Biography
Award winning film and television producer, writer, and educator, Paul Castro graduated #1 in his class from UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television, where he scored a three picture seven-figure deal only 7 weeks before graduation. His original screenplay, "August Rush," was part of that deal. The legendary former CEO-President of The Walt Disney Company, Michael Eisner, said, "What clearly resonates with me is Paul's love and dedication to storytelling. He is a composed and practical artist and teacher, yet highly imaginative in his approach."
Oscar winner Shirley MacLaine said of Paul Castro, "He is one of the most talented creatives I have ever worked with in my 60+ years of making movies." Paul is the original writer and creator of the Warner Bros. hit, "August Rush," which starred Robin Williams. Paul wrote his original screenplay, "August Rush" as a celebration of his musical prodigy nephew, Anthony who was born in August, and wrote the screenplay near the time when Geoffrey Rush won the Oscar for a musical movie, "Shine."
Producer Paul Castro also directed "Forever" the end of aging now Streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Paul Castro was also the original screenwriter and creator of the John Travolta, Lionsgate hit, "Speed Kills," and the Hallmark record breaker, "Wedding of Dreams." Paul is often hired for rewrite assignments and as a script doctor, known for his lyrical dialogue and memorable character sculpting. Paul is also an Associate Professor with an MFA in Film and Television from UCLA, as well as graduating from UCLA's Professional Program in Screenwriting. Paul was invited to teach full-time at UCLA's undergraduate and graduate film program, and successfully did so for 10+ years. His online screenwriting course "Inspirational Screenwriting is #1 in the world with 15,000+ students in 137 different countries.
Paul Castro is the father of award winning actress, Cherokee Rose Castro, (Bella and the Slasher, Ella Bella Bingo, etc). Cherokee Rose is represented by legendary agent, Cindy Osbrink, who is credited for launching and cultivating the careers of Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning.
Before becoming a successful film professional, Paul worked for seven years as an expert crisis counselor at the world renown Didi Hersch Mental Health Clinic of Los Angeles, specializing in suicide prevention. That experience blossomed into his original screenplay "Rainbow Black," a dark comedy about a suicidal man looking for a suicidal woman to spend their last day together. "Rainbow Black" was bought by producer, Donald Ranvaud "City of God."
After the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City (Paul Castro's birth place), Paul left Hollywood to serve as a Public Affairs Officer for the Navy SEALs in Coronado during wartime. After his service to his country, Paul returned to Los Angeles and resumed teaching at UCLA, and continued writing for film and television.
