We recently connected with Alexander Justin Gonzales and have shared our conversation below.
Alexander Justin , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
What was it like going from idea to execution? It’s been a process. It’s nothing short of a climb, maybe even Everest! I started making films in 2015 and created a production company, COA Pictures in 2017. Having a business has been a journey, especially with film this year. I think consistently driving that car and persevering through the tough times to make your art no matter the cost or circumstance has to be there! As for backstory where to begin? I grew up as an oil painter and was approached to paint onset years ago. That job became another and another and now I’m lucky enough to live the life I’ve always dreamed! Throughout the last 6 years I’ve been having the time of my life creating with friends and talented collaborators. Being in a project that strives for art in reverse is when you finally get a chance to live!
Alexander Justin , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi! I’m Alexander Justin Gonzales a filmmaker and artist who creates CAMP films. I love witty, theatrical, ironic exaggeration! I revel in stylization, irony and artifice. I make films in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and internationally. COA Pictures produces human centered digital and broadcast video content with character and panache. Our work is inclusive, queer, and latine ranging from trans coming of age stories to religious explorations of intimacies. We are storytellers championing the misfits, the outcasts, the trendsetters popularizing the bad, the evil, and the unspoken taboos within our day to day lives.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Oh I can tell you about pivoting. After painting onset I found my way first assisting a writer on a network show that eventually led me to producing my own work. That was when I knew I fell in love! Creating a project of my own and a CAMP one at that was my calling.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
High team morale is pivotal on an independent film set. I always aim to be upbeat, understanding, organized and on task. At times, there are a lot of personalities who need room to explore and if we maintain a level of inclusion and understanding we can foster an environment that helps push everyone closer to achieving a beautiful product.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coapictures.com/
- Instagram: coapicturesco
Image Credits
Jacquie Ray, Juan Luis Garcia,