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Welcome to an inspiring conversation with Francesca Escarraga, an award-winning producer, writer, and director who joined us at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con for Comic Convos, presented by Blackmagic Design. Francesca uses storytelling through film and writing to amplify voiceless communities and spark meaningful social change. Alongside her creative work, she plays a vital role as an event programmer and manager for NewFilmmakers Los Angeles and Little Cinema, helping emerging artists find their platforms and voices.
First Impressions of Comic-Con: A Newcomer's Perspective
Comic-Con can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first-timers. Francesca shared her excitement about the event’s energy and the way beloved intellectual properties come to life through the passion of fans. She marveled at how deeply people connect with the art and characters that emerge from imagination, making them part of their identity — a true testament to the power of storytelling.
When asked about cosplay highlights, Francesca was thrilled to see the entire Barbie gang, complete with rollerblades, showcasing the creativity and fun that Comic-Con brings. Though she didn’t dress up herself this year, she joked about channeling a Kris Jenner vibe, and even imagined a playful Barbie vs. Kardashian cosplay showdown for next year’s event.
Her key takeaway for future Comic-Con visits? Preparation is everything. Francesca recommends having a well-planned schedule and understanding the layout of the event to avoid missing programs due to distance or timing. She also emphasized the importance of attending with friends who share the same passion for media, art, and entertainment, though she proved it’s possible to have a great experience even solo, thanks to the welcoming community.
Championing Emerging Filmmakers at NewFilmmakers Los Angeles
Francesca’s involvement with NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) is a cornerstone of her mission to uplift underrepresented voices in the film industry. She serves as a front-facing ambassador, promoting NFMLA at industry events and connecting independent filmmakers with executives and resources that can propel their careers.
NFMLA provides a vital platform for showcasing films from diverse creators on a global scale, with monthly film festivals that screen a variety of stories year-round. This ongoing opportunity allows filmmakers to submit their work anytime without the stress of yearly deadlines, making it accessible and dynamic.
One of Francesca’s favorite aspects of NFMLA is the community it fosters in a vast and often intimidating city like Los Angeles. The organization was founded to give talented independent filmmakers the spotlight they deserve, especially those whose stories might otherwise go unheard in mainstream media.
Tips for Networking and Building Connections
With so many industry events on her calendar, Francesca has developed strategies for making meaningful connections. She encourages filmmakers and creators to have a memorable “hook” or tagline when introducing themselves — something that captures their personality or creative focus. For example, Francesca describes herself as a “comedy gal” who also works in drama, which helps people remember her.
She admits names can sometimes slip her mind but leverages social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to reinforce connections made in person. This blend of face-to-face interaction and online engagement helps build lasting professional relationships in today’s digital age.
Social Impact Storytelling: Empowering Voices Through Film
At the heart of Francesca’s creative work is a dedication to social impact storytelling. She uses her writing, directing, and producing skills to highlight issues such as mental health, social inequality, cultural identity, and individuality. Her films aim to empower marginalized voices and induce positive change.
One of her recent projects, which she both wrote and directed, explores grief and loss through the lens of two artists navigating their relationship amidst conflicting dreams and ambitions. This film delves into the psychological dynamics of avoidant and anxious attachment styles, bringing a nuanced, authentic perspective to complex emotional experiences.
"We were united by grief but healed by art."
This deeply personal project reflects Francesca’s belief that specificity in storytelling creates universal resonance. By focusing on psychological realism and emotional depth, her characters become multi-dimensional and relatable, drawing audiences into intimate moments of vulnerability and growth.
How to Engage with Francesca and NewFilmmakers Los Angeles
For filmmakers and creatives eager to get involved, Francesca encourages submitting films to NFMLA’s monthly festivals, which are accessible year-round via FilmFreeway. The next screening event is scheduled for August 3rd in Downtown Los Angeles, complete with red carpet photo opportunities and a welcoming community atmosphere.
You can follow Francesca on Instagram at @francescaescarraga or connect with her on LinkedIn to keep up with her projects and events. Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or a fan of socially conscious storytelling, Francesca’s work and the NFMLA platform offer inspiring ways to grow, learn, and share meaningful stories.
Francesca Escarraga’s journey as a multi-hyphenate filmmaker and advocate for emerging artists beautifully illustrates the power of storytelling to inspire change and foster community. From her first Comic-Con experience to her impactful work with NewFilmmakers Los Angeles, Francesca embodies the spirit of creativity, connection, and social responsibility.
Her insights on navigating industry events, developing a memorable personal brand, and using film as a vehicle for social impact provide invaluable guidance for creators at any stage. Stay tuned to her upcoming projects and consider joining the vibrant NFMLA community to elevate your own voice in the world of independent filmmaking.
