Roy Berkeley is a writer/director born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He was born with a genetic illness called Cystic Fibrosis, which he's battled throughout his life and has given him a personal interest in exploring the subject of death and its purpose. He graduated from New Mexico State University before attending the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. He resides in Los Angeles, working as both a Behavioral Therapist and as a Production Assistant on films.

 

What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?

Movies were always a form of escape for me growing up. I was born with cystic fibrosis, so I was sick a lot as a kid, and film became a way for me to cope with life—or sometimes avoid it altogether. That connection stayed with me over time, and eventually I realized I wanted to try making films myself. It started as something personal, but it grew into a career path.

 

Was attending SCA and USC always the goal? Share with us your journey to SCA.

I really wanted to move to Los Angeles to get more experience working on sets and improve as a filmmaker. I applied to USC’s School of Cinematic Arts without really thinking I would get in, but I took the application seriously and even made a short film for it. It was actually the only school I applied to. I ended up getting accepted for the Spring 2018 semester, which felt surreal.

Were there any classes, professors, or experiences during your time in school that were particularly impactful?

The most meaningful part of my experience was working with other students and building strong, supportive relationships. We all helped each other out on projects, and I still keep in touch with many of those people. Looking back now, I realize how special those connections were. In terms of classes, I really loved Rebekah McKendry’s horror production class. We had to shoot multiple short films during the COVID lockdown, which was challenging but also incredibly memorable and creatively rewarding.

 

Did COVID or your cystic fibrosis affect your studies?

Surprisingly, my cystic fibrosis didn’t impact me as much as people might expect during that time. I took a lot of precautions and was able to stay relatively healthy while continuing my work.

 

Congratulations on your feature Trauma 4 Life being selected for the 2026 LA IFS Film Festival! What was the inspiration and process behind Trauma 4 Life?

That film came from a very personal place. I had a month-long hospital stay between semesters where I went through a lot physically and emotionally, including invasive procedures. Writing the film became a way for me to process those experiences. After I graduated, I reached out to some people I went to school with and asked if they wanted to help me make it, so it also became a way to reconnect and collaborate with that community.

Were there any obstacles or challenges faced while making Trauma 4 Life? How did you handle/overcome them?

The biggest challenge was definitely the budget. I would run out of money, pause production, go work odd jobs or try to raise funds, and then start filming again. That cycle repeated for years. It was difficult, but I found a way to keep going. I think what helped most was believing in the project and continuing to support other filmmakers as well. When you help others with their work, they’re more likely to support you in return.

 

You have worked in a variety of roles on set. Do you have a favorite role, or is there a particular job such as director, producer, writer that you have a preference for?

I definitely prefer being a writer-director because that’s where I feel most comfortable creatively. That said, I’ve taken on other roles, like sound recording on student films, and those experiences were really valuable. Even when you’re not directing, you’re still learning by observing how others work, seeing their mistakes, and watching how they develop their craft.
 

I read a bit about your journey living with CF and how it has impacted your career as a filmmaker, and it’s inspiring! Your interest in visualizing trauma is fascinating. Why are you drawn to themes of trauma, and what genres or influences shape your work?

I’m really drawn to topics that people tend to push into the shadows—especially trauma—because the more we avoid those conversations, the more stigma builds around them. I think bringing those issues into the light can create a kind of catharsis and ultimately make life easier for people. When I’m the main creative voice, my work usually ends up in the horror genre because I naturally have a darker outlook. I’m very inspired by filmmakers like David Lynch, who aren’t afraid to explore strange, taboo, or uncomfortable ideas. That kind of honesty in storytelling is something I really value.

 

What advice would you give to other emerging artists and filmmakers?

I would say go after your dream, even if it feels unrealistic or you don’t have the resources yet. Just start anyway. At the same time, support the people around you. Everyone has something they’re passionate about, and the more you show up for others, the more they’ll show up for you.

 

What projects stand out to you, and what’s next?

One of my favorite experiences was my graduate 508 project, where we worked in small teams and rotated roles like director, cinematographer, and producer. I got to be the writer-director on my project, which was also about cystic fibrosis, so it was very personal. I still keep in touch with some of my collaborators and enjoy seeing how their careers are growing. As for what’s next, I’d like to make a smaller-scale short film. My last feature took years to complete, so I want to do something more contained—probably focused on the psychology of a serial killer, because I find that subject really fascinating and important to understanding human behavior.

Additional Links: Instagram: @royberkeley. Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/royberkeley

Story by Emily Tutnick