Exploring Life & Business with Sabrina Cooper of Black Castle Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Cooper.

Sabrina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After being in a major car accident 4 years ago and losing over 150 pounds, I decided to enter the California Regency International State Pageant that will be held on March 7th, 2026, in Visalia, California. Most people would have given up after having had to learn to walk again 3 times. But you can call me stubborn or determined; both words work. I refused to give up. A lot of people find pageants pointless, but as a kid who grew up in natural pageants, along with having been born with one hand, I credit them for so many things in my life. I credit pageants for giving me the self-confidence to get in front of a crowd of people and speak. I give pageants credit for showing me that it’s not just about winning, it’s about the journey to achieve any goal in life. Pageants are not just about outer beauty; they are also about inner beauty, especially today. I’m so excited to be able to represent Los Angeles in their Classic division! It’s the city that I have been in love with for over 10 years!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As I mentioned before, 4 years ago, I was in a major car accident. I was rear-ended by a person who was on their phone and speeding. I’ve had both hips replaced, cervical spine surgery, ankle surgery, and ligament surgery. On top of all of that, I have a rare disease called pseudo-tumor cerebri that causes me to go blind and gain weight. I had lost over 100lbs before the accident, but after, since I could no longer hike everyday, I gained all of the weight back getting up to 280lbs.

We’ve been impressed with Black Castle Productions, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In 2009, I opened my production company, Black Castle Productions, due to the fact that most companies would not hire me because I was born without one hand. I’ve had multiple interviews with large studios, even studios that my friends had worked with for years, knowing I could do the jobs that they recommend me for. I would do up to 6 interviews, and then by the end, I would be told, “Well, we didn’t think you could type very fast,” even though they never had me do a typing test, and if they did, they would find out that I type faster than a 2-handed person. Or they would say, “Well, we didn’t think you could carry things like boxes.” Even though I absolutely can.

Being a woman in film is hard enough, but try being a Native American handicapped woman, it’s next to impossible to get hired, even if you have a bachelor’s and master’s from one of the top film schools in the world!

So I opened my company out of frustration, and now in 2026 I have an amazing business partner and I am going on 17 years in business!

My company produces short form media, features, and TV. We do everything from development to post production. Right now we are looking for finished short films that are 20 minutess or shorter!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For pageants, I say, get your kids involved as soon as possible. No matter what your age is, you will get something out of it! It will help with self-esteem, confidence, nurture life-long friendships, and it gets you involved with in your local community and helps others.

For the film industry, never let someone tell you you can’t do something. If you want to direct, learn as much as possible about directing AND how a film set works. The more knowledge you have, the more successful you will be. Also, surround yourself with people who are better than you and understand your weaknesses.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blackcastleproductionsca.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black_castle_productions/ and www.instagram.com/bellamina.L
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackCastleProductions/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrfzUkwGzwX-49dzQ5Hez5w
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-castle-productions

Image Credits
My headshot is by Sara MacFarlane
Photos on the boat is by Katlin Cooper
Photo on the car and at TreePeople are by Ellen Martin
Photo by the camera is by Jonathan James
Photo on red carpet is by Justin Stakes