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

Charlene , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

My company, AMOROUS, is a lifestyle brand dedicated to hosting curated, provocative events for LA’s rebel, misfit, and disruptor creative professionals. We’re also committed to offering educational experiences and products that nurture the growth of aspiring filmmakers and content creators.

The idea for AMOROUS grew out of my frustration with the typical creative meetups, often held in coffee shops or noisy bars that lacked the inspiration and vibe I craved. As a professional screenwriter and filmmaker, my work has always embraced the dark, seductive, and mysterious, so I wanted to create exclusive events for those who appreciate the finer things in life and share my passion for aesthetics.

With my background in production design, I have a deep appreciation for beautiful settings and inspiring atmospheres. I’m excited to bring this vision to life when we launch later this year and to share it with fellow creatives who share my love for creating unforgettable experiences.

Charlene , 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?

I’m a WGA screenwriter for film and TV and a genre director. My journey began as a commercial fashion editorial photographer and director before I transitioned into the film industry. When the strikes hit, it was a tough time for everyone—my colleagues and industry professionals were out of work. But despite the challenges, the strikes forged a stronger bond within the writers’ community. Writing can be a solitary pursuit unless you’re in a writers’ room, so connecting with others on the picket lines and in WGA town hall meetings was crucial in keeping our spirits high.

This sense of community inspired me to create AMOROUS. I recognized the need for a space where creatives could connect, and my entrepreneurial instincts kicked in—this is my third venture. The idea of building a company that I had full control over, especially in such an unstable economy, was incredibly appealing. Watching so many friends and colleagues lose their jobs made me determined to never again rely solely on a company for my livelihood. I’m thrilled to see fellow creators taking initiative and embracing the growing creator economy. It’s vital for creatives to think outside the box and create sustainable futures where they can monetize their talents.

At AMOROUS, our events are meticulously curated to foster networking among like-minded creative professionals and help build lasting relationships. On the educational side, we empower aspiring filmmakers by offering events and handbooks that teach them new strategies to navigate our ever-changing industry landscape.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Steven Bartlett’s The Diary of a CEO is an insightful guide on the essential laws of business and life. Bartlett’s candid reflections on his successes and failures offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern entrepreneurship. I’ve followed his journey for years, and his ability to turn challenges into opportunities is truly inspiring. This book is not just a business manual but a blueprint for living a purpose-driven life.

Gary Vaynerchuk’s Day Trading Attention is a comprehensive guide on harnessing the power of social media to creatively market your brand. He outlines innovative strategies for using various social media platforms to amplify your brand’s presence, engage with your audience, and drive growth. For those looking to build a strong social media presence and effectively grow their following, this book offers practical advice and creative approaches to standing out in a crowded marketplace. I have learned so much from this book and I cannot recommend it enough.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As I briefly mentioned earlier, my recent pivot is closely tied to the shifting landscape of the film and TV industry. I’m still the same career-driven screenwriter and director, but the industry has evolved significantly since I started over a decade ago.

Studios are now heavily influenced by Wall Street, and they’ve become more risk-averse than ever, making it difficult for creators like me who focus on original material. When I first entered the industry, my provocative original work was celebrated. Now, every meeting seems to revolve around established IP, and frankly, I’m growing tired of this repetitive demand. This is why independent cinema is so appealing to me right now—because unique and fresh storytelling reigns supreme.

I believe audiences are also becoming weary of endless remakes and crave more original content. I still have a deep love for TV series, so I’m hopeful for a shift. I genuinely enjoy developing shows and working in writers’ rooms to help bring a showrunner’s vision to life. Until then, I’m thrilled to revisit my roots and rekindle my love for indie cinema.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.weareamorous.com and www.charlenebagcal.com
• Instagram: @charlene_bagcal and @xweareamorousx
• Other: THREADS:

  @charlene_bagcal
  @xweareamorousx