Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
I'm originally from Los Angeles, California, where I worked in Film & Television for seven years, four of which included projects co-produced between the U.S. and China from 1997-2001. In 2001, I moved to Barcelona, Spain and worked in independent video production, live cultural event production and remotely with Airbnb as the lead of the EU Language and Market Team. Since 2006 I have been working on independent documentaries featuring marginalized communities who are facing potential extinction of their culture and traditions in an inevitably shifting global panorama. I am deeply intrigued and inspired by what moves people, their passions, rhythms and culture all of which drives my desire to connect and share these stories with others. This continues to inspire my way of living, working and traveling in Europe and SE Asia.
DosVelas Pictures was created in 2006 by Jessica W. Leung (Los Angeles, USA) and Paco Beltrán (Barcelona, Spain) to produce documentaries in direct collaboration with members of diverse ethnic and cultural groups. Our work intends to offer the spectator a contemporary look from the perspective of people who often live on the outskirts of mainstream society. Through our projects, we offer a bridge of understanding with these parallel realities and instigate a reflection on the importance and the future of minorities in the world today.
Producing media content globally for Airbnb Experiences, communicating across internal teams, liaising with hosts and crews worldwide and maintaining a schedule of shooting and delivery to match set goals. Managing contracts for videographer/photographer teams and equipment rentals across markets including EMEA, APAC, and NA. Overseeing individuals, to teams to vendors from pre-production to delivery. Sourcing talent via professional network as well as participants via professional and personal networks when needed by communicating with market managers, local hosts and global network expanded by experience living and working in NA, Europe and Asia.
Produced local content in Spanish and Catalan for an Airbnb segment around the spirit of traveler´s and their connection with hosts, places, adventure and communities.
Produced media assets for local experiences in a timely manner to prepare the launch of new markets and promote and build them in the inaugural year of this project. Coordinated between hosts, photographers, local Trip Market Managers and the regional EU producer to ensure efficient production and detailed execution.
In 2011, as Airbnb expanded into Europe, I was hired as the first remote employee in Spain. Soon after, Airbnb opened offices across Europe in 2012. I led a team of Language and Market specialists from Spain, France, Italy and Germany to focus on the cultural and logistical uniqueness of each market and the customer´s experience´s - for guests and hosts. Once Airbnb chose to move their operations to Dublin, Ireland, I left choosing not to relocate. The experience overall was inspiring and reaffirming of my core beliefs and values as an ex-pat working with a global team that strives to nurture a global community.