Local filmmaker Devin Cuevas talks about his latest “drone” video

The latest video made by El Pasoan and hobbyist filmmaker Devin Cuevas already has more than 31,000 views since being uploaded on YouTube two days ago. Making it was fun, but not free.

“I call myself more of a hobbyist,” Cuevas said. “It was just something I like to do on the side, so I did it.”

In the flesh Cuevas, 31, is bashful, soft-spoken and modest. That’s not the guy El Paso has come to know through his videos.

Making “Happy” took Cuevas two weeks and all his spare time last year. The Lower Valley native studies computer information science full time at UTEP and works full time. His videos are made with a high enough quality that any city’s tourism department would pay big bucks for his talent, but Cuevas directs, shoots and edits the videos at his own expense.

“What inspires me the most is giving people from El Paso that chance to see what El Paso has been doing over the years,” Cuevas said. “And it gives people the chance who are not from El Paso to really see what we’re all about.”

His latest video took not only time but money. He dished out the cash for a DJI Phantom 3 drone, equipped with a 4K camera.

“There’s a lot of responsibilities involved like FAA rules and regulations, and making sure its safe when you fly it,” Cuevas said. “And making sure you’re not in the way of somebody else flying a plane. But in the long run it was worth it. We were able to knock out a really good list of iconic landmarks and places to shoot.”

Cuevas captured L&J’s Cafe, El Paso’s four oldest high schools, the Fountains at Farrah, Red Sands and more. His next project will focus on the growing mountain biking and cycling culture in El Paso. His goal is simple: spread the word, El Paso ain’t all that bad, in fact, it’s all good.

“I absolutely love El Paso,” Cuevas said. “It’s just a matter of seeing it for yourself.”