Meet Charlene Bagcal | Screenwriter for Film & TV, Director, and Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlene Bagcal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlene, how do you think about risk?
I’ve consistently regarded embracing risks as an indicator that I’m heading in the right direction. I firmly believe that without taking risks, one cannot acquire new experiences or foster personal growth. As a student of life, I find fulfillment in immersing myself in novel, albeit occasionally uncomfortable, situations. Fearlessness in the face of change and a willingness to take risks have been pivotal in fueling my creative motivation to continually aspire to improve and grow in my career.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being a creative polymath, my journey has been expansive. I initiated my creative pursuits in high school, delving into painting and learning photography, which paved the way for my college trajectory. Achieving a B.F.A. in Fine Art Photography, I exhibited my work, but eventually transitioned into the realm of commercial fashion photography. Midway through my photography career, I ventured into commercial directing and experienced early success, particularly in directing fashion films due to my connections in the fashion photography field. Several of my fashion films earned screenings at prestigious international film festivals in the U.K., South Africa, Turkey, Mexico, and the United States. Joining Michel Gondry’s production company, Partizan, six months into directing marked a significant milestone.

Despite the rapid progress in my directing career, I sought to avoid being pigeonholed as exclusively a fashion film director. Consequently, I expanded into directing music videos, with my inaugural project for artist Chelsea Wolfe produced by Converse. My transition into narrative film began soon after with the creation of a digital grounded sci-fi series, earning a development deal that essentially kickstarted my current career. Subsequently, I secured commercial representation for film and television, concurrently honing my screenwriting skills, recognizing the need for more practice in this new endeavor.

After years of refining my screenwriting, I secured my first TV series as a writer for HBO Max. Although the show was not picked up, the experience provided a significant creative boost, solidifying my commitment to pursuing screenwriting as a career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a penchant for fine dining in restaurants adorned with stylish decor, making it an ideal starting point for planning. I would likely recommend places such as Providence, Mother Wolf, Tao, and Deliah’s for their ambiance and vibe. Considering many of my out-of-town friends want to visit the beach, a beach day would undoubtedly find its way into the itinerary, as they often express the desire due to the lack of a beach in their hometowns.

Given my current homebody tendencies, I find joy from home entertaining, and I am always eager to pamper my guests by creating a delightful experience at my home. This would involve preparing the guest room for their stay, hosting dinner parties, and lounging by the pool. I firmly believe that sometimes, simplicity can be equally enjoyable. Also, the prospect of subjecting my friends to the notorious challenges of Los Angeles traffic is something I’d prefer to avoid as much as possible.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I credit various individuals, including mentors and industry executives, for shaping my career. However, the most significant influence on my professional journey has been my late parents. From an early age, they fostered my creative exploration and provided unwavering support throughout. Pursuing a career as an artist is a demanding path, fraught with self-doubt, challenges, and numerous sacrifices. Even during my lowest moments, my parents stood by me, never urging me to pursue a “real job.” It was their constant encouragement that fueled my creative pursuits. I deeply appreciate their unconditional love and support, recognizing the rare privilege of having parents who allowed me to express myself freely. I always felt their presence in my corner, and their impact on my life is something I never underestimate.

Website: www.charlenebagcal.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlene_bagcal/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlenebagcal/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlenebagcal

Image Credits
All photos where taken by me