We were lucky to catch up with Chloe Caudillo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chloe, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I’ve been a storyteller since the first time I picked up a pen. My family and close friends understand that this is an integral part of who I am.

Do I wish I’d been more consistent and serious about pursuing a creative career when I was younger? Absolutely. But as the first-born child of a working-class Mexican American family, it wasn’t encouraged—and felt entirely out of reach. Despite that, I spent my childhood writing countless short stories, and immersing myself in books and movies. During college, I served as a co-editor of the campus newsletter for three years—a role I earned and approached with genuine passion and commitment.

Looking back, the stretches of time I was most detached from the creative process, the more miserable I felt. I’m grateful to have rediscovered my artistic self a little later in life, and to have remained dedicated to my craft since. I truly feel in alignment with my purpose now.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a genre-bending filmmaker driven to create bold, impactful stories that reflect the complexities of identity. Growing up in a rural Illinois corn town, I constantly code-switched between Mexican and American cultures. Storytelling became my lifeline; it helped me learn how to bridge my own path between two worlds. My work delves into themes of empowerment and resilience, and features unconventional protagonists who are agents of change.

With well over a decade of experience in the Chicago comedy scene and training at The Second City’s Harold Ramis Film School, I’ve honed my craft. I’ve written, directed, and/or produced digital sketches and a variety of shorts: documentary, stop motion animation, and live action. Did I mention I’ve done this while working in an entirely different industry? With over two decades of experience in program and project management, I’m fortunate to pursue my passion for filmmaking while continuing to evolve as a professional.

In 2023, I was accepted into the Netflix/LALIFF Inclusion fellowship, in which I received a grant to direct a short film I wrote. The film, Development, is about a female professional who must face her inner demons (imposter syndrome) in a fantastical way. I grew so much as a director with this particular project, and had the privilege of collaborating with talented cast and crew that I very much admired! The film starred Haskiri Velazquez (Saved By The Bell, The Forty-Year-Old Version); Raquel McPeek Rodriguez (NCIS: Los Angeles); Jeff Lorch (Our Flag Means Death), Leticia Castillo (Jessica Jones, When They See Us) and Sal Lopez (Full Metal Jacket, American Me). My heart beats inside this wild little film. It’s the most ambitious thing I’ve made to date!

Development is currently in the film festival circuit, and I’m in the process of adapting it into a sci-fi comedy feature. I’m also in production on a documentary about a renowned Venezuelan actor who pivoted to become an outspoken political activist.

I’m always open to connect with fellow artists to explore opportunities for collaboration. My goal is to craft visually and emotionally compelling films that captivate and inspire audiences, blending entertainment with meaningful resonance.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I’ve unlearned is the belief that “I’m too old to try or do that.”

I began my writing and filmmaking journey at 30, and I still vividly remember the excitement of stepping into my first writing class at The Second City in Chicago. The city’s vibrant comedy scene draws people from all walks of life, and while I was on the older side compared to most of the newer students and performers, the community was warm and welcoming. (Hot take: you haven’t truly lived until you’ve bombed spectacularly onstage with your improv troupe at 11:07 PM on a Tuesday, in front of an audience of five.)

Moments of self-doubt often crept in. While friends and colleagues my age were earning advanced degrees, planning weddings, or starting families, I was taking sketch classes, teaching myself video editing, and releasing scrappy, obscure sketches on YouTube. A part of me occasionally questioned if I was too old for this, but the joy it brought me made it worth it—and I was doing it all while holding down a full-time job to support myself.

Fast forward to me at 41, and I now have a decade’s worth of sketches, short films, and TV/film scripts to my name—works that wouldn’t exist if I’d let fear and doubt win at 30. Along this journey, I’ve cultivated a trusted network of artist friends and collaborators who inspire and support one another as we create. I no longer wait for gatekeepers’ approval because I’ve already won over the toughest gatekeeper of all: myself.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to spotlight and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion through bold, impactful storytelling. I’m passionate about creating art that reflects the richness of our world and brings to life authentic characters that audiences can connect with and champion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coco-loca.com
• Instagram: coco.loca