Francesca Escarraga of Los Angeles on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Francesca Escarraga shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Francesca, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Writing and traveling have always been an integral part of my life. Growing up as an airline kid, I was fortunate to experience life across different countries and cultures, learning not only about the world but also about myself along the way. I discovered my love for writing at a young age and it became my sanctuary, a safe place where I could express my truest and most authentic self.

My work has always been deeply shaped by my personal experiences and adventures around the world. I often write about the places and people I cross paths with as a way to understand life and explore how I can positively impact others through my art. These reflections continuously fuel my creativity and sense of purpose.

Writing, above all, is oxygen for my soul. As an extrovert and film and TV producer, I am constantly interacting with people and caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but writing allows me to look within, embrace the silence, and come home to myself at the end of a hectic day.

When I wrote my first feature screenplay back in film school, I didn’t realize I was writing for twelve hours straight because I was completely immersed in the world I was creating and the characters I was breathing life into. I can easily lose myself in my own world when I write, fueled by my love for the art and craft of storytelling and every part of the creative process.

Writing and traveling go hand in hand for me because each journey allows me to grow and experience life in a different light, profoundly inspiring the next story I’ll write. If you ask me, going to a cabin in the mountains to write and create art is my idea of paradise.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a writer, producer and director committed to utilizing the power of storytelling to create and amplify impactful stories that inspire positive change in society. My work mainly explores the human condition, mental health, cultural identity, relationships, and social inequality. I’m also a Third Culture Kid, so I had an international upbringing and the privilege of calling many places my home. I lived between Hong Kong, the Philippines, and California. I’ve also lived in Europe for many years. On top of that, my parents are mixed, which makes me Filipino, American, Japanese, and German. This is worth mentioning because my multicultural heritage has been a significant part of my identity and upbringing, and has greatly influenced the kind of stories I want to tell.

I’m producing a new feature film project titled I’ll Have My Cake, I’ll Eat It Too, which is a love letter to Los Angeles. It aims to uplift the artists, residents, local businesses, frontliners, firefighters, and nonprofit organizations who remind us every day what it means to come together in times of hardship and crises, particularly supporting the organizations and individuals most impacted by the devastating wildfires that crippled our city earlier this year. At its core, it’s about honoring everyday heroes and celebrating the community that makes Los Angeles the place we proudly call home.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I believe there is nothing more life-altering and profound than experiencing grief and loss. Whether you’re mourning someone who has passed away or someone who is still alive, there’s no easy remedy for the pain that loss brings. During the pandemic, I lost all my grandparents and never got the chance to say goodbye in person. They were my biggest cheerleaders, the ones who always believed in the artist I was meant to be, yet they were gone too soon to see any of the films I made. Experiencing that made me realize how fleeting life is and how limited our time truly is. We often become so consumed by work and responsibilities that we forget to prioritize spending time with the people we love. You never really know the last time you’ll see or speak with someone, so I make it a priority to check in with my family and friends and truly be present for them whenever I can. I don’t let fear hold me back or waste time waiting for the perfect moment to pursue the things I want to do in life. All we have is now, so we must live life to the fullest and show appreciation to those we hold close while we still can.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You will have dreams so big that it will consume you to the core of your being. It’s because this dream is powerful and it will be your gift to the world. Be kind to yourself. Failures and changes are inevitable, but necessary to your growth. Just trust the process. You will make yourself proud. You are loved, especially by your family and friends. Practice gratitude in everything you do and always be humble. The world will be yours for the taking one day.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
If there’s one value I will protect at all costs, it is respect. I believe it is the foundation for all other important values, including kindness, empathy, honesty, love, and loyalty. When you respect someone, you acknowledge their worth, beliefs, and perspectives, especially when they differ from your own. It is the cornerstone of healthy relationships and social harmony. By showing respect for others, you cultivate empathy and foster a culture of understanding, peace, and compassion.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am creating art and writing stories for myself. The funny thing about turning a passion that used to be a hobby into a profession is that it can sometimes dim the magic. You are no longer creating solely for yourself. You have to consider the business side, the target audience, and all the moving parts that come with your work being a product. It’s called show business after all. However, I realized that the stories I write solely for myself and pour my heart and soul into without any thought of whether they will ever see the light of day, end up being the most impactful and resonant with others. I think it is the vulnerability we put into the things we create privately that makes us authentically human. It is a powerful aspect of ourselves that we often overlook because we fear it may be seen as weakness when in fact it is our superpower.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @francescaescarraga
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescaescarraga/