Alfred Castillo Jr. shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Alfred, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am a Civil Engineer by trade. That was the result of my love and interest in math and science. I didn’t like writing. I would find myself enjoying hours of solving calculus and physics problems rather than writing English/History essays/reports. Fast forward nearly 30 years later, I have discovered an addiction for writing, not for a grade, but as a calling. As a Christian, I found it very difficult to act in films that were not faith based/family friendly. It was then when The Lord Jesus called me to rise up and create content that would honor and please Him. I have one screenplay under my belt entitled “La Cadena,” which is now airing on Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms. I am now in Pre-Production for another screenplay that I wrote that I plan to direct and produce in Spring 2026. Writing was something I never thought I would enjoy or even have a passion for, but once a calling is placed on your life, there is nothing that can keep you from doing more of it. As someone once said, “once you find your calling, keep doing more of it.” That is what I intend to do!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an actor, writer, producer, and director living in Katy, TX. I was born and raised in Houston’s East End. I graduated from Stephen F. High School with honors. I was awarded a full scholarship and graduated as the top student in my class, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston (Go Coogs!), Magna Cum Laude. I became a licensed professional engineer in both Texas and California and worked for The Dow Chemical Company and Olin Corporation for nearly 20 years. I am currently employed by Sysco as a Strategic Sourcing Manager. Even though I am an engineer by trade, I am an actor/writer/filmmaker at heart. I turned that passion into action. I have more than 500 acting credits in commercials/web videos/short/feature films as well as modeling. I used my knowledge obtained from being in the entertainment industry to create my production company, ROCA Production Films, to create family, friendly content. With one title under my belt entitled “La Cadena,” I am currently in Pre-Production for my second film with a 3rd screenplay in the wings. I am blessed to be able to make a living as an engineer, an actor, a writer and a filmmaker.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
On September 13, 1998, The Lord Jesus Christ saved me from my sins and wrote my name in the Lamb’s book of life. I have NEVER been the same since. Perfect? No! A work in progress? Yes! My relationship with Jesus has shaped and directed the course of my life that brings glory and honor to Him. As a BORN AGAIN Child of God, my relationship with Jesus has transformed the way I conduct myself as a husband, a father, a family member, a friend, an entrepreneur, and as a creative (actor/writer/filmmaker). I see myself as a Child of the King, a joint heir with Christ, having full access to God the Father for all my needs to fulfill my assignments on the Earth to accomplish His purpose. As it states in the book of Acts, in Him (Jesus), I live, move and have my life. Apart from Him, I cannot do anything.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
As a first time filmmaker, I wanted post-production of my first film “La Cadena” to be completed on my timeline. I placed my trust in man (people) and hoped that things would get done on my schedule. Unfortunately, I failed to heed the instructions of Psalm 118:8 which states that “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” I was seeking and relying on people to get editing and other aspects of post production. After nearly 6 months of waiting with nothing to show for, I found myself with no post production support. I was convinced that the efforts I had put forth to bring this project to fruition were in vain. I decided to “throw in the towel,” and was convinced that it was not God’s will for me to be a screenwriter or filmmaker. It would be 6 months after I put the project on the shelf that I booked a commercial that would put me back on track. Out of all the DPs (Director of Photography) that I have worked with in my 25+ years career as an actor, the DP on this commercial was none other than the DP I hired to shoot my film. When he learned of project’s status, he immediately directed me to another individual who immediately took interest and brought the film’s post production to completion. I have not worked with this DP on any other set since then! I believe it was the Lord Jesus directing my steps and keeping my path aligned when things went awry. I thank Him for not allowing me to give up and gave me the drive and persistence to complete the project which took nearly 10 years from start to finish. The Lord is faithful and everything will fall in place according to His timeline, not ours.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
As a second generation Mexican-American, I have witnessed the value of family. While I had working parents, they were never too busy for us kids. They were not college educated (my mother did not finish 6th grade), but they worked hard and sacrificed for us. I was blessed with parents who worked all day long, but were home in the evenings and had dinner on the table for us when we got home from school. They never let work, side hustles or hobbies take precedence over family. That is one wonderful trait I inherited from them. Now as a working professional myself, I place a high priority on family time. I try to attend all my children’s school functions, I have father-son/father daughter dates, date night with my wife and allocated vacation days throughout the year with my limited PTO to ensure they see the value I place on family in spite of all the additional activities that I am involved in (working full time, acting, writing/filmmaking, serving in church, serving on the Board of Directors for community organizations, etc). The Bible outlines the importance of this concept in 1 Timothy 5:8. I want to honor the Lord by providing for my family, not just their needs, but by spending QUALITY TIME with them.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would love for people to see how the Lord Jesus changed my life. I would love for people to know how He took a hopeless kid from the Barrio (Predominant Mexican Neighborhood) with no future and placed him on a path that would in turn be a blessing to not only his family but to the community (as a Sunday School Teacher, a Board Member for a Christian Organization, etc.). I hope to inspire my family and others around me to continue to do great things for the Lord Jesus Christ and to be a blessing to others so that they might become followers of Christ.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rocaproductionfilms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alfredcastillojr1/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfred-castillo-jr-p-e-5336087/
- Twitter: https://x.com/axc34515
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alfred.castillo.5/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@axc34515
