1stAveMachine Welcomes AI Directors Lucas Ortiz and Guardabrazo
30/04/2025
Creative production studio 1stAveMachine has officially signed Madrid-based AI directors Lucas Ortiz and Guardabrazo to join their global roster. Both bring unique multidisciplinary approaches that blend technology, storytelling, and design.
Lucas Ortiz
Also known as Estefanell, Lucas Ortiz is a filmmaker and multidisciplinary creator whose work spans cinema, design, and art direction. His portfolio bridges fiction and commercial projects, collaborating with global brands such as Coca-Cola, META, SAP, IBM, and Mayo Clinic.
In the fiction realm, his feature film Recipes to Survive This Universe (2023) tackles existential themes through striking visuals. His 2024 releases include La Fenêtre, a reflective documentary, and Synthetic Bodies, a fictional look at identity and technology. Both are currently in distribution.
Federico Guardabrazo
Federico Guardabrazo, known as Guardabrazo, merges architecture, fine arts, and technology in his multidisciplinary work. A self-taught programmer, he collaborates with designers, musicians, and brands including Esteé Lauder, shaping projects from small graphic campaigns to large-scale digital artworks like Coke Sans Sugar and Honda Dream Generator.
Guardabrazo also teaches creative coding, helping non-technical creatives discover new ways to express ideas through technology. His commitment to accessible knowledge fuels his innovative approach.
Voices from 1stAveMachine
Sam Penfield, executive producer and partner at 1stAveMachine, said, “We’re excited to officially welcome Lucas Ortiz and Guardabrazo as AI directors. Having collaborated for years, we look forward to pushing creative boundaries together.”
Lucas Ortiz commented, “Joining 1stAveMachine after many collaborations feels natural. Their dedication to storytelling and tackling challenging projects motivates me to create meaningful work.”
Guardabrazo added, “1stAveMachine values collaboration, experimentation, and craft. This environment lets ideas evolve into powerful experiences that blend design, technology, and storytelling with a human touch.”
Distinctive Creative Approaches
Lucas Ortiz combines live-action storytelling with bold visuals and emerging tech like AI and interactive installations. Projects such as Kinetic Lights and Metarave 23 highlight his immersive and thought-provoking style.
Guardabrazo’s work spans AR, VR, projection mapping, live audiovisual shows, data visualization, and AI-driven art. His projects, including those for Madrid’s Matadero Cultural Hub’s International Literature Festival, showcase his ability to merge creative vision with technical skill seamlessly.
Why This Matters for Creatives
- Lucas and Guardabrazo demonstrate how blending disciplines can expand creative possibilities.
- Their use of AI and interactive tech offers fresh tools for storytelling and visual expression.
- 1stAveMachine’s roster growth signals increasing demand for directors fluent in both creativity and technology.
For creatives looking to stay ahead, exploring the intersection of AI, design, and storytelling is essential. Resources like Creative Bloq’s guide on AI in creative production provide practical insights on integrating these tools effectively.
Discovering how multidisciplinary approaches unlock new narratives and experiences can inspire your own projects. Following the work of directors like Lucas Ortiz and Guardabrazo offers valuable lessons in innovation and collaboration.