, no matter what—and I’m going to start with what I have.” That thought lit the spark. I’ve always believed that waiting for the perfect moment can sometimes mean waiting forever. I had this vision of a production company that didn’t just offer services, but that could also tell powerful stories and build community through art. So I stopped waiting. I grabbed the few tools I had—my camera, my experience, and my will—and I started what would become Salgado Studios.

There were no guarantees, no safety nets. I didn’t have investors or big budgets, just a belief that I could create something meaningful. That mindset carried me through the uncertainty. Over time, with consistency and a deep love for the craft, what was once an idea became a company. I truly think if you can’t stop thinking about something, you owe it to yourself to start—even if you’re scared. Especially if you’re scared.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Thank you—that really means a lot. I’m a filmmaker, actor, writer, and creative entrepreneur. I’ve been living and working in Miami for over 13 years now, and the journey has been full of ups and downs, but also full of growth and transformation. When I first got here, I had to start from scratch. No connections, no network—just dreams and determination.

Today, I run Salgado Studios, where I get to combine my passion for film and storytelling with the technical side of video production. We work with artists, small businesses, and organizations—helping them bring their stories to life through visuals. At the same time, I’m constantly developing my own projects, from short films to full-length scripts, always pushing to explore deeper human themes, and often shining a light on underrepresented voices.

Art saved my life more than once. So, I take every opportunity I get to use my platform to create something that resonates—not just visually, but emotionally and culturally. Whether I’m acting in front of the camera or directing behind it, I feel at home when I’m creating.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Absolutely! I’d definitely take them to the movies first—probably the Coral Gables Art Cinema or O Cinema Wynwood, depending on the vibe. Then we’d go to a local theater performance, maybe at the Adrienne Arsht Center or a more intimate venue where local artists are showcasing original work.

And food? Oh, we’d go on a whole food tour. I love places that mix culture and flavor. A Cuban cafecito in Little Havana, tacos in Wynwood, and maybe something more refined in Brickell or Midtown. Miami has such a rich fusion of flavors—you can eat your way through different cultures in a single day.

Of course, no visit would be complete without a walk along the beach, especially at golden hour. That moment when the sky turns pink and orange—there’s something magical about it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people have shaped my journey, but first and foremost, I have to thank my parents. They gave me the courage to dream beyond borders and the strength to chase those dreams, even when it meant leaving everything behind. Their sacrifice is the reason I’m here today.

And my wife—she’s my biggest supporter and my creative partner in so many ways. She believes in me on the days I forget to believe in myself. Together, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated wins, and built something that feels like both a business and a purpose.

I also want to shout out the local artist community here in Miami. It’s full of fighters, dreamers, and visionaries who hustle every day to bring art into the world. That energy is contagious, and I feel lucky to be part of it.

Website: https://www.salgadostudios.com

Instagram: @salgado_studios

Youtube: @salgadostudios

Image Credits
Pictures by Carlos Bueno.