Interview with Andro Kajzer, one of the most renowned Slovenian videographers
Andro Kajzer is one of the most esteemed and successful videographers in Slovenia. His references are a testament to his mastery behind camera and drone screens. His past partnerships include the world’s premier event agency, Red Bull, the leading global snowboard equipment brand, Burton Snowboards, and tourism heavyweights such as Al Jazeera, Fly Dubai, Canary Islands, Visit Italy, Visit Sarajevo, Feel Slovenia, not to mention car brands including Volkswagen, Porsche, Citroen, Peugeot, Volvo and RV brands including Tourne and Mega mobile.
We spoke to Andro about the importance of videography in the event world, where he sources inspiration and why, despite their proverbial humbleness, videographers’ projects echo through history. Recently, Andro filmed a video for the Conventa trade show and the Conventa Crossover conference. We briefly caught up with Andro before he dashed off, seeking the best angles.
Q1: How did you wind up behind the screens of cameras and drones?
Whilst studying computer science, I began filming at age 25 and discovered that videography could become my hobby and profession. In the beginning, I filmed colleagues skating and snowboarding. Soon after, we received our first sponsor funds and made our first Slovenian snowboarding film titled Ehhh and the skateboarding film Mas World, which made a splash in the Slovenian film scene.
Q2: Slovenia has no film institute like the Film School in London. Did you gain experience by yourself or did someone direct you into video and film?
I am a self-taught videographer who loves to test new technologies and equipment.
Q3: Do you recall your first projects? What has changed since then, and what remains your guiding principle in creating films?
I began working with Burton Snowboards in 2010, becoming one of their key videographers worldwide. Since then, much has changed, and I have learned a ton from various clients and projects. Perhaps the main change since then has been how content is consumed: from the formats – including the switch from 16:9 format to 9:16 format (story, reel) – to the length and content construction of videos. At the same time, the technology and equipment has come a long way. There is a copious amount of gear that brings the viewer closer to the action. The key is to use everything efficiently and sensefully. Above all, my guiding principle is to keep abreast of trends, technology and all things video.
“Perhaps the main change since 2010 has been how content is consumed: from the formats – including the switch from 16:9 format to 9:16 format (story, reel) – to the length and content construction of videos.”
Q4: What is it like working with clients such as Red Bull, Burton and others? Do you have the same freedom with such projects as with clients with less prominence?
It varies from project to project. Some are precisely planned in advance, whereas others – including those of high-profile clients – allow more freedom and creativity. The latter are my favourites, as we adapt and draw inspiration from current trends and happenings. It also depends on the weather conditions, the social environment, landscape features or the mood of the entire film team and the ones involved. In this context, I would highlight the filming of the show The Traveller (Al Mousafer) we are doing for Al Jazeera. The resounding project is being shown during prime time across the Middle East, yet we still have plenty of manoeuvre space for creativity and personal inspiration. We are proud that the show has received several awards within our profession, showing we are on the right path.
Q5: What kind of projects are your favourite? Is there fierce competition among videographers in Slovenia, or is there a dominant concept of “coopetition”?
As I outlined in the previous answer, I am a fan of projects that offer freedom and allow me to draw from the inspiration that I find in a specific moment at a specific location – here and now.
Otherwise, the competition in Slovenia is tremendous, especially considering the small size of our market. Nonetheless, we often partner with one another, include each other in projects and advocate camaraderie.
Q6: Your references tell more than a thousand words. How do you convince potential clients to decide for you?
They usually find me by hearing recommendations, seeing my past projects or through word of mouth. Regarding my references and past projects, the spectre is broad: from extreme sports, tourism, and fashion to classic commercials for various brands in numerous industries.
Personal questions for Andro
Q7: Where do you find inspiration for filming?
I find it in various environments and situations. As an avid traveller who loves to discover new destinations, inspiration often finds me during my travels where the environment differs from the one at home. Inspiration also occurs in daily situations. It can all happen serendipitously and spontaneously: inspiration is a creative process that is hard to control. What matters most is to keep an open and curious mind and aspire to gain new experience and knowledge.
“I also cherish memories of filming Rafael Nadal, one of the world’s best-ever tennis players. We filmed in Manacor in Mallorca, Rafael’s hometown. Just like on the tennis court, he was a professional from head to toe during the filming.”
Q8: You filmed at some of the most exclusive and inaccessible places worldwide. Which one of them etched into your memory the most?
My first thought is the Maldives, where we filmed one of the most exclusive super-yachts in the world. To give an idea: it is 136 metres long and worth around 300 million USD, while the weekly rental costs some 4 million USD. I also cherish memories of filming Rafael Nadal, one of the world’s best-ever tennis players. We filmed in Manacor in Mallorca, Rafael’s hometown. Just like on the tennis court, he was a professional from head to toe during the filming. He dedicated a precisely defined amount of time during the filming – not a minute more.
Other beloved projects are connected to extreme sports that helped kickstart my career. These include projects for Burton and Red Bull. I would highlight the project Grilosodes filmed with Marko Grilc, my good friend and the best Slovenian freestyle snowboarder, who tragically passed away much too early. We travelled half the world together and created a sea of videos that left a visible mark on the global snowboarding scene.
“I am a fan of projects that offer freedom and allow me to draw from the inspiration that I find in a specific moment at a specific location – here and now.”
Q9: If you could produce a dream video, where would you film it, and what would it be about?
Family. Friends. Surf. Maldives. Psst, we’re filming it right now. It will see the light of day soon … I can’t wait!
See more of Andro’s projects here.
