
Founded by Israel Melendez, smile131 is a media platform based out of Northwest Indiana / Chicago, IL.
Dynamic filmmaker with 6+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams in delivering innovative productions. Skilled in managing budgets, coordinating schedules, and fostering creative synergy to bring compelling stories to life. Adept at facilitating brainstorming sessions, driving creative solutions, and curating resources to enhance script development and storytelling.
Media production including film and television was always my passion since I was only 5 years old. It began with an obsession of the production process of filmmaking, watching the magic of how my favorite films were actually executed. Taking a 2-year multimedia course in high school further developed my skills as a filmmaker, screenwriter and editor, while my post-graduation period unexpectedly led me into the field of photography. Not only did my skills as a camera operator and editor improve in the past 5 years, but so did my love for the art of filmmaking and visual storytelling. During those 5 years, I have met countless of other creatives from various fields that later became close friends and frequent collaborators. Efficient teamwork is highly valued by me, and we have worked on numerous projects such as music videos, fashion shoots, commercials, documentaries, and much more. My main goals have always been aligned with film direction and cinematography, while always maintaining my passion for conveying emotion from script to screen.
Recent key achievements include: Co-directed and co-produced Colorless Femme (2021), a multimedia collaboration that garnered 5,000+ views online within 48 hours, directed and produced Until We Meet Again (2023), an artist interview series resulting in increased brand engagement on Instagram and YouTube along with Luscia Jane (2024), an indie-band documentary, and a documentary based on South Chicago Vietnam War veterans (2024-present) to bring further communal awareness.
6+ years of experience
Adobe Certified (Premiere Pro)
Sony A7RV
*unless shot on film
All photos edited with Adobe Lightroom
All videos editing with Adobe Premiere Pro