Biography

Carlos "Rafi" Rivera is a highly skilled camera operator, focus puller, and assistant camera with an extensive career spanning feature films, television series, commercials, music videos, concerts, and live events. His technical expertise, artistic vision, and ability to collaborate with world-class cinematographers have made him one of the most sought-after focus pullers in Puerto Rico and the Latin American market.

Throughout his career, he has worked alongside renowned Directors of Photography (DPs) such as Santiago "Chago" Benet, SPC (The Resort), Tom Marvel, SPC (Despacito), Matthew Libatique (Black Swan, A Star is Born), Pawel Pogorzelski (Midsommar, Hereditary), Timothy A. Burton (BMF), Gabriel Beristain (Black Widow), Rina Yang (Anti Hero), Rafael Leyva (The Oath), and Sonnel Velázquez, SPC (Fantasy Island), gaining invaluable experience from some of the best cinematographers in the industry.

Film & Television Rivera has been an integral part of major Hollywood productions, contributing to films such as Blue Beetle, Midnight in the Switchgrass, Wash Me in the River, Extortion, and The Vessel. His work has placed him on sets with A-list actors like Robert De Niro, Bruce Willis, Mira Sorvino, Megan Fox, and Martin Sheen, solidifying his reputation as a highly reliable and versatile professional in the camera department.

In television, he has worked on hit series such as The Resort (Peacock), Fantasy Island (FOX), Will Trent (ABC), The Oath (Crackle), StartUp (Netflix), and Mozart in the Jungle (Amazon), excelling in delivering high-quality visuals for both episodic storytelling and cinematic television productions.

Music Videos & Live Concerts Beyond film and TV, Rivera has played a crucial role in the music video industry, contributing to some of the most iconic and record-breaking productions, including:

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee - "Despacito" (One of the most-watched videos in YouTube history)

Bad Bunny - "Callaita"

Juanes - "Una Flor"

Projects for Wisin & Yandel, Calle 13, Residente, and Young Miko, among many others.

His ability to seamlessly blend storytelling with musical aesthetics has been key to his success in this highly visual and fast-paced sector.

Additionally, Rivera has brought his expertise to large-scale live concerts and global tours, working on major productions for top Latin artists such as:

Bad Bunny - "World's Hottest Tour"

Karol G - "Mañana Será Bonito Tour"

Rauw Alejandro - "Saturno World Tour"

Daddy Yankee - "La Última Vuelta Tour"

These experiences have cemented him as a go-to professional for high-profile live events, multi-camera concert productions, and music industry visuals.

Commercials & Branded Content Rivera's commercial work includes campaigns for top international brands, showcasing his ability to adapt to high-end advertising and marketing visuals. His portfolio of commercial clients includes:

Corona

American Express

Pepsi

Home Depot

META

Nestlé

Hyundai & Kia

Victoria's Secret

L'Oréal

FirstBank & Popular Bank of Puerto Rico

His extensive experience in commercials demonstrates his technical precision and creative storytelling ability in the world of advertising and branded content.

A Key Figure in Puerto Rican Cinema As one of Puerto Rico's most in-demand focus pullers, Rivera has had the privilege of working with some of the island's most acclaimed directors, including:

Ari Maniel Cruz (Antes que Cante el Gallo, ¿Quién Eres Tú?)

Kacho López (Callaita, Baile Inolvidable)

Ángel Manuel Soto (La Granja, Blue Beetle)

His deep connection to Puerto Rico's film industry and his commitment to elevating local productions have made him a key figure in the region's growing cinematic landscape.

Bilingual & International Career Being bilingual and Latino has been a significant advantage in Rivera's career, allowing him to navigate seamlessly between international productions and act as a bridge between English- and Spanish-speaking crews. His deep understanding of both Latin American and U.S. cultures has enabled him to bring a unique perspective to his work, fostering better communication between directors, actors, and technical teams in multicultural production environments.

His experience working in Puerto Rico, the United States, Latin America, and Asia has further enhanced his adaptability and global outlook, making him a highly versatile and globally connected cinematography professional.

Education & Technical Skills Rivera holds a Bachelor's Degree in Audiovisual Communications from the University of Puerto Rico, along with a specialization in Camera and Lighting for Cinema from Universidad del Cine in Argentina.

His technical proficiency extends to:

Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, and AutoCAD

Camera systems such as ARRI 435, 416, ALEXA 35, Mini LF, RED, Sony VENICE, and Canon Cinema
- IMDb mini biography by: Janice Alonso