Meet Raul Gasteazoro of Black Power Works

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raul Gasteazoro.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I came to LA to finish my first feature a film, a quixotic post-apocalyptic film made for 30K over 14 years ago sold as 10,000 AD: Legend of the Black Pearl. 60 locations. 400 people on screen. All made for less than we now make a social ad. I was the writer, producer, director, and star. I sold it and thought agents would come knocking, and Hollywood’s doors would open… instead, I started working as a PA on a horrible reality show. Then another one.

Then I worked as a Commercial Art PA, Production Designer, Producer, DP, and now I’m a proper commercial Director- how things change. It was a long road to get here. I helped open PopSugar Studios and ten years ago started my own Commercial Production Company: Black Powder Works. I wanted to disrupt the industry. Remove the barriers to entry. Be a catalyst for change and a new approach to storytelling in a city long rooted in a traditional, and now antiquated, methodology. So we started from the bottom again, behind the scenes, small social spots, corporate video.

Then we started booking real clients, big agencies, legit broadcast commercials. We’ve known blown up into a bi-coastal creative production partner, with amazing teams, resources, reps and director rosters. I’m returning to my roots as a feature filmmaker- and excited to direct my next feature “The Waterbearer.” LA hasn’t been easy, but if you listen to your heart, keep your head down and your finger on the pulse, dreams can come true- slow but sure.

Has it been a smooth road?
All are listed above. I used to work 18 hour days for 100 a day. Driving from Venice to the valley every morn and night. For 2 years. I have worked my way from the bottom to the (relative ) top… now that I’m here… I’m ready to return to my roots and make another movie- tell the stories we came to LA to create and make the dreams a reality.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Black Power Works – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Simple blurb. WE’RE NOT NORMAL. Not just another one of those “creative to post” & “concept to delivery” companies.

CREATIVE PRODUCTION PARTNER: You need the right director. We’re your next… we’ve got tons to choose from. They’re awesome. Your budget is limited. We know. We’ll make it work. You need content captured outside of sunny Los Angeles. No worries. We’re global. We shoot everywhere. You need five thousand different versions of the final video. We’ve got you. You deserve more deliverables. WE MAKE IT EASY.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love nature, the surf, the sun. I don’t like the fickle BS, the traffic, the divided nature from East/West.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blackpowderworks.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Black Power Works
• Facebook: Black Power Works
• Twitter: Black Power Works
• Yelp: Black Power Works
• Other: Black Power Works

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.