Meet Angelica Figueroa | Film Director & Production Designer

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

Hi Angelica, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’m passionate about filmmaking because it allows me to express myself and explore topics that matter deeply to me. It’s a career that not only lets me connect with others through storytelling but also helps me better understand my own creative vision and how I like to direct and shape things.

The idea of creating stories that resonate with an audience and evoke relatability has always fascinated me. When I was little, I would organize plays outside my house with my cousins, taking on the role of director without even realizing it. I loved deciding how the background, props, acting, and even the music should come together.

I also enjoyed filming music videos and short horror films with my cousins. We’d brainstorm ideas, transform our homes and backyards to match the themes of our projects, and bring our vision to life. Looking back, it amazes me how instinctively I was drawn to this creative process without fully understanding it at the time.

Now that I’m studying filmmaking and learning the professional techniques behind it all, my passion has only grown. I’m excited to continue creating stories that leave a lasting impression and connect with people on a deeper level.

Now that I’ve been working on projects, including creating a short film and writing another, I’ve grown to love the entire process even more. Each step, from concept to execution, excites me, and I’m enjoying every moment of learning and discovering more about the world of filmmaking.
I always knew I wanted to pursue something as creative and expressive as filmmaking.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At the moment, I’ve completed one of my short films, Tal vez el Cielo es Verde, and I’m thrilled to begin submitting it to festivals. Directing this project was an absolute joy. I shot it in Mexico, and because I poured my heart and soul into every aspect of its creation. I was fortunate to work with an incredible cast and crew who brought so much talent and energy to the project.

Directing has always been my greatest passion because it allows me to think about every detail, from ensuring my vision is portrayed exactly how I imagined to collaborating with my crew and cast to explore new ideas that elevate the project. This dynamic process of creation, where my vision grows through collaboration, is what I love most about directing.

I’m also in the middle of writing another short film, which I plan to shoot next year in my hometown in Mexico, a project I’m incredibly excited about. Alongside these, I’ve worked on smaller projects, each of which I pour my heart into.

When I write scripts, my characters are often inspired by people I love, which makes the creative process even more personal and meaningful. I enjoy delving deep into my characters, understanding them, and bringing them to life as I envision them. Sometimes, starting a story can be challenging. I might have a clear idea of the plot but struggle with the beginning. In these moments, I turn to music that reminds me of the character or captures the essence of the story I’m about to write. This helps me connect emotionally and find my creative flow.

In addition to writing and directing, I’m passionate about Production Design. It’s a crucial part of storytelling, requiring a deep understanding of the characters to design spaces that reflect their personalities and lives. At the same time, it’s essential to align with the director’s vision to create a cohesive world that enhances the narrative. Whether I’m working on a modern-day story or one set in the 80s, I enjoy every moment of designing the sets, choosing the props, and ensuring every detail fits the film’s genre and era.

I’ve also taken on the role of script supervisor for several projects, which I’ve found incredibly rewarding. Being a “scripty” is such an important job, it requires meticulous attention to detail, from tracking wardrobe and props to ensuring actors actions remain consistent across takes. You also have to ensure continuity and make sure the story makes sense visually and narratively. I love the challenge of this role and the satisfaction that comes with keeping everything seamless and polished.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting me, I’d start the day by taking them to a market in La Crescenta for breakfast. They serve the most delicious crepes and refreshing aguas frescas, which we’d take to a nearby park to enjoy in the peaceful morning air.

Afterward, we’d head to my house to relax and watch a movie, setting a cozy and fun tone for the day. In the afternoon, we’d explore the Warner Bros Studio Tour, immersing ourselves in the magic of filmmaking, an experience I know we’d both love. We could also visit the Academy Museum to delve deeper into the world of cinema. For lunch, we’d stop at Porto’s, where their excellent Milanese sandwich would be the perfect treat.

To wrap up the day, we’d grab a hot chocolate and have a deep conversation about life, sharing stories and catching up. Back at my house, we’d listen to music and simply enjoy each other’s company, making the most of our time together.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to express my gratitude to my family, who have been my greatest support every step of the way. As a child, I vividly remember sharing my dreams with my sisters, Vania and Paloma, during late-night conversations. I told them about my passion for creating and telling stories that could make an impact and my desire to explore the world. They always believed in me, encouraging me to follow my dreams and reassuring me that I could achieve them.

I am also deeply thankful to my parents, Maria and Jaime, who have always been there for me with encouraging words and unwavering support, motivating me to keep going. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength, and I am forever grateful for their love and guidance.

Also my cousins who have been there for me. Their love and support inspire me to keep pushing forward, and they are a big part of why I continue to pursue my dreams with determination.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angiee.fs/

Image Credits
Credit to images: Eunicet Pamela Rubio Rojas, Andrea Figueroa