Meet Aaron Castillo | Screenwriter and Director

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

Hi Aaron, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
I have many titles: son, friend, brother, director, but my favorite title is Nino. Nino means Godfather in Spanish. I am a godparent to my godchildren, Michael and Alyssa.

Those two are my entire heart beating outside of my chest. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them and I try to teach them everything I know to help their lives. If I had to pick the most important thing I have done as a godparent to impact their lives, it would be encouraging them to chase their dreams. I am showing them because I am chasing mine. I am open about my dreams and my struggles on my path in hopes to be an example to them that when their path has obstacles in they don’t give up.

I believe in leading my example. I pray daily that I am doing a great job at it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Mexican-American LGBTQIA screenwriter and director living out here in LA. I believe what sets me apart from other creative individuals in my industry is my background in counseling psychology. I have a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern California. I use my experiences as a high school administrator and foster care therapist in my screenwriting. You’ll never see aliens, zombies or creatures in my writing because I believe human experience, human struggle and human emotion are riveting enough. Getting to where I am now was not easy, mainly because I doubted myself for a decade. I sat on my ability quietly, not telling anyone I had a desire to create films. Luckily, I met my group of fellow creative filmmakers on the set of a SAG pilot series in 2018 (Joseph Anaya, Gabriela Vizcarra and Edgar Melchor) and they have been a huge source of encouragement and have inspired me to create. I owe them.

I have learned a multitude of lessons along the way. My biggest lesson has been to not wait, just create. I have learned that my voice in this industry matters and my stories are ones that people should hear in hopes that they  will help them, excite them, challenge them and hopefully inspire them to do the same.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Los Angeles. I was born in the next county over, Orange County, but came to LA as soon as I could walk. My favorite spot in dine in LA would be LALA’s Argentine Grill. It has been my favorite spot in LA since 2006. I always order the lobster ravioli if it’s in season along side the ensalada Melrose. I take everyone to LALA’s. I love the location on Melrose and LaBrea because we are close to another one of my favorite spots, The LaBrea Tarpits. I enjoy taking my nephews and nieces here and to the Museum of Tolerance on Pico.

I believe in having fun with my kiddos but also educating them. Education is very important to me and that is something I like to encourage in their lives also.
One MUST see The Griffith Observatory located on the south facing slope of Mount Hollywood, it has the best views of the city in my opinion.

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?
There are days I want to quit. I think everyone does at one time or another. When I have my low days I come home and talk with my sister, Cynthia. When I cry, she’s there. When I am happy, she’s there. When I need a listening ear, she’s there. She is my strength, my best friend and my other mom. I love you Cynthia, and I have your back forever.

Instagram: @thisisaaroncastillo