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

Hi Ralph, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be remembered as the person that never gave up on anything he set out to do. Perseverance and striving to always be better than I was the day before is key in how I approach things. I also want to be someone that people feel they can approach 24/7 with any questions or issues they may need help with. I like helping others as they climb the ladder of success because we have all started at the bottom and we must definitely pay it forward.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I always wanted to work in the film and television industry and was never really sure what hat I would end up wearing. Growing up as a young kid I never really knew what a film producer did so I didn’t focus on doing that as I made my way up the ladder. I always felt I would possibly be a director or writer. Fast forward here I sit, a Producer and absolutely enjoying every minute of it. I enjoy finding interesting stories to make films out of. I have discovered that there are a ton of talented authors out there writing some really great material and this is where I have found some success. If I read a story that really grabs me and pulls me in I tell myself “this is something that needs to be made into a film or series for sure!” and that is how I have found some of the current projects I am working on now.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would suggest we grab some coffee and visit The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles. I love books and could spend hours just browsing. I would also have to take that friend to Amoeba Records and let them soak that in for a while. We would also have to stop in for a visit at the Getty Villa located in the Pacific Palisades as that is a must see for any visitor and it isn’t full of tourists because you have to make a reservation to gain entry. It is a beautiful place to hang out and see some incredible art as well as take in the amazing gardens and landscape.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
For me there is one person that was there when I first started off in this industry and his name is Herschel Weingrod. He was someone I worked for and with many years ago and he is still a mentor and dear friend to me. He is one of Hollywood’s most successful screenwriters and wrote some of the biggest hits of the 80’s and 90’s. What I admire about him the most is his humbleness and him making himself available to provide guidance and advice whenever I need it.

Website: https://www.imdb.me/ralphesparza

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ralph_esparza?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=

Other: https://linktr.ee/ralphesparza

Image Credits
Oliver Endahl

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.