Meet Christopher Matias Aguila | Actor, writer, and producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christopher Matias Aguila and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christopher Matias, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Working in the entertainment industry, there’s a lot of waiting around for the perfect job. I quickly learned that I would have to produce and create my own material to work consistently. There is a power that you give yourself as an actor when you learn how to write, produce, and direct. Developing my point of view has been essential in paving a path for myself, as well as finding my community of collaborators.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an actor. I have struggled with others not knowing what to do with me, so I’ve developed the skills to tell them. Writing for myself has been one of the most fruitful things I have done for my career. I trained at the University of Southern California’s School of Dramatic Arts, but it wasn’t until I started taking classes at The Groundlings Theatre that I felt like I came into my own. There, I honed in on the craft of improvisation, which led to writing sketches performed in front of live audiences. The immediate feedback, audiences either laughed or didn’t, taught me what my strengths were. I wrote, produced, and starred in a short film called HOTTER UP CLOSE, which I’m so proud of and is the most significant reflection of who I am as a storyteller. None of this came easy, but I learned to keep going, surround myself with good people, and not take anything too personally. Everyone has a unique story to tell, and I’m excited to share mine.

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 am such a homebody, so the first thing I would do is have a dinner party. We’d eat and drink and watch episodes of The Comeback on HBO. Then, we’d spend time in my favorite neighborhood, Los Feliz. I’ve lived here for almost a decade. We’d go hiking in Griffith Park and shopping on Vermont. We’d stop into Squaresville for vintage clothes, coffee at Maru, and books at Skylight. We’d spend a lot of money. Then we’d catch a live show at The Groundlings. That all sounds fun to me!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have several people with whom I constantly collaborate and who empower me to create. It’s hard to pick just one, but if I had to highlight an individual who has seen me through my career’s many ups and downs, it would have to be Leland Montgomery. We have worked on several films together, wearing many hats, and it has been exciting to see us both grow in our artistry.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4539341/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_q_christopher%2520matias

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christophermatiasaguila/?hl=en