By: The Don
August Aguilar is a director who works with the independent film company called Strange Films with his father Frank Aguilar. As of now, August has made several short films and is on track to make his first ever feature film! He is a multitasker and is skilled in almost every aspect of working on a film set. He has a strong passion for what he does and has a bright future ahead of him and his independent film company Strange Films.
Check out his youtube page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCtJvYzgdd4vILPSZ0opu7A
And Strange Films https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClZls3a7kzJoD7PNJbok-vA
Interview
What is your name?
My name is August Aguilar and I am the Director of Strange Films.
How long have you been in the Entertainment Industry?
I have been actively working in the entertainment industry for almost 4 years now with the start of our first film, There’s Something Down The Road (2016).
What got you interested in working in the Entertainment Industry?
I’ve always been interested in making movies since I was a kid. Movies take me to a place that I can really lose myself in the best way possible. I started making home movies growing up in high school. In college I pursued classes to study the techniques and creative process of it, but it wasn’t until 2 years after I graduated that I actually took a first serious step towards making my dreams become a reality.
Why two years after?
It took two years after college to fully commit myself to an idea of being a filmmaker, or something bigger than myself rather. Between lack of motivation, finances, gear, and ambition, I wasn’t ready during that 2-year gap. One day early on into 2016 it all just clicked for me.
Did you go to film school?
I actually went to a standard university, East Tennessee State University. I studied Mass Communications and Broadcasting with a concentration of Radio/TV/Film. So being in that programm, they offered different classes like film techniques, audio production, screenwriting, etc., but it wasn’t actually a film school.
Did the program help you improve your film craft?
I did learn most of my knowledge of how to make a movie and actually how to edit, and tell a story there. The rest is me figuring it out afterwards.
Awesome! Was directing your main focus or did you branch out into other film fields?
Directing has always been my main focus I believe. Writing and directing a story is just so fun for me. I do love to edit too. When I have to, I run all positions during my production and become a one man band.
What was your first ever film that you have directed?
Well if you go back to college, it was a Batman adaptation of the Court of Owls, but I consider my real first one to be There’s Something Down The Road (2016).
What was it like working on your first ever film set?
My first film though was more excitement and also very anxious because I was very unsure of what I was doing. I had a good idea and outline with basic knowledge, but actually doing it was a great challenge for the first time around.
How many films have you done so far?
So far in the Strange Films universe, I have just finished my eleventh film Pandora (2020), that was just released.
Have you ever filmed in Philly?
Yes! I’ve filmed our entire Center City (2017 to present) series in Philadelphia with my father Frank Aguilar. We also filmed Cindy’s Birthday Party (2018) and Happy Mother’s Day (2019) around the Philly area. I’ll be returning to Philly to shoot Center City 2.
Are you originally from Philly?
Yes, I was born in Philly and loved there for a few years while I was young. I moved to Tennessee after, but my dad (Frank Aguilar) still lives there. So I have constantly been back home throughout the years to visit him and hang out.
What other locations have you filmed at?
Mostly Knoxville and Philadelphia. My goal is to travel more to different creators an film with them as well though.
Do you freelance or do you work on your own projects at Strange Films?
I do a bit of everything. Strange Films is a multi-media production company, so we work on other projects with music, art, and comic books. I freelance independently as well, working with musicians and making music videos, covering events and other opportunities!
So what is your role with Strange Films? I remember speaking with Frank and he told me you got him into film.
I am the Director of Strange Films. I manage the day to day operations with the company such as hire our collaborators, write, produce and direct projects, social media marketing, as well as do most of the production work on sets.
Awesome! Do you do short films only or are you working to make longer films as well?
As of right now, we have only done short films. But this year, Strange Films is actively pursuing to expand our films to the 30 to 45-minute range, and plans beyond this year to tackle our first feature film.
Do you have any spoilers for your upcoming feature film?
At this time, I do not have any information about our feature film.
How big is your studio (crew wise)?
Not very big. I’d say there is myself plus two others that are usually ready to go anytime with me. Other than that, my crew on productions have rotated by volunteers and talented great people between Knoxville and Philadelphia. i hope I’m always able to call them back when I need it!
Where did the name Strange Films come from?
The Strange Film’s name came from our character The Stranger in our very first film. It just felt appropriate and kinda cool.
What persuaded you to start your own film studio?
And everybody has to start somewhere. I didn’t know anyone in the industry, so why not start my own production company and push it towards independent cinema?
Agreed. Do you have anyone you look up to within the film industry?
My top five directors are Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, John Carpenter, Christopher Nolan, and Paul Thomas Anderson. I really admire Kevin Smith also for being so fun and independent. I would love to be a filmmaker on that kind of cult status as well.
Let’s talk more about your hit short film, Center City. Was it your first ever film?
No, it’s actually my second film, which is crazy because of all the success it received and how much different it is from my first film. I’m still in shock that I made it sometimes.
Where did the inspiration come from for Center City?
Well, my dad Frank actually wrote that film and he had the original idea of making it a black and white film noir vibe with original jazz music. I believe most of that had to do with establishing the city as a beautiful and gritty place. When I was filming and putting it together, I think it all really started to click for me seeing it come to life and establishing that tone my dad envisioned.
So how many films have you worked on with your dad?
My dad and I have worked on about half of the productions so far. We’ve worked together on all of the Center City series, both Happy Mothers Day and Cindy’s Birthday Party, and the very first film There’s Something Down The Road.
So did you get some of your film knowledge from working with your father or did you go into film own your own?
I have always had the film knowledge and passion for it. I studied it in college as well, so when it was time that we first made a project, it was more about bouncing ideas off each other and him supporting it. We didn’t know where it would lead after that.
What is your favorite film(s)?
Picking my favorite movies is always hard, but I would have to say Taxi Driver (1976), Boogie Nights (1997), The Wizard of Oz (1939), It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) and The Dark Knight (2008).
Do you have a favorite actor(s) / actress(es)?
Joaquin Phoenix may hold the spot for me right now. I love that guy in everything he’s in, especially Joker (2019) of course.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years I hope to own my own studio and creative community center. I want to still produce my own projects and productions while also producing and helping out other creatives in the local area.
What advice do you have for others interested in joining the entertainment industry?
I say go for it in whatever capacity you seem fit. Don’t expect the world to be humble and trust your gut. Be good to people and connect with as many people as you can. Find yourself a team you can rely on and dream up your best life. You can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well try to do something you love.
