Reggaeton superstar and Latin icon, Karol G, has just released ‘Mañana Fue Bonito’ worldwide via streaming platform Netflix.

This new project offers an insight into the life of the influential Latin figure while also highlighting the highs and lows of being on a sold-out stadium and arena world tour.

There are some truly beautiful moments within this one hour and 48 minute long documentary including guest appearances from Shakira, Feid and Karol G’s family.

Lots of these were captured by none other than Mecky Creus, Director of Photography and Cinematographer for Karol G's 'Mañana Fue Bonito'. 

Mecky Creus ‘Mañana Fue Bonito’ Interview -

LL: Karol G is known for wearing her heart on her sleeve, quite literally with her tattoo, how did you find working with the star through a multitude of events and situations?

MC:  I’ve worked with like other legendary Latin artists like Nicky Jam, Juanes, Marc Anthony, just to name a few and knowing how much limited time you have with the artist, you really have to prepare. Those experiences helped me prepare for this moment to work and film with Karol, it taught me that every second counts and every moment matters.

I had to be fast, flexible, ready to adapt. Lighting, framing, be on the fly without compromising quality. I had to just read the energy in the room and build trust quickly, which is fundamental when working on documentaries, especially a project as big as this. We were able to create a space where the artist could feel comfortable, while keeping everything authentic even with a camera in her face, we documented her journey with intention and intuition.

LL: You’ve directed a variety of TV series and shorts, how does this documentary differ from anything else you’ve done?

MC: ‘Mañana Fue Bonito’ was different because it’s in my native language, Spanish, it's a documentary entirely in Spanish.

I’ve directed other projects but my true passion is being a cinematographer and a Director of Photography. I couldn't really believe it when I got the email asking if I was interested in being a part of the team and this project. Knowing the artist, her background, music and then getting the opportunity to be a part of this team is just a dream come true.

 LL: How long did it take from that initial email to then being on set filming ‘Mañana Fue Bonito’? 

 MC: So I met Christina [Costantini], the director on a past project ‘Menudo: Forever Young’ on HBO Max and [from then on] we got along really well. Every night after working she asked me about what I've done and anything I’d love to work on. When the time came [to say] goodbye, I was like “If you have anything in the future that I'm the right fit for, please just keep me in mind.”

Then a year or so later, she did, I got the email, “Christina is putting a team together and she wants to you to be one of the DP’s [Director of Photography] for the project. I was just mind blown. She’s a remarkable director.

LL: Do you prefer walking on stage with La Bichota or filming from the sidelines and taking it all in?

MC:  I filmed a lot of the concert footage at The Rose Bowl, Pasadena and [Hard Rock Stadium] Miami, I was capturing the audience and fans, their connection to Karol is unbelievable, just masses of masses of people screaming her songs. Immense. Capturing the fans and their experience is a big part for me, I liked filming what they're going through, what they're feeling, they had no idea what type of tour they were about to witness.

But filming the rehearsals and seeing those two sides of an artist before they go out onto the stage and while they’re doing their thing, building a vibe was fun to shoot too.

LL: What moments within ‘Mañana Fue Bonito’ are you most proud of now the documentary has hit our screens?

MC:  The interview segment is very special. She really doesn't give interviews to anyone  so we had to approach that super respectfully. After the interview we're like “Oh, okay, I think we are, we're done filming”, but you just never know.

 I told my camera team, “Load a new card battery, put this lens in, keep it very close to me, because if something happens, I want grab the camera and just go.” We asked about her past and her assistant brought all this family photos, first concerts, cute memorabilia like that, I saw what was going to happen and I grabbed the camera.I turn it on, I start filming and what you saw in that little scene, that moment, everything was a one take wonder, it just happened. 

I'm super happy how that turned out. It's these little moments that tell you so much about a person.

LL: What was it like walking the pink carpet with La Bichota and having cameras on you instead of holding one yourself? 

MC: I love being behind the camera, never in front. I feel very comfortable holding a camera in my hands, so when I don't have that I’m very much like “What’s going on?”

So I’m just taking photos with Christina [Costantini, the director], the producers, everyone from Bichota Records and [Karol] was just there. It just happened to be; right place, right time. We exchanged a few words and I congratulated her of course, it was so fast I was like, “Wait did that just happen?”

LL: How does it feel knowing a Latin-led documentary is featured on global streaming platform to the extent of Netflix which distributes to over 190 countries?

MC: ‘Mañana Fue Bonito’ is like a different kind of beast. I’ve worked on other projects, smaller pieces, capsules, like five to eight minutes long but it's not like an almost two-hour documentary, so for me, this is a huge milestone for me as a cinematographer.

LL: How important is it to you to make sure Latin voices and creatives are a constant in mainstream media like Karol G?

 MC: We have to give a voice to everyone. Normally you're used to just English speaking programmes, but Latin artists are doing big things and they should have that opportunity as well. It’s impossible not to pay attention to them; they’re making so much noise and what they're doing is beautiful and comes from the heart, ultimately it's culture.

I’m proud to be a Latino, to be Puerto Rican and to see these big stories be on the big screen, I'm really happy and proud that something like ‘Mañana Fue Bonito’ is out in the world. 

People need to hear the stories and the stories needs to be told.

LL: Who are some of your favourite Reggaeton singers? 

MC: I grew up listening to Daddy Yankee back when they used to call him Yankee. Obviously there’s Karol G, Feid or you know Young Miko. [Miko]’s incredible, Puerto Rican too, she knows how to rap in Spanish and English, she’s just so diverse. 

Reggaeton is worldwide man. It’s just growing and growing and getting stronger. It’s beautiful to see.

LL: I have to ask, what’s your favourite Karol G track?

MC: It might not be that popular, but for me ‘La Ocasión Perfecta’ with Yandel from her album ‘Ocean’ is mind blowing.

‘Mañana Fue Bonito’ is available on Netflix from 8 May and delves into the life of Colombian singer Karol G from her journey with music, rise to stardom and creating a new album.