Since 2003, has written and directed projects in both countries, and in various formats: film, TV, web.
In 2004, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Estela participated in a 4-week Sitcom Writer’s program taught by Michael Ajakwe Jr. (“Eve,” “Martin”), Bentley K. Evans (“Martin,” “The Jamie Foxx Show”) and director Debbie Allen (“A Different World,” “All of Us,” “Everybody Hates Chris”).
From 2005 to 2006, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Estela was a writer for the hit sitcom “Mano a Mano” (translation: “Brother to Brother”), starring Leandro Firmino (start of feature film, “City of God”). The pilot episode was directed by American director Leonard R. Garner, Jr. (“According to Jim”, “One on One”) and a later episode was directed by Ken Whittingham (“The Office,” “Entourage”). Estela also directed several episodes. The show aired on national TV, reaching millions of viewers.
In 2006, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Estela was a writer for the sitcom “Jornal Feliz” (translation: “Good News”). The pilot episode was directed by American director Debbie Allen.
From 2007 to 2009, Estela directed commercials for various brands: Master Card, Coca-Cola, L’Oreal, Axe, Banco Itaú, Sundown. Her commercials were recognized for their focus on actors and storytelling.
From 2007 to 2008, Estela directed 6 episodes of the documentary series “Amores Expressos” (Express Love). Six Brazilian novelists spent 30 days in 6 different countries of the world to chronicle their vision of Love in that country. The series registered the writers' impressions of each city and their writing process in creating a novel. Estela and her production team followed writers to Ireland, Cuba, Mexico, India, Brazil and Argentina.
In 2008, Estela wrote and directed the documentary “Criança, a Alma do Negócio” (translation: “Target Market: Kids”). The film was shown on the floor of the Brazilian Senate in full session, officially commented upon by the Brazilian Minister of Environment Marina Silva, and reviewed by Brazil’s 2 major daily newspapers as well as several national magazines. The documentary exposed the common practice in Brazil of TV commercials targeting kids and the negative effect this has on Brazilian children’s infancy, education and environment. The documentary aired on four different national TV stations in Brazil during 2009.
In 2009, Estela worked as a script doctor for feature films, among them, “Amanha Nunca Mais” (translation: “Tomorrow, Never Again”).
In 2009, Estela is writing with two other writers a feature script based on the Lourenço Muttarelli novel, “Miguel e os Demonios (translation: “Michael and his Demons”). The film will be directed by Tadeu Jungle in 2011. Estela is also writing her own feature screenplay in English, entitled “Immigration.” The story takes place in New York City.
