Meet Ariel Sandoval | Writer/Director

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

Hi Ariel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I think as humans story telling is all around us from the day we’re born, whether fictitious or factual it plays a major role into who we become and what we stand for. That being said it’s a tremendous tool to use to share perspective and insight on the human condition.

The decision to pursue a creative career came from the power felt by a scene or a piece of dialogue from a favorite film, in many ways narrative pieces stick with us throughout our lives strengthening and inspiring us through challenges both small and large, creating these experiences through writing and directing is the most rewarding canvas to me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When it comes to music videos I enjoy the flexible creative canvas of music videos as a whole so although they are not my main focus I enjoy them and the opportunities they bring to meet other artists and become part of they’re worlds.

As far as narrative scripts both short and long I tend to lean towards big ideas and concepts. I wrote and shot a short film about a man who finds a way to lure a time traveling serial killer through a time capsule to avenge his deceased girlfriend, The short was only 5 minutes but the idea was to make it as suspenseful as possible, make every second count.

I have another short that has not been shot yet about 5 minutes in length that deals with how probability fate and luck affect how we live our lives. Suspense and mystery seems to be my favorite vessel in telling most stories but I appreciate it all even down to more slice of life stories.

I’ve learned a lot on my own whether it be editing through skateboarding clips I’d learn to edit as a younger kid skateboarding, to writing screenplays and understanding the format as much as I could online. Directing for me can sometimes be the most challenging and I feel like the only way to get better is to just do it and gain the experience in problem solving and adjusting on the fly. What I’ve learned along the way is preparation is your best friend, any stress from pre production will always reward you back, so always over prepare for the best possible shoot.

I aim to tell more ambitious stories on larger levels and hope to be looked at as someone who is versatile and understands the architecture of different kinds of stories. Currently I’m most excited about a feature length film I’m in the middle of writing and plan to sell, it’s a neo noir set in Los Angeles about the effects of infidelity. I wrote a feature previously with similar themes that I love and that taught me a lot about writing so my current project will be a reflection of that in a more we’ll rounded script.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d have to give them a well rounded experience so I’m gonna say take them to Hollywood and get the tourist stuff over with followed by a drive through Mulholland to appreciate the hills and the views, Hollywood reservoir also seems to be a gem people don’t often know or visit. A beach day for sure, Santa Monica if they’re tourist minded or Manhattan if they want to relax. If we’re skateboarding I’m going with stoner skate plaza and the courthouse ledges. Sneak a short hike in there too whether it’s Runyon or Griffith park. Little Tokyo and LA live for downtown and The grove also seems to always be a favorite so that and the farmers market for Brazilian bbq. And if they have the time and they’re up for a small road trip…JOSHUA TREE.

When it comes to food in Los Angeles street tacos and In n Out are mandatory if you’re visiting and you’ve never had them. The El coyote on Beverly is a great spot for Mexican food in general and we’d have to have Korean bbq at some point. Smash burgers have been all the rage lately so For The Win , Burger she wrote and The Window are my top 3 spots. Ice cream at Wanderlust when the sweet tooth kicks in and we’d have to show some love to the vendors at some point for a fruit bowl or a bacon wrapped hot dog with everything on it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thanks would definitely be due to my family who continue to support and tune in on whatever it may be that I’m working on. My friends have been instrumental to me wether it be my friend Jorge who’s always been excited and willing to read my work, my friend Eddie Saturn that will watch and dissect films and storytelling with me and help me grow to my friend Kenny who really believes in me and my vision.

Instagram: Sandovera

Other: arielsandoval57@gmail.com