Key Players
| Frank Aragon, born and raised in the streets of Boyle Heights, has been involved in the creation of films as an actor, writer, director, and producer for over 23 years. A member of the Directors Giuld of America, his passion is to tell positive Latino stories through film. Aragon was first drawn to the industry as an actor working Off-Broadway as an actor at the prestigious Harold Clurman Theatre in New York City when he was 19 years old then returning to Los Angeles and starring in "Angeltown" opposite Teresa Saldana, he also appeared in "Death wish IV" starring Charles Bronson. After a tragic accident that left him blind in his right eye he then found himself being captivated to behind the scenes work and landed as a key set production assistant on “Face Off”, starring Nicolas Cage and John Travolta. He eventually became a location manager on HBO’s "Real Women Have Curves", Showtime’s "Resurrection Blvd" and Nickelodeon’s “The Brothers Garcia". He formed his company, 1211 Entertainment to create market and distribute American-Latino themed films with universal appeal in 2000. "Down for Life" is his 5th film in the capacity of producer and 2nd unit director. Some of 1211 Entertainment's emerging library of films include Aragon’s past works "My Father's Love" starring Alex Meneses. This inspiring film tells the story through the innocent eyes of a young boy growing up in a single parent household as he faces challenges in the tough neighborhoods of East L.A. The dramedy "Boyle Heights", starring Steven Bauer and the dark comedy “Hollywood Familia” starring Renee Victor are also part of the collection. Aragon is a recipient of the Golden Eagle Award as Outstanding Independent Filmmaker from Nosotros for his work on "My Father's Love". He is dedicated to making a difference with his community and this passion continues to drive him to tell the stories of the struggles, triumphs, heart aches, and joys that often go unheard but when told disclose a universal message that brings understanding and awareness helping to unite our society. |
| Frank Aragon Producer/Director/Writer |
| Richard Avila Associate Producer |
Richard Avila was one of 15 brothers/sisters/cousins that grew up together. A
member of the 1961 Donna Redskins Championship team, after high school and
not being big enough or fast enough to play college ball, he went off to New
York City for a year and then came back to Pan American College. Here he was
stellar member of the Judo team for 4 years. He has been married to his wife for
44 years. Together Anna de la Garza and Richard are very proud parents of 5
children; Rich, Andree, Raul Rene, Dina and Lori: a doctor of optometry, an
interior decorator, an engineer, an elementary teacher and a teacher/coach
respectably.
Richard went on to coach in Edinburg for 22 years under Coach Scott, Verle
Cray, Barry Copenhaver, Carlos Esquivel, and Richard R. Flores. He coached
football, basketball, cross-country & track and moved up the coaching ranks to
become defensive coordinator and assistant athletic director. He helped
countless students become outstanding and productive citizens. Needing to
send his own kids to college he accepted a head coaching position back home in
Donna and took Luz Pedraza, quarterback for the ’61 Champs with him as
offensive coordinator. They took the Redskins to the play-offs two straight
years. He then moved on to become the Athletic Director for Corpus Christi ISD
for 11 years before retiring 7 years ago. Along the way, in 44 years of athletic
involvement, he officiated basketball for 25 years and was president of
basketball for the State of Texas; plus was president of the Texas High School
Athletic Director’s Association and has been inducted to several Hall of
Fame/Honor Associations.
Currently, Richard continues to serve the youth of Texas as an Adjunct
Professor at Texas A&M Corpus Christi supervising student teachers that plan to
teach and coach. He does in-service training for coaches and speaks at banquets
and clinics in Texas and has presented to coaches in Mexico in years past. He
served on the UIL State Advisory Committee for 6 years and still works with the
UIL as Executive Director of Region IV-3A Spring Meet (Academics, One-Act
Play, Golf, Tennis and Track) and Boys’ and Girls’ Regional Basketball
Tournaments.
member of the 1961 Donna Redskins Championship team, after high school and
not being big enough or fast enough to play college ball, he went off to New
York City for a year and then came back to Pan American College. Here he was
stellar member of the Judo team for 4 years. He has been married to his wife for
44 years. Together Anna de la Garza and Richard are very proud parents of 5
children; Rich, Andree, Raul Rene, Dina and Lori: a doctor of optometry, an
interior decorator, an engineer, an elementary teacher and a teacher/coach
respectably.
Richard went on to coach in Edinburg for 22 years under Coach Scott, Verle
Cray, Barry Copenhaver, Carlos Esquivel, and Richard R. Flores. He coached
football, basketball, cross-country & track and moved up the coaching ranks to
become defensive coordinator and assistant athletic director. He helped
countless students become outstanding and productive citizens. Needing to
send his own kids to college he accepted a head coaching position back home in
Donna and took Luz Pedraza, quarterback for the ’61 Champs with him as
offensive coordinator. They took the Redskins to the play-offs two straight
years. He then moved on to become the Athletic Director for Corpus Christi ISD
for 11 years before retiring 7 years ago. Along the way, in 44 years of athletic
involvement, he officiated basketball for 25 years and was president of
basketball for the State of Texas; plus was president of the Texas High School
Athletic Director’s Association and has been inducted to several Hall of
Fame/Honor Associations.
Currently, Richard continues to serve the youth of Texas as an Adjunct
Professor at Texas A&M Corpus Christi supervising student teachers that plan to
teach and coach. He does in-service training for coaches and speaks at banquets
and clinics in Texas and has presented to coaches in Mexico in years past. He
served on the UIL State Advisory Committee for 6 years and still works with the
UIL as Executive Director of Region IV-3A Spring Meet (Academics, One-Act
Play, Golf, Tennis and Track) and Boys’ and Girls’ Regional Basketball
Tournaments.
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