From Social Media to Cinematic Projects: GranBerta’s Creative Evolution

Hello everyone! Today, we’re thrilled to dive into the story of Agustín Stegmann, co-founder and CEO of Gran Berta Group which includes Gran Berta (digital content creation with humor and VFX), Bani VFX (post-production and VFX studio), and Gran Berta Films (audiovisual production company).  

Agustín leads this innovative team of creators, blending humor, VFX, and storytelling to craft unforgettable digital content for top global brands like Netflix, Prime Video, and Adidas. 

We connected on Instagram a few years ago, collaborating on posts that brought fresh insights and uniqueness to our community. Since we share the same vision of innovating and transforming impossible challenges into reality—and with a shared love for networking—we’ve stayed in constant touch ever since!”

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What truly stands out about Agustín and his team is their incredible energy and inspiring journey—a story we can’t wait to share with you all. You’re going to love it!

Join us as we explore Agustín’s journey and his vision for the future of digital media.

How did this whole GranBerta journey begin? Can you tell us the first steps before becoming who you are today?

In 2015, Guido and I, both 20 years old, were having trouble doing well in university. We lacked the passion component for what we were studying. We liked it, but it was not enough to move us.

And we both loved creating content. I did a couple of dancing videos and uploaded them to YouTube and Facebook, and Guido sent to our friends’ group chat, once a week, a video of himself doing trick shots with golf and/or ping pong balls. Like what Dude Perfect does.

After a lot of talking and debate, we decided to do videos with VFX and humor for social media inspired by Zach King’s videos.

But that was not it, we wanted to show how we would get better and achieve goals, so we set the goal of making videos with VFX & Humor, and we needed to get to 100k followers on Instagram.

The pursuit not only of numbers but also of continuous improvement with each video has made us grow into who we are today.

How have your skills in VFX and video production developed over the years? And how are they influencing the new venture into the films?

We knew nothing (technically speaking) about VFX and production when we started back in 2015. But it was through more than 600 videos, and a bigger team (12 people nowadays between Gran Berta, Gran Berta Films & Bani VFX), that we developed the skills necessary to do everything that we can do today, one video at a time.

We had and have a mentality where we demand a better version of every single project that we are involved in. It is not always possible to have demanding projects, but with creativity, you can always find ways to improve.

Our latest commercial brought 60 people on set for the first time – a new milestone – and everything went as planned. We’re thrilled that the final results matched our expectations and exceeded our clients’.

In such a competitive market, particularly in the VFX sector, how have you managed to stand out? Could you share an example of a project where your use of visual effects made a significant difference?

I believe that the way we manage to stand out is by working out a lot with our imagination and creativity, like a muscle. And by connecting with our followers on social media. That’s where we stood out the most. Nowadays we want to stand out in advertisements that have bigger budgets and demand bigger teams, but with the same energy that we had for our first videos.

For me it is not about the amount of technical abilities used to make VFX, but the way the story is told. For many stories to be told, you need an incredible amount of VFX, but for others, you just need a creative way to solve a problem. I believe that the good VFX stands out, but the great VFX doesn’t. Read that again. The great VFX allows the story to be the protagonist and not the other way around.

Here are two examples of a way simple VFX reached a large audience: Messi Thor / Messi World Cup.

Messi scored a goal and celebrated by posing like Thor, awaiting the Mjolnir (Thor’s hammer) to come to him. We simply added the expected elements, and since he had also won the World Cup, we included a version with the World Cup arriving in his hand. This became our most viral video, as it was reshared by numerous football accounts on Instagram, amassing over 200 million views across the accounts I could track.

How do you maintain a balance between client expectations and your creative vision, especially when there’s a clash between the two?

Every decision we make should be supported by a rationale explaining its functionality or intent. Clearly outlining where each idea originates and where we believe it’s heading, enables smoother creative discussions with the client. 

If the client isn’t convinced, it’s because they disagree with the reasoning, not because there’s a lack of one. Starting with a well-founded rationale sets a stronger foundation for presenting creative proposals, rather than simply showing ideas without explanation.

What are your thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in the world of visual effects? Are you already using AI technologies in your workflow, and if so, how is it helping?

I have mixed feelings about the role of artificial intelligence in visual effects (VFX) over the next few years. On one hand, I’m concerned that many people may lose job opportunities because their roles will be replaced by AI. Additionally, I find it problematic that the databases used to train these AI models are filled with works by artists who aren’t compensated for their contributions.

However, I recognize that AI is inevitable. If I had to make a comparison, I would say it’s like the arrival of the scientific calculator. While it helped speed up calculations, it didn’t eliminate the need for mathematicians, nor did it make people smarter just by using it. Similarly, artificial intelligence will be a powerful tool in content creation, but it won’t replace the deep knowledge required to produce quality work. Those affected will need to find ways to reinvent themselves and perhaps even leverage this technology to their advantage.

The fundamental need for creating good content will remain. AI won’t replace the understanding of concepts like composition, color, movement, lighting and shadows, and animation. Quality content will continue to require that human touch.

Over time, I believe that creating content, including VFX, will become less expensive. This could saturate the industry, which will make storytelling and marketing the key elements that stand out. In a world full of content, only what has a powerful story or a solid marketing strategy will rise above the rest. In the end, what will matter most is the ability to create something that connects with people and stands out.

We could say that the key is for AI to be seen as a tool to enhance creativity, not to replace it. True innovation will come from how artists integrate it into their workflow, while always respecting the fundamentals and the art of visual storytelling.

We met each other on social media. How important have social media platforms been for creating the brand “Gran Berta” and then creating a community, promoting your work, and attracting new clients?

Yes! So glad we met each other. Social media platforms are amazing for networking, creating and communicating ideas, and of course, for building a community around your brand. 

For Gran Berta, social media has been crucial in showcasing our creative projects and telling our story in a way that connects with people on a personal level. It has allowed us to share our journey, from our early days to working with major brands, in a way that feels accessible and authentic.

By sharing not only our successes but also our challenges, we’ve been able to build a loyal audience that really resonates with our vision. 

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube give us the freedom to experiment with content that shows our unique style—visual effects, humor, and storytelling—while engaging directly with fans and potential clients. It’s this transparency and constant communication that has helped us grow our network and attract new clients, both in Argentina and globally.

In your view, how have social media evolved over the last 5-10 years, and do you believe they remain effective tools for your strategies and creators today?

Social media has evolved dramatically over the last 5-10 years. What started as platforms mainly for personal sharing have become essential tools for businesses, creators, and brands to build entire ecosystems of content and community. 

One of the biggest shifts has been the rise of short-form video content—platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have changed the game. People want engaging, snackable content that grabs their attention in seconds, and as creators, we’ve had to adapt to that demand.

At the same time, algorithms have become more sophisticated, prioritizing not just engagement but also content tailored to specific audiences. This makes the strategy more complex than before. With so many platforms and formats, the challenge isn’t doing everything but rather focusing on what serves your purpose and connects with your community. Right now, we’re focusing on Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, and TikTok, but we know we want to return to YouTube soon because it’s great for longer-form content and deeper engagement.

For us at Gran Berta, social media remains a key tool in our strategy. It’s not just about getting views; it’s about building relationships and showing our creative process, which people love to see. We’ve learned to prioritize the platforms and formats that align best with our goals rather than trying to spread ourselves too thin.

It’s crucial to stay flexible because social media trends change fast. What’s effective today may not be tomorrow, so creators need to keep evolving. But as long as you stay true to your brand and use these platforms to tell your story authentically, they can still be incredibly powerful tools for growth.

Can you tell us about some of the more complex projects you’ve worked on? What were the biggest challenges, and how did you manage to overcome them?

A few months ago, we were working on a project that started as a big production. We had everything ready from pre-production, and just a couple of days before the shoot, the client told us the budget was being cut a lot. They also suggested we could pivot and do a simpler video instead. It was a tough moment because we were really excited about the creativity and ideas we had poured into the project.

So we had two options: move forward with the original concept, knowing we’d break even at best—or even put some of our own money into it—or go the easier route and make a simpler video. But we realized that to grow and push our limits as a team, we had to take on the challenge. So we stuck to our guns and made a more complex video.

And the universe didn’t take long to show us we made the right call. Not long after, we were able to use that video to pitch ourselves, and we landed a project with 10 times the budget. It was like an immediate answer to the question, “Was it worth it?”—and the answer was a big, resounding yes.

Don’t know if it correctly answers your question, but it was definitely a complex decision I had to make, especially because I knew it would take us a lot of time and energy, and had no guarantee if that would have any positive commercial outcome.

Could you share a fun or memorable story from a project you’ve worked on? Something that stands out either for its difficulty or a humorous twist during production?

As I mentioned earlier, we started making videos at Gran Berta inspired by Zach King, so he’s been a huge influence on us from the beginning. Fast forward several years, and now, with Bani VFX, we’ve worked with many clients, but one that holds special significance is Zach himself.

His team hires Bani VFX for some of their videos, and after collaborating on several projects, when I was in LA in 2022, I asked if I could stop by his studio. Zach graciously invited me to hang out and watch how they operate. Naturally, I had an idea for a quick video that would only take about five minutes of his time, so I pitched it to him. He loved the idea and energetically said yes.

I set up my phone on a tripod to capture some behind-the-scenes footage, hoping to document the whole process, not just the final shots. Between takes, Zach offered amazing feedback, making the video even better, and I was thrilled to be recording the entire experience… or so I thought.

Unfortunately, in my excitement and nerves, I accidentally hit the record button twice! Instead of capturing everything, I stopped the recording just as we started. 

So, I didn’t end up with any of the behind-the-scenes footage. It’s a mistake that will stay with me forever haha. An unforgettable moment, not just because I got to work with Zach King, but because of how hilariously dumb it was to miss recording it all haha.

The good news is that the video itself turned out awesome, and we nailed everything we needed.

Are there any current or upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?

Yes! I’m really excited about a project we’re currently working on—a short film featuring a VFX artist who happens to be a bunny. This character is inspired by ourselves and a beloved bunny of ours who passed away earlier this year.

At Gran Berta, almost from the very beginning, we’ve hidden a digital version of our bunny in many of our videos, inviting viewers to find him like a “Where’s Waldo?” game.

This upcoming project is fully CGI, and we’re creating it with our resources, which presents the challenge of balancing this passion project with our commercial work.

We aim to have it completed by next year!

Agustín Stegmann’s work reminds us that creativity knows no bounds when fueled by passion and innovation. With Gran Berta, he’s built a creative empire that doesn’t just entertain but inspires—and his energy for collaboration hints that even greater things are on the horizon. 

Keep an eye on Gran Berta Group as they continue to redefine what’s possible in digital storytelling.

Thank you, fam, for reading! If you’re curious to dive deeper into the creative world of Gran Berta and their brilliant collaborators, don’t miss out on following these inspiring Instagram accounts: Gran Berta for its digital content infused with humor and VFX, Bani VFX for insights into post-production and VFX magic, and Gran Berta Films for its standout audiovisual productions. Enjoy exploring them!

In case you missed our previous mag piece, go check it out!

Much love!
FilmmakersWorld Team

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