Today we’d like to introduce you to Aron Cagan.
Hi Aron, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It started with a little kid who loved to entertain or perform for anybody who would watch. I’d act out these little skits or reenact a scene from a movie I had just watched. There are so many embarrassing videos of me on a DVD somewhere. It eventually led to my dream of becoming an actor, which I pursued all throughout high school. I landed a few student films and commercials but that was about it.
The summer after high school I got a PA gig for an indie film which really opened up my eyes to filmmaking. I wasn’t sure of myself as an actor but I knew this was the world I had to be a part of. Following that, I went to Israel for what ended up being two years, to study my religion more in-depth. I got pretty religious at the time and was worried that as an actor I would have to work over the Sabbath, but I figured as a Director I’d be able to call the shots on what days we’d be filming. So I came back and got a bachelor’s degree with a focus in directing at the Los Angeles Film School. During my time there, I managed to get an internship under the incredible screenwriter, David N. Weiss. It was under his guidance that I discovered my true calling. I found my vocation in screenwriting and since then, I’ve had the honor of winning two screenwriting festivals and have recently been blessed with finding someone to finance a couple of projects that are currently in pre-production. There are plenty of details that I’m glossing over. Plenty of times I felt I wasn’t good enough and looked for a steady job. There are still times to this day where I wish I could be that normal guy who works a regular nine to five, but it’s just not me. I can honestly say that I’ve never felt more alive and fulfilled than when I’m working on a film project.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s really such a privilege that I can say it’s been a smooth road in terms of love and support. Growing up, my family always encouraged me to do what I love and I’m blessed to have a wife that’s even more supportive and encouraging. The biggest obstacles and challenges have come from myself. It’s so easy to self-doubt and compare yourself to other people your age that are way ahead of you in their careers. There have been plenty of times where I find myself making excuses and procrastinating.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I honestly feel like I’m still finding my voice as a screenwriter. Up until now, I’ve been writing comedies, but I’d really like to take a stab at something post-apocalyptic. I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m not really one for a happy ending. I like to focus on my characters more than anything and despite all their best efforts, it usually doesn’t end so well for them. Maybe that’s rooted from some fear of failure and I’ll have a totally different style down the line. I haven’t yet, but at some point, I’ll talk to my therapist about it. At the moment, I’m most proud of my latest screenplay. It’s a coming-of-age story that deals with the struggle of holding on to our inner child. I’m looking forward to starting production.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Put yourself out there as much as possible. Everyone has something to learn from and so every interaction has to be welcomed with an open mind. Try to speak with anyone whose work you admire or anyone you look up to. Eventually, things will click with the right person and all you’ll want to do is be a sponge in their brain. I was fortunate in making a strong connection with one of my professors at film school and that’s who ended up becoming my mentor. At the same time, I owe so much of my growth to my writing partner.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aroncagan.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/aroncagan
