WhereNext People – An Interview with Executive Producer Sandra Eichmann Perret
Sandra’s Bio
Sandra holds postgraduate degrees in film production from the Cinema and Audiovisual School of Catalonia and international cultural management at the University of Barcelona. Among her many credits are production of the Colombian government’s most important annual cultural event, the 2017 Bogotá International Book Fair, with more than half a million attendees; Rendez-vous en Terre Inconnue, a documentary filmed in Colombia’s remote Sierra Santa Marta wilderness, for France 2, France’s biggest TV station; and Los Caballeros las Prefieren Brutas, a TV series for Sony Entertainment. She also produced The Birders, a series of documentary films, events, and inbound digital campaigns by WhereNext that has positioned Colombia as the world’s top birding destination. Sandra speaks fluent English, Spanish, and French.
Our General Manager and Producer Extraordinaire
Introducing Sandra Eichmann Perret, a.k.a. Swiss Miss, our Colombia production company's Executive Producer, and General Manager. With over a decade of experience in global audiovisual production, Sandra is the glue that holds our team together. In this WhereNext People interview, Sandra shares her memories of diving in the Colombian Pacific, fishing with her father, and sampling some distinctly stinky Swiss cheese.
Tell us about yourself.
My family migrated to Colombia 50 years ago from Switzerland. I was born in Colombia, so I am both Swiss and Colombian. I work as the executive producer and general manager at WhereNext. At the office, I am known as Swiss Miss. I love being outside, observing nature (and my cat Harry), hiking, birding, and doing yoga.
Sandra getting acquainted with a sloth on the Colombian island of Isla Fuerte
Tell us about your most memorable travel experience.
I have to say that all the trips I've taken by myself have been really enriching experiences. From diving (hearing dolphins, side by side with turtles and waiting for a whale shark) in the wild waters of Gorgona Island in the Colombian Pacific to ten days full of culture around Portugal (walking a lot and eating delicious food).
Fishing with my dad in different parts of the world were also memorable travel experiences, not only because of the nature and the fantastic landscapes, but mostly because I have been able to get to know him in the environments he loves the most.
Dead or alive, who would you like to join you on an adventure?
I would join Frédéric, my fiancé, on any adventure.
What are your travel equipment essentials?
When going on a shoot, my travel essentials always start with a first aid kit (with different medicines for everything that can happen in the field to any crew member), a backpack with a computer, the shooting plan, and directory of all the crew, a notebook, a pencil case, mosquito repellent, two dry bags, a water bottle, a good pair of comfortable shoes, and my eBird hat.
Sandra’s Production Essentials in the Field
1. A notebook and (at least) one pencil // 2. Backpack with computer, shooting plan, and crew directory // 3. Walkie Talkies // 4. A good pair of comfortable shoes // 5. Her eBird hat
Swiss Miss in Switzerland
When did you feel happiest?
I have felt happiest many times in my life; it is difficult to pick just one moment. But I can say when I'm surrounded by the ones I love, in nature or traveling; those are definitely the highlights of my life.
Who taught you your biggest life lesson, and what was it?
My biggest life lesson came from my mom and her strength and ability to overcome any situation.
You can teleport to any restaurant on earth: where do you go and what do you order?
I always love a whole fried red snapper with coconut rice and patacón, anywhere on the Colombian Caribbean Coast. Or sharing a big plate of fillets de perche on the shore of Lake Geneva.
Tell us about the most adventurous food you ever ate?
Definitely, the stinkiest Swiss cheese, Schabziger...for breakfast!
Drink of choice?
My drink of choice would be a glass of Torrontés or Vinho Verde. If we're talking non-alcoholic, then sparkling water with lemon makes my day!
Where do you feel most at home?
Bogotá, where I was born, is where I feel most at home since most of my friends and family live there.
Sandra in Antarctica working on our Colombia production company’s project with A&K Travel
Read more about our Colombia production company or contact us now.
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