Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvette Angulo.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Yvette. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Born and raised in San Diego, Yvette was primarily involved in the local theatre community when she first began acting. She has performed in many shows, including performances at renowned Equity theatres such as La Jolla Playhouse and San Diego Repertory Theatre. She has also worked with the volunteer community council “Amigos Del Rep” to promote Latinx/Chicanx arts and education in the community. Yvette has been nominated for both Best Lead Actress and Supporting Actress at the San Diego Film Awards. She has also been featured in a long list of commercials, including both national and regional spots. Most recently, Yvette has ventured into writing and producing film and is co-owner of the production company A Focus Group Films. She is dedicated to promoting diversity on and off-screen and making a positive impact on audiences.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s definitely a constant battle, with societal stereotypes, inner-expectations/self-doubt, and the utter lack of work that’s even available for Woman of Color right now. With that said, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.
As actors, we have this constant desire to lose ourselves in the art and the passion for our craft, but truth of the matter is: in order to do what we love, we need it to be a sustainable career as well. A recent study of woman in Television/Film by San Diego State University reported that “Women make up only 36% of all major characters in Film/Television”. The UCLA Division of Social Science reported that “only 2.7% of roles in Film and Television are Latinx actors”. So we’re constantly having to jump over these hurdles and conquer these statistics when working in this- or any field as a W.O.C. The battle never ends, especially when adding in other issues such as pay inequality for women and societal stereotypes.
My advice would be: to not give up… stay persistent. It can be discouraging at times, but persistence is key. I’m nowhere near where I’d like to be as a working actor, but I have come a long way from when I first started. When I decided this is what I wanted to do, I went through a period of time where I couldn’t see a future of it becoming a sustainable career for myself. That’s changed now, especially considering the fact that I have started branching out, making my own opportunities, including starting a co-owned production company called A Focus Group. So, that would be my next piece of advice…
Create your own opportunities. Get your work out there, get yourself seen– be undeniable! Whether it be in Theatre, Film, Commercials or Web Series. I’ve recently branched out into Writing, Producing and even have a Directing opportunity that is currently in the works! I know for me, I want to start as early as right now, aiding in the battle against inequality, creating more work for Women, our Latinx community, and all P.O.C.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
A few years ago, A Focus Group made a short film called Our Barrio. Due to the lack of stories being told about our Latinx community, I decided to write one for myself. The majority of the cast consisted of Latinx actors, and it was filmed in the very neighborhoods where I was raised in San Diego, primarily City Heights and Barrio Logan. The film went on to win several awards and screened at many prestigious film festivals across the country. It can now be seen on the streaming platform called Seed&Spark, where it is being exposed to a larger viewing audience. Our production company, A Focus Group, has also branched out into making Commercials and Promotional Videos. Other than our efforts in diversity, we also strive to tell stories that make a positive impact on audiences.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I have learned to take advice from the people who have gone places I want to go. We never stop learning and growing in our craft, whatever it may be. Stay open to collaboration and working with others. I learned you can’t do it alone and every connection you make along the way may possibly lead to your next opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yvetteangulo.com
- Email: afocusgroupfilm@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/yvetteangulo/
- Facebook: facebook.com/BetOnYvette/
- Twitter: twitter.com/yvetteangulo
- Other: facebook.com/afocusgroup/
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