Meet Juan Gil | Filmmaker & Content Creator

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

Hi Juan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
To me, risk is a requirement if you want to live without regret. I took one of the biggest risks of my life when I quit my advertising job right out of college and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a writer and director. It wasn’t a glamorous leap. It was terrifying. But I knew that if I didn’t bet on myself then, I’d be stuck living with a thousand what ifs.

As an artist, risk is baked into the process. If you’re not risking something, your comfort, your reputation, your time, then you’re probably not growing. Risk has forced me to work harder than I ever imagined. It’s the engine that’s kept me making project after project, even when I knew not every one would succeed. Some films have won major prizes and even led to a licensing deal with Sony Pictures. Others have been universally rejected by festivals. I’ve learned to be okay with both outcomes, because either way, I’m still doing the work.

This past year, I’ve taken on a different kind of risk: consistency. I’ve posted original videos five days a week, every single week, all year. That’s five days a week of risking whether the work will land or fall flat. Some videos hit tens of thousands of views. Others barely crack a few hundred. But the point isn’t always about going viral, it’s about showing up, staying sharp, and continuing to put something honest into the world. That’s the kind of risk I believe in.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At the start of this year, I made a real commitment to show up every day. I began posting original videos five days a week on social media, something most writer-directors I know simply aren’t doing. What sets me apart is that I know how to lead a large crew and get a full-scale film across the finish line, but I also know how to do it all myself. I can write, shoot, act, and edit my own videos every week, without waiting on permission or resources. I’m always creating, no matter what.

I’m most proud of a few projects that helped shape the kind of artist I want to be. One of them is my feature script Trash Monsters, which became a finalist in both the Screencraft and Final Draft Big Break screenwriting competitions. It’s the most unhinged thing I’ve written so far. A hitwoman teams up with an 18-year-old OnlyFans girl to find her missing best friend, who’s been taken by a family of flesh-hungry cannibals. It’s wild, funny, violent, and deeply personal. I’m really proud of how far it’s come.

Another project I’m excited about is Survive the Night, a Christmas crime thriller about diamond burglars who hold a father and his 12-year-old daughter hostage on Christmas Eve. That script has gotten in front of several production companies and continues to get attention. It has what people in the industry call “legs,” and I’m hopeful something real will come from it.

And lastly, I’m proud of my horror short Dead End, which takes place entirely inside of a family minivan. It’s a psychological and supernatural story about guilt, family, and consequence. What made this one special is that I created an entire behind-the-scenes docuseries that followed the film’s journey from a blank page to the final color session. I’ve been sharing the process online, and I plan to keep documenting as we start hearing back from festivals.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. But I’ve learned a few key lessons. Keep going. Stay consistent. Be willing to analyze and self-correct. And above all, make work that actually entertains you. If I’m not excited or entertained by something, I can’t expect anyone else to be.

What I want people to know about my brand and story is that I’m here to entertain. That’s what drives me. Some artists are motivated by political or social messaging, and that’s great for them. For me, it’s about making work that connects with people. I want to make you laugh, thrill you, scare you, and tell stories that feel personal. I’m focused on growing, experimenting, and evolving with every project.

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’d start the trip with something grounding and beautiful, a long hike in the Altadena area. I’m talking 10 to 12 miles. The kind of hike that challenges you just enough to make the reward worth it. And by the time we hit the top, you get a panoramic view that reminds you why you’re alive. From there, we’d head to one of my favorite local spots, Aroma Cafe. I always tell people to get the crispy chicken wraps because they’re unreal. Trust me on that.

After a recharge at home, we’d cap the night with a proper movie experience. Either an IMAX screening at the Chinese Theatre or a 35mm print at the New Beverly. If Quentin Tarantino’s playing something rare or wild, that’s a no-brainer. After the movie, we’d take a late-night cruise down Mulholland Drive, windows down, music up, staring out at the twinkling city below.

I’m a simple man when it comes to fun. For me, the perfect week is built around hikes, movie theaters, and good food. Somewhere in that itinerary we’re grabbing karaoke mics with friends and finishing the night with Korean BBQ. That combo never fails. LA has a lot to offer, but those are the moments I keep coming back to.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I have to thank my parents. My mother has always led by example. Her work ethic is something I carry with me every single day. And my father, may he rest in peace, was my biggest supporter. He believed in me more than anyone. He watched everything I made, gave me encouragement, and made me feel like I could actually do this for a living. I miss him deeply, and I try to honor him with every project I create.

I also want to recognize my friend and frequent collaborator Eddie Martinez. He’s been the lead actor in three of my films, but beyond that, he has consistently championed me behind the scenes. He’s connected me with producers, helped me get meetings, and always pushed my work forward. He believes in me in a way that feels rare, and I love him for that.

Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to Charles Duhigg. His books The Power of Habit and Supercommunicators fundamentally changed the way I think and work. They helped me build stronger habits and taught me how to communicate more intentionally. That’s been huge for me not just in my personal life, but also as a director, where I’m often managing a team of 30 to 40 people. Learning how to approach each person and each conversation with care has made me a better leader and collaborator.

Website: https://www.juangilproductions.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-gil-938565b4/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@juangilproductions

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@juangilproductions?lang=en

Image Credits
Jason Arroyo

Greg Hatton

Jeremie Brillant

JR Kraus