CRYSTAL JUAREZ, PRODUCER
* As a part of our campaign to raise awareness about child exploitation, interviews with the cast and crew of ‘All Hail The King’ will be released until the campaign ends 11.12.2027 *
A producer is the person responsible for making a film actually happen. They handle the logistical and organizational backbone of a production, securing locations and permits, building the schedule, managing the budget, coordinating crew, and solving the countless problems that come up before and during a shoot.
They are usually one of the leading forces on a production, working alongside the director and director of photography while coordinating with every department on set. Their goal is to put all the pieces in place so the crew can do their best work and the director's vision can make it to the screen.
Crystal Juarez is a Los Angeles-based producer and director who came up through East LA College and quickly built a reputation by taking on gig after gig across nearly every crew position. She approaches producing with an understanding of both the creative and logistical sides of filmmaking, drawing on her experience directing her own projects. Her work focuses on organizing the details that hold a production together while collaborating closely with directors, crew, and the wider team.
Interviewer: How did you get into film producing?
Crystal Juarez: I've always wanted to be a filmmaker. I started out at East LA College and took a couple of film classes. I took one class and immediately fell in love with it. Right after the beginning class, I actually took the advanced class at the same time as the beginner class. I just dove right in.
I also did a lot of shadowing with my professor, who was a DP on a ton of shows in the '90s and still works as a cinematographer here and there. He DP'd episodes of 1000 Ways to Die and I think he also worked on Top Gear.
He taught us a little bit of everything. He wanted us to learn every crew position so we could figure out what we liked. Even if we didn't end up loving a role, we'd still be qualified to work in it. I just fell in love with filmmaking, found my calling in directing, and immediately after those first couple of semesters I started taking on a ton of gigs outside of school, as well as directing my own projects.
Interviewer: Was a specific moment where you realized, "I think this is what I want to do?"
Crystal Juarez: Yeah, actually. I remember it was maybe around the third month of that semester. I was working about 19 hours a day, six days a week. I was doing so many films.
I think I worked on something like 23 films in three months. It was insane. By the end of it, I was barely sleeping. I hardly had any time for myself, but even then it still wasn't enough. Even though I was exhausted, I wanted to keep making more films. I wanted to keep working. That's when I realized that even though I was incredibly busy and never home, this was something I could do for the rest of my life without getting tired of it. I
I knew this was truly my calling. I'm an artist in a lot of different mediums. But none of them make me feel the way filmmaking and being on set does.
Interviewer: For people who hear the word "producer" but have no idea what that actually means, how would you describe what a producer does?
Crystal Juarez: I think a lot of people hear "director" and assume that's the person who makes or breaks a film but that's also true of a producer. To me, while the director is focused on the creative elements and bringing their specific vision together, the producer is doing all the behind-the-scenes work that often doesn't get recognized. They're handling permits, paperwork, location scouting alongside the director and DP, organizing logistics, and making sure everything is in place for the film to happen.
They're one of the people who solve problems in order to make the film. ASsone of the leading forces, they know every detail about the production, the crew, and what needs to happen in case of emergencies. They're essentially one of the managers of the entire team.
Even directors rely on producers. The creative vision simply can't happen without them. And vice versa.
Interviewer: What's one part of producing that audiences never see but can make or break a project?
Crystal Juarez: Scheduling is a huge one.
If you watch a movie and it feels rushed or like certain shots are missing, a lot of that comes back to production.
On the other hand, if everything feels polished and seamless, it's because the producer put all of those pieces together. The only reason you have a location is because the producer secured it. The only reason permits are in place is because the producer handled them. The only reason everyone shows up on time and the production runs smoothly is because the producer spent countless hours making sure every detail was taken care of.
All that behind-the-scenes organization is what allows the crew to do their best work.
Interviewer: How did you get involved with All Hail the King?
Crystal Juarez: I already knew the director, Andre. He first hired me on one of his school short films a few years ago. I came in as First AC about a week before production.
The film was called Hatman, and it was a really cool psychological horror short. (You can watch it here).
After that, I guess he liked my work because he kept bringing me back on a couple more productions as an AC. We collaborate with some of the same people. Then, about a year or two later, he told me he wanted to make a semidocumentary inspired by controversial celebrity allegations but this time, he wanted me to work as a producer.
I thought it was a really interesting concept and a unique way of exploring the darker side of Hollywood. Even though the film uses fictional elements, I thought it had something meaningful to say. He told me he trusted me because of how I handled my own productions.
Interviewer: Are there any memories that stand out that from this project?
Crystal Juarez: I got to hire some of my own crew members, people I've worked with for years. I brought on our makeup artist, First AC, and some grips. Working with friends you're comfortable with always makes production more enjoyable, but it also allows for more efficient communication on set. In some ways, it’s similar to playing with others in a sports team.
Another thing I'll remember is filming at that beautiful house. It wasn't exactly a mansion, but it felt like one. It was such an incredible location, and the owner was really kind. We got some amazing shots there. Even though production is inherently chaotic, this was the fun kind of chaos. Everyone was working so hard towards the same goal, and that energy was really exciting.
I also really enjoyed working with the child actors. It was only my second time working with kids on set, and they were incredibly professional. Everybody did such a fantastic job.
There was a real feeling of accomplishment. There are honestly so many memories from that production that I'll always keep with me.
Interviewer: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, or to someone who wants to become a producer, what would it be?
Crystal Juarez: To my younger self, I'd say: if you want to make something, just make it. Who cares if it comes out bad? Who cares if you don't have the perfect crew? If all you have is a phone camera, then shoot something with your phone.
Every project teaches you something. If filmmaking is your dream, give it everything you've got. Don't let relationships, heartbreak, friends, or partying get in the way of what you really want.
To anyone who wants to become a producer, or work in film in general, I'd say don't listen to the people who tell you it's impossible.
People will say you can't do it in this economy, but you absolutely can.
You can be broke and still make films. You can work two or three jobs like I did and still make films.
You'll always find time if it's truly important to you. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise.
Interviewer: Where can people check out your work and get in touch?
Crystal Juarez: You can follow me on Instagram at @miss.pale_crystal. You can also check out my Spotify under Crystal Ruby, and my YouTube channel, also under Crystal Ruby, where I'll be posting future projects.
Crystal Juarez at the Latina Independent Film Extravaganza Festival.
