Meet Cornelio Polanco: Omaha’s Cinematic Storyteller
MY FIVE: A series where we ask individuals to share their five favorite things
When it comes to telling a story through the lens, some people just get it.
Cornelio Polanco is one of those rare creatives who can turn a simple shot into a cinematic experience. With more than 13 years of experience in film, TV, and commercial production, Cornelio has carved out a name for himself as one of Omaha’s go-to visual storytellers.
He’s worked with networks like WOWT 6 News, KETV NewsWatch, Univision, and Telemundo, bringing both innovation and precision to every project. Whether he’s capturing a live broadcast, producing a commercial, or editing a short film, Cornelio has that knack for elevating visuals to match the heart of the story.
Cornelio’s toolkit is no joke. He’s mastered cinematic camera operation, lighting design, motion graphics, and post-production wizardry using Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve. A proud graduate of Full Sail University with a BFA in Digital Cinematography, he blends technical mastery with an artist’s eye, delivering visuals that are as polished as they are powerful.
And because no storyteller likes to stay grounded, he’s also a certified drone pilot (yes, those jaw-dropping aerial shots you love? He’s got you covered).
Oh, and did we mention he’s bilingual? Fluent in both English and Spanish, Cornelio brings cross-cultural depth to every project he touches.
So, what are his five favorite things he can’t live without? Here’s what he had to say:
1. My Car
“It provides me with the freedom to travel and explore, making every journey an adventure.”
2. The Gym
“It’s my sanctuary for staying healthy and relieving stress. Working out keeps me strong and energized.”
3. My Phone
“It keeps me connected with loved ones, organized, and entertained, all in one place.”
4. My Computer
“As a video producer, editor, motion graphic designer, and VFX editor, my computer is essential for bringing my creative projects to life. It’s where I edit videos, design graphics, and create visual effects.”
5. My Camera
“It allows me to capture moments, express creativity, and document experiences in a way that words sometimes can’t.”
Interested in being featured on our “My Five” series? Please nominate people or send us your tops in this Google form.