1st AD How to Make Her Leave (2024)1st AD Area 5150Editor Cannibal Comedian (2023)1st AD In the Shadows (2022)Director The Last Magic Show (2017)Founder Synyster Films LLC1st AD How to Make Her Leave (2024)1st AD Area 5150Editor Cannibal Comedian (2023)1st AD In the Shadows (2022)Director The Last Magic Show (2017)Founder Synyster Films LLC
About
Story, craft, logistics & collaboration.
C.J. Guerrero is a San Antonio-based filmmaker with experience spanning the full production process — from developing concepts on the page to coordinating departments on set, directing performers, and finishing projects in post.
A graduate of the Los Angeles Film School with a Bachelor of Science in Film Production, C.J.'s emphasis was in writing and directing. His cross-departmental experience as an assistant director and line producer informs a practical, crew-first approach: make the day work and make the story land.
He is the founder of Synyster Films LLC, an independent production company dedicated to bold, character-driven genre films — especially horror and slasher projects. His creative interests center on stories that use atmosphere, tension, and practical production choices to create lasting impact.
B.S.Film Production, LA Film School
10Credited Productions
5Key Disciplines
2023Synyster Films Founded
01
I understand the director's creative priorities — and the realities of schedule, budget, safety, and crew workload.
02
I communicate clearly with department heads, talent, producers, and clients in fast-moving environments.
03
I approach editing as storytelling — building performance, rhythm, clarity, tension, and emotional payoff.
04
I bring a calm, solution-oriented mindset to every set — horror, drama, comedy, or commercial.
Education
Los Angeles Film School — Bachelor of Science in Film Production, emphasis in Writing & Directing
Current Feature Project
In Darkness
A mother's love can survive death. What it becomes afterward is another story.
In Darkness is a feature-length horror project written by Christopher Jason Guerrero. The story follows Prudence Pennywacker, who turns to witchcraft after the deaths of her husband and second child. As she attempts to complete a final ritual, her grief transforms into obsession — and she becomes willing to do anything, including kill, to get what she wants.
Professional production services across the full filmmaking pipeline — from page to screen.
Directing
Narrative projects with a focus on story, performance, visual atmosphere, and purposeful coverage. Specializing in horror, suspense, character-driven drama, and independent genre filmmaking.
1st Assistant Director
Helping sets stay focused, prepared, and moving. Detailed prep, strong communication, respect for each department, and an understanding of how to balance ambition with the realities of time and resources.
Line Producing
Translating creative ideas into workable production plans — scheduling, crew coordination, logistics, budget awareness, call-sheet support, and keeping projects organized from prep through wrap.
Editing
Story-first editing — building performance, rhythm, clarity, tension, and emotional payoff. Experienced in Avid and Adobe Premiere Pro.
Writing
Original material with an emphasis on high-concept genre storytelling, memorable characters, and production-conscious writing.
Creative Collaboration
Features, shorts, proof-of-concept projects, music videos, branded narrative work, and producing partnerships. Cast, crew, and creative collaborators welcome — Texas and beyond.
Synyster Films LLC
The Creative Home for Bold Genre Cinema
Synyster Films LLC is C.J. Guerrero's independent production company and creative home for horror, slasher, thriller, and genre projects. The company exists to develop stories with a strong point of view, create opportunities for collaborators, and bring ambitious independent work to the screen.
Horror FeaturesSlasher FilmsShort FilmsProof of ConceptMusic VideosProducing Partnerships
Behind-the-scenes moments, festivals, and the people along the way. Select a photograph to view the full image.
On set / First ADBehind the scenes / Script reviewSilicon Beach Film FestivalFilm community / The people along the wayMarina del Rey Film FestivalDays of the Dead / Event memoriesDays of the Dead / Connecting through filmDays of the Dead / A closer look
Contact
Let's Build Something Unforgettable.
Available for directing, assistant directing, line producing, editing, and select creative-production collaborations. If you have a feature, short, proof of concept, music video, commercial, or independent project that needs someone who understands both the creative and logistical sides of the work — let's talk.
