We recently connected with Aaron Isaac Vasquez and have shared our conversation below.
Aaron Isaac, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
My father was a career military man, so growing up, he instilled discipline in my brothers and me. As I got older, I took that foundation of discipline and focused it on my passion for filmmaking, specifically screenwriting. After co-writing a couple of feature screenplays, I realized that if I wanted to tell my own stories and become a director, I’d have to write my own scripts. And not just write them, but write them well, because in today’s industry, if you want to stand out among the greats, your scripts have to be undeniable.
Ironically, many of the directors I admired growing up didn’t write their own scripts. But understanding the way the industry has evolved, I committed myself to studying the craft. I forced myself to read the screenplays of films I loved, built a routine, and applied the discipline my father taught me to my writing process. I set hard deadlines and a strict schedule, which helped me power through first drafts, rewrites, and truly understand story structure. That discipline has been essential in my journey as a filmmaker.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a filmmaker and screenwriter, drawn to storytelling that explores the darker side of humanity. Not just to evoke fear, but to understand it. I’m fascinated by how people confront terror, loss, and tragedy, and what those moments reveal about their true nature.
At the heart of my work is a deep appreciation for the resilience of humanity. The way we endure, adapt, and sometimes even find meaning in the face of the unimaginable. Horror has always been my passion, but I also write thrillers that dive deep into human nature.
Right now, I’m focused on developing exciting short films and music videos while continuing to sharpen my storytelling skills. My ultimate goal is to get a feature film of mine made, bringing one of my original stories to life on a larger scale. Beyond filmmaking, I also have dreams of opening a bar where horror fans can immerse themselves in the genre, surrounded by films, collectibles, and a unique atmosphere that celebrates horror.
For me, storytelling is about more than just entertainment, it’s about uncovering truths, making people feel something real, and creating worlds that linger long after the credits roll. I want my work to chill people, but also offer something fresh. That’s what keeps me pushing forward.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been discipline, adaptability, and a deep passion for storytelling.
First, discipline has been key. It’s what kept me on track when the work got tough. Setting clear goals and holding myself accountable, whether it was meeting a deadline for a draft or committing to a daily writing routine was essential. For anyone starting out, my advice is simple: build a routine that works for you and stick to it. Small, consistent actions lead to big results over time. I’m still working towards my goals.
Adaptability has also played a huge role. The film industry, like any creative field, is always evolving. What worked yesterday may not work today. I’ve had to pivot, learn new skills, and embrace new technologies. My advice here is to stay curious and open to change. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and learn new things.
Lastly, passion for storytelling is what fuels everything. If you’re not passionate about the stories you’re telling, it’ll be harder to push through the obstacles that come your way. If you’re early in your journey, take time to discover what excites you, what moves you, and let that passion guide your work.
Developing these qualities takes time, but they’re the foundation that will support you through the highs and lows of any creative career.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always looking to collaborate with filmmakers, screenwriters, producers, and managers who want to create dark but deeply human stories. If you’re passionate about exploring fear, morality, and the complexities of human nature in bold and authentic ways, I’d love to connect.
The best way to reach me is through my email or in instagram.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronisaacvasquez/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronivasquez?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@aaronisaacvasquez?si=J882OeDMvu5W-ZES
Image Credits
Martin Melnick
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