The world of film and television is very broad and full of talents, from acting to editing, and makeup to wardrobe. But there is one indispensable role in the creation of any audiovisual product: The director. 

For the new Netflix series Ritmo Salvaje, one of the directors on the show is Rafael Martinez from Cartagena. Rafa, as he is known, joined the team of directors of the new Colombian Netflix series, alongside Simon Brand. 

Rafael spoke to AL DÍA to reveal what his experience was like filming this series, which is number one in Colombia just two days after its release.

"I am very happy to have been part of this project, because they were looking for directors with a special visual sensibility and who could also meet the shooting plan that was already designed for the series," said Martinez, emphasizing that his work is part of the greater effort of the whole team.

Ritmo Salvaje was filmed during the highest peak of the pandemic in Colombia, when COVID-19 cases reached 30,000 per day throughout the country. For this reason, Rafa says that one of the biggest challenges they had during filming was to protect themselves from the coronavirus. Sometimes, if a crew member had to isolate themselves, a temporary replacement was sought when his role in the production allowed it. 

In addition to taking care of the aspects of filming, Rafael was attentive to external conditions that could not be controlled, such as the pandemic, the weather and traffic in Bogotá when moving from one location to another. 

However, amid all the challenges, the Cartagena native enjoyed every moment of the Ritmo Salvaje experience. 

"I remember a scene where one of the choreographers proposed me to film it in a way that I had not thought of," said the director, while recalling that scene in episode seven where the main character was surrounded by dancers in the middle of the choreography. "It was a technical challenge to get that scene the way we wanted, but it was achieved and I think it reflects the tension of the moment of the story." 

Although "the set is a space of creative challenges every day," Rafa set out to be a better human being and better director every time he arrived on set, which allowed him to develop this story with great eloquence. 

Currently, the Cartagena native is dedicated to his most important profession: being a father. While he shares time with his two children, Rafa continues to work "with no rush on things."

"One day at a time," said Martínez. 

He says he will continue working on other projects with Netflix and is also looking to shoot another movie.