Meet Carolina Espiro

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carolina Espiro. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Carolina, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

First, I have to say, I don’t think I’ll ever overcome it completely. I don’t think anyone ever does. I feel like its more about whether you let it hold you back or not.

I liken it to parenthood. Or adulthood. Do we ever really feel like we know what we’re doing? Or do we just get by one day at a time?

But I can tell you the things that have helped me calm the anxiety and insecurity.

One day, I was having a particularly tough day writing a script, feeling the typical feelings of, “Why am I wasting my time?” “Who am I to think I can write a script that people will want to pay me to direct?” On expressing these feelings to my husband, he replies “Remember, there are people out there right now getting paid to do a worse job than you.” In an instant my mind flooded with memories of countless scripts I used to receive as an actor auditioning for a role and thinking, HOW did this get green lit?? That immediately perked my spirits up and was able to get back to work. lol

Imposter syndrome will always come and go. Another thing that helps is commiserating with other creatives in my field. Being honest with them about my fears tends to open them up to admitting those same fears. This is usually met with some gratitude as we all feel we have to at the very least pretend we DON’T feel like imposters. But it has been truly helpful to know that everyone does, has and will feel that way. We are not alone. We just can’t let it hold us back from moving forward.

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 Chilean American actress/writer/filmmaker, and Director/ Founder of Peregrine Sage Productions. Since my transition into directing 2 years ago, I was surprised to discover I may also be an award-winning filmmaker. My first narrative project, The Avon Lady, has won 4 best comedy awards at festivals such as the Oscar Qualifying LA Shorts Film Festival, Burbank Int’l Film Festival, Lady Filmmakers Festival, and Lighthouse Film Festival. We’ve also won best Latin-directed film at the Phoenix Film Festival. The Avon Lady is scheduled to screen in Milwaukee and Orlando later this year.

What I’m most excited about is founding my new company, Peregrine Sage Productions. It was created to showcase my projects, whether they be shorts, features, music videos, etc. My goal for this company is to formulate a team of underrepresented artists, movers and shakers to continue telling stories from underrepresented point of views. The word “peregrine” means “foreign” or “having a tendency to wander.” “Sage” means “wise from experience.” The wandering sage denotes the concept of garnering wisdom through experiencing stories beyond what is familiar. Whether it be from foreign lands or foreign perspectives.

Under this company, I am developing two feature film scripts. The first is called “The Vintner.” A thrilling, outré comedy surrounding an eccentric winemaker and his loyal protege’. His quest to create the world’s greatest wine drives him to near madness until one fortuitous day they stumble upon a dead body…and the key ingredient to his greatest creation. The second is called “Searching for Páz,” Discovering that she’s of Chilean descent, 15 year-old Graciela Cullen of Delafield, Wisconsin convinces her adoptive father, Deane, to take her to South America to search for her biological mother. With the help of Chilean social worker Camila, a secret plan forms to end her Dad’s 15-year single streak.

My other pride and joy is the winery I own with my incredible winemaker husband, Matt Espiro Jaeger. Fuil Wines. is a family owned small production, boutique winery, specializing in the wines of the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County. All our wines are sourced from sustainably managed, certified organic, or bio-dynamically farmed vineyards. Our goal is to join the beautiful aromas and flavors the California Coast has to offer with the structure and complexity of Old World winemaking.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Bravery. Chasing after your dreams is a scary business, so you need a certain amount of courage to be able to get through all of the obstacles, self-doubt and nay-sayers. I realized I couldn’t wait for the day where I was no longer afraid. I’d be waiting forever. To do an act of bravery, requires an element of fear. So be scared and do the thing anyway.

Instincts. It’s very important to have training. It’s what separates you as a professional. But in my experience, I’ve learned that training has the unfortunate habit of putting us in our head and squelching our instincts. Finding that balance between refining your skills while keeping a path open to your instincts will catapult any creative to the head of the line.

Humility. Nothing can cause a quicker and more painful downfall than pride. Not to say that one shouldn’t be proud of their accomplishments and confident in their capabilities. The key, I feel, is finding the balance between understanding your worth and potential without the need to be more than you are, or to fear to be less than you are. It’s a sweet spot that gives an air of confidence that will make anyone happy to work with you. You are someone who has something to offer while being someone who is open to growing.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I invite fellow film creatives to join our team at Peregrine Sage. We aim to create films with underrepresented leads told by underrepresented voices. It is my goal to present stories on screen that evoke all the emotions our human race can experience. Dramas expressed with comedy, thrillers expressed with romance, and any other combination you can think of because that is the true human experience.

Investors, both angel and creative are also welcome. Through you, we aim to give employment to our minority brothers and sisters from marginalized communities as well as their allies.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Caity Ware, Burbank Int’l Film Festival, Fuil Wines, Peregrine Sage Productions, Kristopher Lee Bicknell, Espada PR

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