Filmmaker Nicholas Gelakis on Florida Boys and Building Miami’s Creative Community

Hailey Lachman
Mar 28
3 min read

Nicholas Gelakis is a Miami-based filmmaker with a passion for storytelling, composition, and building community through creativity. With a growing portfolio, a thriving production company, and a personal dedication to collaborative work, Nicholas is carving out a unique space in South Florida’s creative landscape.

A Love for Film That Started at Home

Nicholas grew up in a household where movies were more than just entertainment—they were a way of life. He developed a deep curiosity about how films were made, rewatching his favorites as double features and diving into research about camera work and directing techniques. The turning point came when he bought a $20 Canon camera and filmed a Romeo and Juliet segment for a school project. Despite the chaos of that shoot, he was hooked. "It was the first time I truly felt engaged in what I was doing," he reflects. From there, he continued making short content for Instagram and writing scripts in his free time.

Influences That Shape His Craft

Two filmmakers stand out in Nicholas’ journey: Wes Anderson and Steven Spielberg. From Anderson, he draws inspiration from bold color palettes and creative composition. While Anderson is often celebrated for symmetry, Nicholas believes the director’s color work is the real star, something he emulates in his own films. Spielberg, on the other hand, serves as a guide for emotional storytelling and camera technique. Nicholas looks to him as a reference for weaving emotion into visual storytelling.

Florida Boys: From Photo Series to Short Film

Nicholas’ latest project, Florida Boys, began with a conversation with longtime friend and photographer Josh Aronson. Originally tasked with creating a short video to accompany a fabric print in Josh’s photo exhibition, Nicholas saw a bigger opportunity. The result was a retrospective documentary that chronicles the four-year journey behind the series. The film captures not only the evolution of the project but the emotional depth behind the visuals. As a Floridian, Nicholas found a personal connection to the imagery—scenes that mirrored his own childhood.

The film’s most powerful moment comes at the end, as Josh stands before the mural he’s spent years curating. For Nicholas, it’s a symbol of accomplishment and inspiration:

"It also sends a powerful message that anyone who aspires to follow in his footsteps can achieve the same."

Dialogue as a Creative Challenge

While Nicholas has a clear visual voice, he admits dialogue can be the hardest part of his writing process. He works hard to avoid stiffness or artificiality, aiming to craft lines that hold the same emotional weight as the visual elements. It’s a process of refinement, but one that he welcomes as part of his growth.

Filtering Out the Noise

In an industry filled with noise and pressure, Nicholas emphasizes the importance of tuning out distractions and focusing on what matters.

"We often get caught up in overthinking our responsibilities… this can prevent us from creating great work," he explains.

Instead, he focuses on giving his full attention to each project, creating with intent and clarity.

A Hopeful and Grounded Message

Nicholas hopes that viewers walk away from his work feeling hopeful—not with blind optimism, but with a sense of agency and reflection. He wants his films to inspire change and self-betterment, reminding audiences that improvement, both personal and environmental, is possible.

Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers: Just Start

For those just beginning their filmmaking journey, Nicholas offers simple advice: start now. There will never be a perfect moment, enough gear, or the “right” time. Progress comes through action and learning by doing. He also encourages aspiring filmmakers to surround themselves with "doers" rather than talkers—those who follow through and get their hands dirty.