Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Francesca Escarraga. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Francesca, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

After watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on the big screen when I was nine years old, I vividly remember scrolling through IMDb and reading numerous articles about the film all day, deeply engrossed and utterly captivated by the intricacies of the filmmaking process. I felt an immediate, profound sense of purpose and knew from that moment that I wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Coming from a family of artists, I’ve always been surrounded by art and creative minds since childhood. My formative years were spent immersed in theater and school productions, honing my skills in playing musical instruments such as the violin and guitar, exploring dance, writing, and making videos as outlets for self-expression. Exposure to classic international films and TV shows at a young age profoundly influenced my identity and worldview.

Francesca, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My career in the entertainment industry began in film school. I took Screenwriting and Film & TV Development at UCLA. It served as the cornerstone of my industry knowledge and expertise, providing not only the necessary tools but also a platform to forge invaluable connections. I met the most remarkable and talented individuals who eventually became my creative collaborators and lifelong friends. It also provided me opportunities that I would otherwise not have access to – access to exclusive Hollywood industry events, jobs and internships at major studios and production companies, and rubbing elbows with A-listers and studio executives who are accomplished in the industry. I worked on numerous film and TV productions as a script supervisor, story consultant, producer, and writer. My North Star has always been writing, and the driving force or inspiration behind my eagerness to become a storyteller is to make a difference in someone’s life. There’s nothing more rewarding or fulfilling in life than hearing someone say that the story you wrote helped them get through dark and challenging times, made them feel seen and heard, and inspired them to take the leap of faith into the unknown. The stories I usually write and produce have a social impact aspect to them as well as themes that explore cultural identities, mental health, relationships, individuality, and the concept of home.

I am currently in the middle of production of a film that I am directing entitled And We’ll Be Okay. The inspiration behind writing this story was deeply personal, born from the profound grief and loss I endured after years of self-neglect in service to others’ needs and expectations, tightly holding on to something that I’ve already outgrown and no longer adds value to my life due to the fear of the unknown. I found myself transformed into a mere reflection of others’ desires, losing sight of my own identity and convictions. My choices, though made with my own growth and fulfillment in mind, were met with confusion and criticism from those closest to me, highlighting the societal stigma surrounding prioritizing oneself, mental health, and career over others. Through this story, I aim to shed light on the pervasive tendency to judge others without understanding the silent struggles they endure. It underscores the importance of honoring one’s own needs and choices, advocating for the respect and understanding one deserves. Furthermore, it serves as a call to action, urging individuals grappling with mental health challenges to seek help and embark on a journey of healing, thus breaking the cycle of misery and unintentional harm to others stemming from unresolved internal trauma. This film project is extremely special because I get to bring this story to life with some of the most passionate and talented artists in Hollywood.

I’ve been working in the entertainment industry for almost six years now, and I wake up each day with so much life and gratitude because I get to do what I love for a living. Although the road to the stars was definitely not paved with a straight and easy path, the detours and misadventures along the way were essential for me to gain powerful life lessons and experiences that were necessary to create art that matters. Pursuing a creative path professionally might seem daunting, but it will be the most rewarding and fulfilling adventure of your life. So, hang on to your dreams; they are valuable and given to you for a reason. Anything is possible if you stay true to your craft and surround yourself with kind, passionate, and remarkable people who only want to grow and rise to the top with you.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I chose to pursue a career as an artist not for the accolades or recognition, but as a means to amplify the voices of the marginalized and underrepresented. My ultimate goal is to share their stories in hopes of sparking meaningful conversations and fostering positive societal change. Furthermore, what I love about working in the creative industry is the remarkable people you get to meet and create art with. There’s also an inherent satisfaction in bringing something into existence from mere imagination, and persevering through the creative blocks no matter how challenging life gets. If my work has the power to inspire and positively impact someone’s life, then I consider it a fulfillment of my life’s mission.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

If there’s one thing that most non-creatives struggle to understand about an artist’s journey, it would probably be our lifestyle. Most people who have regular office jobs would have a set schedule and a routine that they follow on a daily basis. This makes it easier for non-creatives to organize plans and have a more stable family life. On the contrary, artists live such unpredictable and non-traditional lives, which could look something like working seven days a week, staying up in the wee hours of the night, attending never-ending parties or events, and engaging in constant social interaction. The lifestyle that comes with our profession can indeed be overwhelming at times, which oftentimes puts a huge toll on our personal relationships. However, people shouldn’t take it personally when artists sometimes prioritize their careers. We dedicate ourselves and devote substantial time and energy to our craft because, for many of us, creating art is more than just a career—it’s a way for us to ignite meaningful conversations, spark change, and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://francescaescarraga.weebly.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francescaescarraga/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescaescarraga/
• Other: And We’ll Be Okay film: https://www.instagram.com/andwellbeokayfilm/