Rick Saavedra shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Rick , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Becoming a sound practitioner and offering sound healing for our unsheltered neighbors has been one of the most incredible experiences outside of my work as a filmmaker and photographer. It fills my heart with joy to serve the community in this way, bringing peace, presence, and elevated energy to those who need it most. Beyond creating visuals that inspire, this practice has shown me the deep power of sound to heal and connect us on a human level. It’s a reminder that when we give our gifts in service, the impact goes far beyond you can imagine.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello San Diego! I’m Rick Saa, filmmaker, photographer, and founder of Zen Productions. My journey started with capturing landscapes and has evolved into telling stories that inspire and heal. I’m especially passionate about working with wellness facilitators, producing the Zen Soul Balance YouTube Channel, where we share meditation videos, sound healing trainings, and yoga tutorials. Alongside this, I collaborate with corporate America and local businesses, combining creativity with strategy to help them grow and connect with their audiences. For me, Zen Productions is about more than film, it’s about creating beauty, raising energy, and building meaningful connections.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One memory that reminds me of the power of my work as a photographer and filmmaker goes back to my early days as a travel agent, a career I held for almost 13 years. Traveling around the world, I began to notice the beauty in every corner: the colors, the culture, the stories of the people I met. I started capturing these moments on camera, creating videos to showcase the essence of each destination. At the time, I didn’t have the technical experience I do now, but on my recent trip to India, I realized just how powerful my eye had always been, how I could capture the soul of a place, its history, and its vibrant energy, and share it in a way that truly connects with people.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time I almost gave up on my dream. I moved to the United States with the goal of becoming a professional filmmaker and photographer, but that same year, COVID hit. I didn’t know how to start making money, and my main focus, wedding films and photography, vanished as all events were canceled. I began taking pictures of sunsets and landscapes, sharing them on social media just to keep creating. Then, one day, someone asked if I could sell a metal print of one of my fine art photos. In that moment, I realized that even in a crisis, there was opportunity. During COVID, I ended up selling thousands of dollars in landscape prints, turning a seemingly impossible situation into a breakthrough that shaped my path as an artist and entrepreneur.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
. On the horizon, I’m working on two personal projects close to my heart: a masterpiece documentary about how connecting with your inner self can unlock success, and a Sound Healing Mastery program to teach thousands how to raise energy and promote healthy, balanced lives. I also dream of opening a fine art gallery showcasing San Diego’s breathtaking landscapes. At Zen Productions, it’s never just about making videos, it’s about creating beauty, inspiring connection, and leaving something meaningful behind. No matter how difficult or how long it takes to finish these projects, I’m fully confident that I will accomplish them.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
I believe it would be the moments I’ve captured, the stories I’ve told, and the experiences I’ve shared. Every image, every film, every project that has inspired someone, uplifted a community, or helped a person become a better version of themselves, that is the legacy I hope to leave behind. In the end, these acts of creation and connection are far greater accomplishments than any recognition or material success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.thezenproductions.com
- Instagram: Zenproductionsofficial
