Wesley "Wes" Rodriguez is a Cuban-Guatemalan-American writer, director, and cinematographer who tells stories about identity, transformation, and the unexplainable magic that binds us across time and space. Raised in the alternate dimension of Florida, he now lives in Los Angeles, crafting comedic, sci-fi, mystical, and genre-bending narratives that ask: What makes us who we are? And what happens when reality starts to crack around the edges?

Under the mentorship of Werner Herzog, Wes directed “PALANTE," an award-winning short film shot on location in Cuba. Shortly after, Wes founded Pa'lante Pictures, a Latine production company focused on empowering and uplifting voices in the community through genre storytelling. Wes also directs vertical micro-dramas and has directed seven series since 2024. His work includes projects for DramaBox, one of the world's leading vertical entertainment platforms. He specializes in rom-com and absurd comedy, bringing a cinematic sensibility and humanity to every character and storyline. 

As a cinematographer, Wes’s work spans commercial and narrative projects showcased internationally, including branded content for major clients such as Alienware, Blizzard, Intel, and Dungeons & Dragons. His recent experience as Virtual Production Cinematographer and Technical Director for AMC Networks’ interactive Twitch channel “FearHQ” highlights his innovative approach to emerging technologies, seamlessly blending cutting-edge virtual production, remote camera systems, and live-streaming techniques with a cohesive visual language.

He is a STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers Intensive Fellow, a GFS LA Frieze Fellow, Hola Mexico Tomorrow’s Filmmaker’s Today Fellow, a DGA John Frankenheimer Fellow, and a NALIP Latino Media Market TV Writing Fellow. He earned his MFA in Film and Television Production at USC and holds a B.S. in Media Production from the University of Florida. 

Beyond filmmaking, Wes practices mindfulness and Shaolin martial arts and is an avid video game connoisseur, conservationist, and cat photographer.