Story & Lesson Highlights with Francois Larosa of Miami Florida

Francois Larosa shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Francois , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are focused and intentional. After showering and shaving, I start with a strong cup of coffee before diving into emails and checking Facebook and LinkedIn for any important messages or updates. I then turn my attention to my Screenplays, reviewing any notes or edits from the night before. Once that’s complete, I begin making both International and Local calls, coordinating production efforts for the latest Film “El Contractor, currently filming in Monterrey, Mexico. I’m proud to be producing the project alongside Director and Writer Juan Ramón López.
I’m still making notes on a Documentary called, “Becoming Shelley Duvall Cannes 74.” And wrapping up the process of finishing up my New Book “La Flaca: The Jacqueline Alejandra Nino story. Then drink more coffee!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Well, I am Francois Larosa-an award-winning Filmmaker whose diverse career spans over 23 years in the film industry. A multi-hyphenate talent—Producer, Director, Actor, and Screenwriter. I have built a reputation for telling bold, culturally resonant stories through both scripted and documentary formats.

As an Actor, I worked under some of the most influential names in contemporary cinema, including Michael Winterbottom, Terrence Malick, Robert Rodriguez, Peter Berg, and Simon Rumley. My roles have ranged from leading characters to supporting and cameo appearances, and I continue to appear in projects such as the M.I.A. series on Peacock and Velvet on CBS‑Telemundo.

Back in 2008, I founded Starfield Productions in Austin, Texas—a creative studio dedicated to innovative, socially impactful content. From its early days creating commercials (including one acquired by Skillpoint Alliance) to developing educational films for nonprofits, Starfield Productions has evolved into a powerhouse of independent filmmaking and Documentaries.

I have directed and produced in my credits 10 plus bought screenplays, directed 17 films-3 featured films, 17 written screenplays, and 20 produced works, alongside a host of technical contributions. As a documentarian, my award-winning films have screened at international festivals including Cannes Film Festival-(France), Florence Film Festival (Italy), and in Germany, with BAFTA qualification further cementing this global reach.

Currently, I’m developing the anticipated six-episode mini-series-(micro-drama or featured film) “The Juarez Chronicles”, exploring untold stories along the U.S.–Mexico border. I’m also at the helm of several upcoming projects-screenplays including:

The Graveyard Shift (2025) –The Stephen King remake. Director, Executive Producer, and Writer

The Possession 2 (2025) -Director, Executive Producer, Writer

The Ripper -Galveston Texas. (2025) Director, Executive Producer, Writer,

Leave the World Behind 2.0 Director, Executive Producer, Writer,

Neptune 23 (2025) Director, Executive Producer, Writer, and Escape from New York (2025 )Director, Executive Producer, Writer,

Beyond film, I am also a published author, with three titles to my name: Children of the Mind, Horror 1.0, and Angel/Beast—available through Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble Press. and currently “La Flaca : The Jacqueline Alejandra Nino story. which will be out the end of the year.

With a filmography of over 45 titles, my work continues to push boundaries—both artistically and thematically. Whether behind the camera or in front of it, my dedication to storytelling remains rooted in authenticity, depth, and a profound respect for the craft.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
It was my high school drama teacher during my senior year who first truly saw me. She recognized something in my improvisational acting and the original five-minute dramas I’d write and perform. After one piece, she said, “I didn’t want it to end.” That moment stayed with me—it was the spark that led me to choose a theater elective in college. My advisor told me it was either that or basket weaving, and thankfully, I made the right choice.

In college, I studied under Professor Ruth Williams, who was instrumental in shaping my craft. She pushed me, challenged me, and gave me the foundational tools to truly understand the art of acting. Under her guidance, I performed in classic productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Annie Get Your Gun, and the English operettas of Gilbert & Sullivan. I took pride in every role, but I still didn’t see this as a long-term career.

After one show, several fellow students spoke of heading to New York or Los Angeles to pursue acting full time. They asked me what I planned to do. I laughed and said, “Well, it won’t be this!” Ironically, I’m the only one from that group who stayed in the industry and built a successful career.

Years later, I continued training with respected mentors like Frank Ertl and Marco Perella, further refining my skills. After eight years working professionally, I made a bold move: I thanked my agents and launched my own production company, Starfield Productions.

Next year will mark 25 years in the film business. And it all started with a teacher who believed in me—before I even believed in myself.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience. To me it has always meant turning setbacks into fuel. In film and writing, it’s the springboard that transforms hardship into growth. When I speak to actors, writers, or filmmakers, I tell them: “In this industry, it’s hard not to come out unscathed.” But scars can become the very proof of resilience. This being my 25th year in this business.

As a child, I struggled with reading comprehension. Words slipped through me without meaning, and it left me feeling behind, frustrated, and marked by limitation. Yet, that early struggle became the foundation of my later strength. In college, faced with an elective choice—basket weaving or theater, I laugh about it now—I chose theater. That decision changed the course of my life.

Through acting, I discovered not only performance, but the mechanics of storytelling: how sets are built, how lighting shapes mood, how each crew member contributes to the larger vision. These lessons didn’t just teach me craft—they gave me a language for expression I had once struggled to find in acting and on the page when I write.

Screenwriting followed naturally. Creating something from nothing—transforming blank space into living characters and worlds—is, in itself, resilience. Every script is proof that adversity can be reshaped into art. And every time I write, I remember that what once seemed like my greatest weakness became the very thing that set me free.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
After 24 years in this tough business, I have a good reputation, as one who takes on a Production, and sees it to the end. I feel like my Word is Good, and its getting alittle harder to find good Independent Filmmakers/Screenplay Writers who follow through. They do, but one still has to be careful. As a Filmmakers I am consistent. My career history, production company, and body of work in film, writing, and directing are all documented across multiple sources like IMDb, LinkedIn, and Industry interviews. Believe me when I do and interview, they have already researched me well. I will admit while some details (like specific awards-which are in my Chester drawer and Awards are on display at my abode, or distribution scale- which I sell all my rights) aren’t always fully listed, the core of my identity — actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, and founder of Starfield Productions with decades in the industry — is accurate and consistent with how I presents myself…the interesting thing is the celebrities I know, and I tell no one. Also, no one really knows what I do most of the times, I enjoy listening to them. I think I am the real version of who I say I am.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
First off, I recently moved from Austin, Texas to Miami, Florida and wow, I love it here….Miami is surreal and calm. The Film industry is built on constant change and relentless challenges, I’ve learned that resilience is not just about pushing forward — it’s also about finding balance. What makes me most at peace isn’t the spotlight, the sets, or the scripts. It’s being with those closest to me — my family and my inner circle of friends. They’re the ones who remind me of who I am beyond the industry, grounding me when the business tests me, and celebrating the quiet victories alongside the public ones.

Success may shape my career, but it’s the closeness of family and trusted friends that shapes my peace.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Mary Cullen, Edward James Olmos, Francois Larosa

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