We had the good fortune of connecting with Alfred Castillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alfred, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I am an engineer by trade (BSCE 1998 and MCE 2002, University of Houston…Go Coogs!) but was always an actor at heart. 15 years into my successful career in the Petrochemical Industry, I decided to pursue acting. I took acting classes with Sara Gaston and landed my first commercial. I continued taking classes and ultimately landed an acting/modeling contract with the Neal Hamil Agency and started booking commercial and print jobs left and right in both English and Spanish for major clients such as Walmart, HEB, Dell, Conns, Reliant Energy, Gillman Auto, Typhoon Texas and Main Event, just to name a few. I had a desire to do feature films, but as a Christian actor, I found it increasingly difficult to find work in the Houston area without compromising my faith. I felt God was calling me to rise and up and create faith based, family friendly content. I responded to the call and began writing my first screenplay entitled, “La Cadena.” Upon completion of the script, I created my own Production Company, “ROCA PRODUCTION FILMS,” which sole purpose is “To exalt the name of Jesus Christ and expand His kingdom through film.” I collaborated with several industry professionals to guide me through the film making process. I ultimately cast, produced and directed the film, funded by my acting earnings. The film was picked up by Burning Bulb Publishing and is now airing on several streaming platforms including Amazon Prime, Tubi and Crackle just to name a few. I continue to act and have written a few more screen plays that I plan to produce and direct in the near future, growing my film production business by offering more family friendly titles.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Professional Civil Engineer with licenses in Texas and California, but I am an actor at heart who loves to perform. Whether that be in the form of a presentation to my colleagues, performing on stage, or shooting a commercial/film, I enjoy the creativity! What sets me apart from the majority of my colleagues is my interpersonal effectiveness, the communication skills, telling stories and the ability to connect with my audience by just being myself. These competencies have served me well in the workplace, and I am able to leverage them in the arts, both on stage and on camera. Comedy, Drama and Improvisation became a way of life as an actor and I have been able to transfer these skills back to Corporate America where appropriate for optimizing my communication. With the all opportunities I had been given to present and act, I wanted to do more, not just at work but in film. As a Christian, I separate myself from ungodly content not because I frown on those less pious, but because of I have a testimony to uphold, a brand so to speak. Most short/feature films are not made with God in mind. What’s a Christian Actor to do? Sit around, pray and wait for God to drop those perfect screen plays that glorify him (ironically I did pray and wait for God to speak…he did)? Up until this point, I had never thought about writing, only acting. As Christians, we hear from God through His Spirit (The Holy Spirit) and what did He tell me? “I called you out of darkness not so that you can go back but so you can bring light.” It was there that God put the desire in my heart to create a screen play that would bring glory to God. My first thought was “yes!” I can create my own content so I can star in and bring glory to God until I heard a still small voice (similar to what Lotso told Buzz Lightyear), “Slow down there boss. You are NOT going to act in it. I will give you the ability to write, produce and direct the screenplay, providing the vision of this project.” I think the only challenge was obeying Him. Would I really accept being part of the crew and not the cast? Would I be willing to be behind the camera and not in front as I had been doing for a few years in films/commercials? Not even for my own movie? I agreed without haste, just excited to be used in this capacity brought so much joy and excitement. I took this charge and ran like the wind (can you tell I like Toy Story), off to create the story that God gave me. The rest is His Story!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a native Houstonian, I love to rep my city when it comes to family/friends visiting! I would first take them to Waterwall Park near the Galleria for some nice pics. Since we were nearby, I would take them on a tour of the Galleria and interest them in a little shopping. Houston is place to eat any type of cuisine. I would allow them to choose anything from our savoring BBQ (recommend Pappas or Springcreek BBQ), Mediterranean (Phoenicia’s Deli, Damassi’s or Fadi’s) and of course, no visit to Houston is complete without some good Mexican/Tex-Mex Food such as Ninfa’s, El Tiempo or Lupe Tortillas. We head down south and visit Nasa Space Center followed by a good lunch/dinner at the Kemah Board Walk. The beach is always a nice visit so heading down to Galveston would be on the itinerary for the day, enjoying lunch/dinner at the Spot on the Seawall while viewing the sunset. Heading back to Houston, we could stop to visit the Aquarium for some entertainment, enjoy some dessert at the Post while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Downtown skyline and end the day by supporting the arts in the Theater district at the Alley, Jones Hall or Hobby Center by catching a great musical. Hanging out to Herman Park to visit the Museum of Science and the Houston Zoo would be a memorable experience. We would enjoy a good burger from no other place but the Burger Joint near Montrose or could go traditional and have them experience a good ol Whataburger. A nature walk through Memorial Park would be a nice way to start any day followed by catching an Astros Game at Minute Maid Park. This would be my ideal itinerary showcasing all the things Houston has to offer.

Alright, so let’s jump right in! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?
I owe my life to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in accordance with Acts 17:28 “For in Him we live and move and exist [that is, in Him we actually have our being]” I love you Lord!

To my wife and best friend, Diana. She has been my strongest supporter and biggest fan. Thank you for marrying me and joining me on this wild ride of life, walking by faith. I love you!

To my wonderful children: Josiah Alexander, Jaden Andrew and Jeselle Alyn. Thank you for the love, encouragement and support you have shown me over the past several years. It has been such a joy and a blessing to be your father and watch you grow up into responsible, loving and God-fearing young adults. Thank you for honoring your mom and me in the way you live your lives both spiritually and academically. I love you all as much as an earthly father can love his children.

To my family: My mother (Rita Castillo) who went to heaven in 2021 was one of the biggest influences in my life, not only academically and professionally, but spiritually, introducing me to Jesus. Love you Mom! My Father (Alfred Castillo Sr.) who just joined my mother in heaven on December 10, 2023. Thank you for being such a great provider and for the love and affection you showed us over the last few years. I will never forget you. I love you Dad! See you both very soon. To my sister Melissa, cousins, aunts and uncles: Thank you for always cheering me on and supporting my efforts. I am so grateful for all of you.

To my friends: Fellow filmmaker Joan Montreuil, Thank you for inspiring to achieve great things in film in an effort to share the Gospel with the World. I am so glad to be your film co-laborer in Christ. To all my other friends, thank you for the encouraging words and comments you have provided over the years. Your support has humbled me over the years. I love you all.

To my Pastors/Church family: Thank you for the Word you faithfully brought to me, week after week. Your encouragement and prayers have shaped the journey God has me on. Thank you for allowing me to partner with you in the ministry both financially and by direct involvement to impact the Kingdom of God in a mighty way. I love you all.

Thanks to my acting coach Sara Gaston who took me on as a raw, inexperienced actor. She saw my potential and worked on developing my skills which was the catalyst to launching my acting career. Thank you Sara!

To Neil Hamil Agency: The first agency to take a risk on this newbie. You had the confidence to send me out on auditions and gave me tremendous exposure with casting directors and producers. Thank you for your faith in me!

To Pastorini-Bosby: My current agents. (Cindi Andress, Mitzi Trevino, Tierra Hollis). You have treated me like family the moment you signed me. Your confidence in me never ceases to amaze me. Thank you for the opportunities throughout the years. You are the best!

Website: www.rocaproductionfilms.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alfredcastillojr1/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfred-castillo-jr-p-e-5336087/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alfred.castillo.5/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDhmbbRc5wtEOZnTLuTDuqg

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.