Brazilian Videographer Doug Lima On Redefining Storytelling In The Mobile Era

Doug Lima is a Brazilian-born videographer and content creator who has carved a niche for himself in the competitive Los Angeles market, producing high-quality visuals for a diverse range of clients, from global giants like Microsoft and Mattel to Latin Grammy Award-winning musician, Gee Rocha.

Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2017, Lima has amassed over eight years of experience crafting impactful campaigns for social media, CTV (Connected TV), and digital marketing platforms. His background in business management, combined with an innate passion for visual storytelling, has enabled him to deliver compelling projects that resonate with audiences and elevate brands. Currently an Associate Producer at Blitzy, an AI startup based in Boston, Lima continues to shape innovative content strategies, pushing the boundaries of visual communication in the tech space.

But Lima's impact extends far beyond his work at Blitzy. He is also the co-founder of LAB185, a creative duo established in 2017 with his partner, Lara. Together, they produce visually-driven content for brands and artists, blending compelling narratives with cultural relevance.

Standing Out In A Sea Of Visual Content

Lima’s success stems from his distinctive approach to videography, prioritizing storytelling and adaptability above all else. "I think it’s the mix of storytelling and adaptability," he explains. "I’m not just focused on getting cool shots—I care about what the content is trying to say and how it connects with people. I’ve worked across a lot of styles, from polished campaigns to raw, music-driven visuals."

This versatility is evident in his impressive portfolio, which spans diverse sectors and styles. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, ensuring that the final product reflects the client’s vision and resonates with their target audience. "I also love collaborating closely with clients and artists to make sure the final piece feels like them, not just like a template," Lima states. "Whether it's a big production or something more stripped down, I always look for ways to bring texture, emotion, and intentionality to the work."

A Distinct Style Rooted in Authenticity

Lima’s distinct style is characterized by a focus on natural light, authentic moments, and visuals that feel lived-in rather than overly polished. He draws inspiration from music, skate culture, and the rhythms of everyday life, infusing his work with a sense of spontaneity and intentionality. "My style leans into natural light, real moments, and visuals that feel lived-in rather than overly polished," he elaborates. "I’m drawn to texture, movement, and that in-between space where something feels both intentional and spontaneous. I think a lot of that comes from my roots being inspired by music, skate culture, and the rhythm of everyday life."

This commitment to authenticity and raw emotion sets his work apart, creating a tangible connection with viewers, driving mobile views and interactions.

Lessons Learned at Hart & Highland

Prior to focusing on LAB185 and his current role at Blitzy, Lima honed his skills at Hart & Highland Marketing and Creative Agency. He credits this experience with teaching him valuable lessons in creativity, adaptability, and project management.

"Working at Hart & Highland was a huge learning experience," he recalls. "One of the most valuable things I took from that time was how to stay creative while juggling multiple clients from totally different industries. Each project came with its own tone, goals, and limitations—so I had to learn how to quickly shift gears, develop concepts that felt authentic to each brand, and stay resourceful no matter the budget or scale."

In addition, Lima learned the importance of leading projects from inception to completion, collaborating effectively with creative directors, clients, and production teams. "I also learned how to lead projects from start to finish—working closely with creative directors, clients, and production teams to make sure the vision came through even when things needed to pivot," he says. "That flexibility and problem-solving mindset really stuck with me and shaped how I now approach content nowadays. It’s about finding that balance between creative vision and practical execution, no matter the size of the project."

Embracing the Mobile Era’s Vertical Video Revolution

In today's mobile-first world, vertical video has become increasingly dominant, and Lima has embraced this shift wholeheartedly. He estimates that approximately 80% of the content he produces is now delivered in vertical format, reflecting the changing landscape of content consumption.

"At this point, I'd say around 80% of the content I produce ends up being delivered in vertical format—even if I shoot it horizontally first," he explains. "Vertical has become the default, not just for social media, but even for things like digital billboards and in-store displays."

Lima understands that vertical video is more than just a trend; it's a fundamental shift in how brands connect with their audiences. "With people spending so much time on their phones, it makes sense for brands to create with that format in mind from the start," he emphasizes. "It’s not just about cropping later—it’s about designing a story that works within that frame and feels native to how people are consuming content today. It’s a shift in mindset as much as it is in aspect ratio."

Highlighting Small Businesses with Microsoft

Lima’s work with global brands has provided him with unique opportunities, including being featured in a Microsoft video that he also helped produce. This experience allowed him to merge his creative work with his personal passions.

"One of the coolest parts was getting to be featured in a video that I also helped produce—it’s not every day you get to be both behind and in front of the camera," he says. "They were running a series highlighting small businesses and creatives, and it felt really special to have my story included, especially with a focus on my passion for DJing. It was a great opportunity to merge my creative work with something that’s such a big part of who I am."

Elevating Gee Rocha's Solo Project

One of Lima's most notable projects was directing a music video for Brazilian musician Gee Rocha's solo project, following his success with the Latin Grammy-winning band NX Zero, who have over 500,000 followers on Instagram, as the band’s lead guitarist. Lima was able to leverage his cinematic vision to elevate Rocha’s work and mark a new chapter in his career with compelling content.

Lima directed the music video for Rocha's song, "Nada Igual" which translates to "Nothing Matters" in English. The much-anticipated music video was released in 2019. To date, it has over 250,000 views on YouTube.

"Working with Gee on his first solo project was really special—especially knowing it marked a new chapter after NX Zero took a break," Lima explains. "We shot in the California desert, which gave us these stunning cinematic visuals that matched the emotional tone of the song. It was a true collaboration—we developed the concept together, blending his vision with my direction to create something that felt raw, personal, and visually bold. Being part of that creative turning point in his career was an honor."

The video, a testament to Lima’s directorial skills and collaborative spirit, showcases his ability to capture the essence of an artist and translate it into a visually compelling narrative, while capturing the beauty and light of the California desert using unique camera angles, like shots from above and rotating video shots.

LAB185: A Creative Partnership

One of Lima's central achievements is LAB185, the creative partnership he shares with Lara Guinle. Lara, born in Spain and raised in Brazil, brings a global perspective and a unique aesthetic to the duo's projects. With a background in Fashion and Design, she specializes in fashion, lifestyle, and music-related content. Together, Lara and Doug combine their individual strengths to produce impactful campaigns, music visuals, and branded content, adapting to each client's specific needs with authenticity and a keen eye for detail. Whether working independently or as a team, LAB185 consistently delivers visually stunning and emotionally resonant content.

In a world drowning in generic content, Doug Lima stands out as a visionary videographer and storyteller. His commitment to authenticity, adaptability, and collaboration, coupled with his unique style and technical expertise, makes him a sought-after talent in the industry. As he continues to push the boundaries of visual communication, Doug Lima is undoubtedly a name to watch in the ever-evolving landscape of digital media.

For more info visit Lab185.com