This Inspiring Filipina Video Director Aims to Empower Fellow Filipina Creatives with Her Work

While the creative industry may still be predominantly male, many women are taking rank and widening the field by strengthening their skills and offering their unique artistic gaze. April Duran, the founder of the in-demand video agency CAD Studios, is one such talent who not only pushes the boundaries of her craft but also empowers other Filipinas to do the same.

“As a female creative, I was inspired to set an example for other women in the industry, as there are relatively few of us today,” she tells Preview in an exclusive interview. “I wanted to show that women can thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.”

Meet April Duran of CAD Studios, the creative video agency behind your favorite campaigns

April’s path to becoming a director organically transitioned from documenting family trips. What began as a means to preserve memories evolved into the realization of the power of visual storytelling. As an introvert, she found her creative voice in expressing ideas through video, leading her to embrace the role of a content creator.

april duran cad studios

Starting CAD Studios as a one-woman powerhouse, April took on diverse roles, from director to account manager, when her personal travel videos caught the eye of corporate and lifestyle brands.

Over time, CAD Studios has grown to a team of committed and passionate creatives, embracing innovation and diversity, whilst grounding themselves in purpose and meaning. “I founded CAD Studios with a simple yet profound vision: a space built on respect, diversity, and a commitment to work-life balance. It’s a place where our team not only enjoys their work but also receives the support they need to balance their personal lives,” she explains.

PHOTO BY Courtesy of CAD Studios

Distinguishing CAD from toxic workplaces that art agencies are notorious for, she wanted to cultivate an environment that encourages a job well done, as well as personal fulfillment. “We take pride in our mentoring approach, which empowers our team members to contribute in their unique ways, allowing them to shine. Our overall approach is grounded in humility and a strong ethical foundation, setting CAD apart in the creative industry.”

April and her team find special joy in shoots that involve genuine collaborative partnerships with brands. Beyond providing a service, these collaborations allow CAD Studios to help brands standout by ensuring visions are fully realized and CAD-ified.

april duran cad studios

The best part of being a director, according to April, is the constant push out of her comfort zone, where she surprises herself by creating things she never thought possible. Looking ahead, CAD Studios envisions a future marked by openness to opportunities, adaptation to change, and a vibrant creative spirit, shared with a wider community of creatives.

Get to know video director April Duran and her creative agency CAD Studios

Have you always wanted to be a director/video content creator? What started you on this path?

“I initially discovered my passion for video content creation through my love for travel. I began by documenting our family trips to help my parents relive those moments. As I continued, I realized the potential to showcase the culture, landscapes, and people of the places we visited. This drive to share unique stories and experiences ultimately led me to pursue video content creation as a profession.”

PHOTO BY Instagram/ctianapril

“It was an unexpected creative journey for me, especially as an introvert. However, I found that I could express my ideas visually, and decided that I wanted to do more. This realization eventually led me to embrace the role of a director.”

What is CAD Studios and how did you come up with it?

“I decided to launch CAD Studios when my personal travel videos led to bigger projects with corporate and lifestyle brands. I started CAD Studios, named after my intiails, as a one-woman team where I took on roles from director to account manager. Since then, CAD Studios has redefined its purpose and meaning, from the innovative processes to the diverse opportunities and goals.”

Can you tell us about your/CAD’s creative process? What are the steps taken upon receiving a brief?

“Our creative process at CAD Studios is a dynamic and collaborative journey that goes beyond just codifying ideas – we CAD-ify them. We break down the brief into Challenge, Approach, and Delivery processes where we strike a balance of creative, wild, fresh, unique ideas that still deliver on the promise and commitment we set with the brand.”

PHOTO BY Courtesy of CAD Studios

How do you make each project distinct from each other?

“We embrace a mindset where our competition is our previous work. We strive to continually raise the bar and exceed our previous accomplishments. This commitment to constant improvement and innovation enables us to consistently deliver work that is fresh, unique, and distinct, setting each project apart from the rest.”

What is your team’s favorite shoot to date? Can you tell us what makes this particular one extra special?

“Our team’s favorite shoots are the ones where brands engage in a true collaborative partnership. These projects stand out because they go beyond providing a service; they allow us to work hand in hand, ensuring the vision is fully realized, and their goals are achieved through our work.”

PHOTO BY Courtesy of CAD Studios

“In these collaborations, we have the freedom to have fun, learn from each other, and always strive to produce the best possible content. It’s the shared commitment and creative exchange that make these shoots extra special for us.”

What is the best thing about being a director/video content creator?

“The best thing about being a director is I get to surprise myself. It’s the realization that I’m constantly being pushed out of my comfort zone and that I get to create things I never thought I could.”

PHOTO BY Instagram/ctianapril

What do you envision for CAD Studios in the years to come?

“I’m not one to set very strict future plans because they can sometimes stifle our growth and full potential. I like to welcome different opportunities and challenges as they come, even the unexpected ones.”

“Looking ahead for CAD Studios, I see a path where we remain open to opportunities, adapt to change, and keep our creative spirit alive–sharing all these with a wider community of creatives.

We won’t confine ourselves to a specific niche; instead, we’re eager to collaborate with new local and international brands that share our goals and aspirations.”

Can you share a tip for aspiring directors/video content creators?

“Never doubt. Never stop. Keep creating, keep pushing your creative boundaries, and keep pursuing your dreams–embrace the process as it will ultimately lead you to the place where you truly belong. Let life and your own work surprise you.”

PHOTO BY Instagram/ctianapril

For more information, you may visit CAD Studios official website and Instagram.