Paul Castro

Award winning screenwriter, Paul Castro graduated #1 in his class from the famed UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, where he scored a three picture million dollar deal only 7 weeks before graduation.. Oscar winner Shirley MacLaine said of Paul Castro, "He is one of the most talented screenwriters I've ever worked with 60+ years of making movies." Former Disney CEO-President, Michael Eisner said this of Paul Castro, "What clearly resonates with me is Paul's love of storytelling. He is highly imaginative in his approach." 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 near the time when Geoffrey Rush won the Oscar for a musical movie, "Shine." Paul Castro was also the original screenwriter and creator of the John Travolta, Lion's Gate hit, "Speed Kills," and the Hallmark record breaker, "My Dream Wedding." 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 screenwriting courses on udemy are #1 in the world with 14,000+ students in 153 different countries. Paul's young daughter, Cherokee Rose Castro, is a successful actress represented by the legendary agent, Cindy Osbrink, who is credited for launching and cultivating the careers of Elle and Dakota Fanning. Before becoming a successful film professional, Paul worked for seven years as an expert crisis counselor at the world renown Suicide Prevention Center of Los Angles, Didi Hersch Mental Health Clinic. That experience blossomed his original screenplay "Rainbow Black," a dark comedy about a suicidal man looking for a suicidal woman to spend their last day together. After 9-11, Paul left Hollywood to serve as a Public Affairs Officer for the Navy SEALs in Coronado during wartime. Paul Castro lives in Santa Monica, California.