Conversations with Ricardo Mestre

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricardo Mestre.

Hi Ricardo, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
“I’m originally from Mexico City, and I actually started my career in the entertainment industry as an actor. Over the course of about a decade, I was fortunate to work on several films and series — including Instructions Not Included, which became the highest-grossing film in Mexican history, and Club de Cuervos, Netflix’s first original production for Latin America.

After spending those years in front of the camera, I realized I wanted to understand and shape the storytelling process from behind it. That led me to join 1983 Creative, a Los Angeles–based production company led by Emmy winner Robin Burke, who really became a mentor and taught me everything I know about production and creative development.

That experience eventually opened the door for me to join Apple TV+ as a content producer. Working with high-level talent there reignited my passion for storytelling — not just producing it, but living it. So I made the decision to return to acting while developing my own projects.

Right now, I’m working toward directing my first feature film, Marta — a psychological thriller about past trauma and family secrets that I also wrote. I’m also in the middle of writing my first novel, a fast-paced, cyberpunk-inspired story, while continuing to audition and collaborate on new projects. For me, every step has been about expanding how I tell stories and finding new ways to connect with audiences.”

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges for me came when I decided to leave Mexico City. My acting career was really starting to take off, so a lot of people didn’t understand why I’d walk away from that momentum. But I’ve always been driven by curiosity and a need to grow — I didn’t want to be locked into one version of myself.

Moving abroad was exciting but also really tough. Establishing yourself in a foreign country comes with all kinds of challenges — being away from family and friends, adapting to a new culture, dealing with the cost of living, and facing a lot of uncertainty about what’s next. There were moments of doubt, but those experiences really shaped my independence and reminded me that growth always comes with discomfort. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work as a storyteller in different forms — as an actor, writer, and producer. What I really specialize in is creating emotionally grounded stories that explore identity, family, and the parts of ourselves we try to hide. Whether it’s through film or writing, I’m drawn to characters who are flawed but deeply human.

I think I’m known for bringing emotional truth and depth to my work — whether I’m in front of the camera or behind it. Having experienced both sides of the industry gives me a unique perspective; I understand what it takes to make a story resonate from every angle — from the creative to the technical.

I’m incredibly proud of my work ethic. I never stop — sometimes progress feels slow, almost minimal, but I always keep one foot in front of the other. That consistency, and my faith in something greater than myself, have carried me through the most uncertain moments of my career.

What I’m most proud of overall is that I’ve been able to reinvent myself without losing my voice. Going from acting in Mexico’s biggest film to producing for Apple TV+, and now developing my own feature film, Marta, has been a journey of constant evolution.

What sets me apart is my range and my persistence — I’m equally comfortable telling a grounded, intimate story as I am building a bold, imaginative world like the cyberpunk novel I’m writing. Everything I do starts from the same place: curiosity, emotion, faith, and the desire to connect with people through story.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I pull inspiration from a mix of creative and philosophical sources. For storytelling and the craft itself, Scriptnotes is a podcast I keep coming back to — it’s such an honest look at what it really means to write and develop stories, and it reminds me that every creator faces the same battles with doubt and resistance.

In terms of books, On Writing by Stephen King had a huge impact on me. It’s not just about the technical side of storytelling — it’s about persistence, discipline, and finding your own voice through consistency. Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson also shaped the way I see independence and trust in your own path — something I’ve really had to live through in my own journey.

And when I need perspective, I turn to Alan Watts. His talks and writings always remind me to stay present, to let go of control, and to see creativity as something that flows through you rather than something you have to force.

Those voices — King, Emerson, and Watts — kind of balance me out. They keep me grounded in craft, confident in individuality, and open to something greater than myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soyricardomestre/

Image Credits
Naian González Norvind
https://www.instagram.com/naianaianaian/