Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Aguilar.
Hi Emily, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started directing for the first time in film school when my initial intention was to produce films. The curriculum called for making our own short films and that was a nerve-wracking experience. I took on the challenge and wrote, directed and produced a short film that I am super proud of called, “Reminiscence.” It was the biggest realization for me where everything that I had written and seen in my head came to life on screen. That short film won awards and pushed my journey forward.
A couple of years after graduating from film school, I wrote, directed, and produced two independent feature films one after the other. Both films sold and I was ready to take my skills to the next level with my third feature film.
In 2017, I began writing a family comedy script, and my team and I went into production in 2018. From 2019 to 2021, I struggled to complete the film during the pandemic as it was in the post-production phase. Finally, in 2022, the film was sold and released. This movie is my third feature film, called “Brie’s Bake Off Challenge,” and it is now available on HBO Max.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Filmmaking is truly like riding a roller coaster. There are many ups and downs and it swerves to the left and right. Sometimes, it surprises you and you go in a completely different direction than you thought.
Filmmaking requires a lot from its filmmakers that at first can be overwhelming. Besides the creative aspect like having a great script with strong characters, filmmaking requires being able to acquire funds for the project. It requires the filmmaker to be able to work with a variety of people, personalities, and professions. It requires filmmakers to be strategic with every decision made about the film in order to push it further down the production pipeline.
I’ve personally had so many struggles in my filmmaking journey with all of the aspects mentioned above. However, I would not change a thing. I absolutely love the ride and it is truly fulfilling to see projects completed and be able to move on to the next creative adventure.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Film directing is such a fun and fulfilling job! On set, you’ll always see me close to the actors going over scenes with them or “blocking”. Blocking is when you position the actors in the space and talk about what they’re doing or the movement in the shot. I like to pre-visualize as much as possible so you’ll see me with my shot list or storyboards. I like to say that I specialize in female-led narrative films, but honestly, it’s all about the story. The characters need to drive it forward.
I’m most proud of staying consistent with my work. It’s easy to get discouraged and “quit”. With all the obstacles I’ve faced, I have kept going. And that is truly what it takes- consistent effort, a positive attitude, and putting in the work to make these films happen.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Filmmaking is a team effort. I want to give credit to my family, first of foremost, who have constantly supported and pushed me forward. I also want to thank every single person that is in the credits of “Brie’s Bake Off Challenge” for their love and support as well. Everyone in this film put in 150% of their hard work and effort.
It shows and that is why “Brie’s Bake Off Challenge” has been so successful. Thank you to the amazing cast, crew, producers, and team members who have helped make this film possible. Your support means the world to me and just know that this is just the beginning.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emilyaguilar.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/themomentem
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3216053/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Image Credits
Photos by Amanda Ghobadi, Emily Vitek, Seanie Blue, and Jamie Goto
