Meet Raphael Arkera | Writer, Director & Creator of Worlds

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

Hi Raphael, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
First off, it’s a pleasure to be here! I’m Raphael Arkera, and I’m a screenwriter, director, and comic book author, specializing in crafting dark, original worlds.

Though I’m LA based, my inspirations come from my upbringing in the haunted Blue Ridge Mountains near West Virginia, where the legendary Mothman tales come from!

Being raised by two working artists meant that money was often tight, and as a result, technology and entertainment weren’t readily accessible. Instead, we had campfire stories. My passion for legends and myths ignited from this, finding a certain beauty with limited resources.

Eventually, I started with stop-motion movies made from Legos and hosting family movie nights, I eventually found myself making steadily more ambitious projects. This passion led me to pursue a Master’s Degree at Full Sail University in Florida, and post-graduation, I launched my own production company.

I dove headfirst into the independent video game and film production scene, initially collaborating with friends on writing, designing, and producing games and short films. What began as a modest endeavor soon grew into something much larger.

Alongside my close friend and producer Michael DePiro, we propelled our business to new heights. Our partnership opened doors to global opportunities, including collaborations with Andy Serkis’s production company in London, Red Bull, and quite a few others.

Ultimately, I discovered my greatest strength; bringing together incredibly talented people around a shared vision and witnessing the magic they create. This collaborative spirit is the cornerstone of my work and the reason I’ve dedicated my life to this field, despite the often feast or famine nature of it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In all my stories, I love taking my audience through a journey into hell, but it’s crucial for me to also show them the way back to light. I create dark stories that somehow, no matter how bleak, always carry a glimmer of hope.

One of the biggest challenges in the entertainment industry is the uphill battle you face getting original stories financed or produced. I remember during a pitch meeting at a streaming company, being told that they were mainly looking for adaptations of existing content because it’s seen as a safer bet.

I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands to bring my original stories to life.

I’m excited to say that I recently launched the first issue, and am currently producing the next issues of “Zera & The Thieves of the Light,” a Cyberpunk Dark Fantasy series. In this world, shrouded in darkness for over a century, a group of light scavengers find Zera, a girl made of light, who could change everything.

On the live-action front, I’m working with some incredibly talented producers and directors, known for their work on “The Boys,” to develop an original series inspired by the award-winning short “No Game Like Foxes.”

I’m also thrilled to share that one of my recent projects, a Dark Medieval Horror Anthology series, has been optioned by an LA production company.

And, I’ve been pitching an original animated series about the Mothman legend called “Moth Country,” which my brother and I wrote and developed with Todd Casey (known for “Krampus 2016” and “Star vs the Forces of Evil”).

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. The challenge of pushing original content in an industry that often prefers the familiar was a tough one to overcome, but it can be with persistence and a talented team by your side.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

As someone with celiac disease – essentially an extreme gluten allergy – my go-to spots around the city are all gluten-free friendly, making them perfect for anyone navigating a gluten-free lifestyle.

Let me tell you though, for those of us dealing with gluten sensitivities or allergies, this city is a haven. My adventure would begin in Pasadena, where I’d start out at “Hello You’re Welcome,” the coffee and donut place to be for early mornings.

Next, for fellow filmmakers and cinephiles, a visit to the “Vidiots theater” is non-negotiable. It’s an absolute gem that enriches our love for cinema.

Come lunchtime, “SweetFin” is my top pick but sometimes I’ll simply stop off at Erin McKenna’s bakery for a delicious baked treat!

We’d then of course need to spend time soaking in some art at LACMA, offering a feast for the senses. Which is one of the best places in my opinion, for creative brainstorms.

To cap off the day, “Shojin Sushi” in Little Tokyo is where I head for dinner. Not only is the sushi top-notch and gluten-free, but the surrounding stores in Little Tokyo also offer a delightful exploration to end the day.

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?
When it comes to the talented team I’ve had the privilege of working alongside, I must first extend my heartfelt thanks to my incredible friend, Shant Hamassian. Shant is an unstoppable force, crafting some of the most compelling original stories out there with his new startup, Fantastik Beyond. Check out his hugely successful SXSW short, “Night of the Slasher on Vimeo, where it’s also a Staff Pick! That’s the project that helped me connect with him. Since then, I’ve had the great fortune to work alongside him as a producer on something really exciting that I’m sure will be announced soon!

For my personal shoutout, I want to highlight my friend Sonja O’Hara, whose original script, “Cottagecore,” is among the best works I’ve read recently. Sonja is rapidly making her mark, on track to produce some of the most significant and impactful films. Her talent and vision are nothing short of inspiring.

Additionally, I cannot forget to mention Matthew Brewbaker, the friend instrumental in making my transition to LA a reality. As the producer behind the groundbreaking “Followed” (2018), Matthew has been an essential force on numerous projects.

His creative prowess and innovative approach to entertainment and virtual reality are something I eagerly look forward to seeing how the public will react to and I’m so excited for what comes next from his brilliant mind.

Website: https://raphaelarkera.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelarkera/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaphaelArkera

Image Credits
Profile Photo by Shant Hamassian