Home & Family Producer Romeo Escobar Talks About His Journey in the Entertainment Industry

Courtesy of Romeo Escobar

The Hype Magazine recently spoke to Romeo Escobar about his journey as a journalist to landing his dream job as the National Director for Miss Universe in Belize.

Romeo Escobar is a multi-time Emmy award-winning producer. He has over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry since getting his start in the business as an Intern for KABC shows “Eye on LA” and “Vista LA.” He would then later transition into a role as a producer for “Entertainment Tonight ” and “The Insider,” where he was given the opportunity to interview top public figures such as Jennifer Lopez and Will Smith. Working with both of these platforms allowed him to travel the world, covering events such as the Toronto Film Festival, and following the Jacksons on their tour in Morocco.

While Romeo currently works as a producer over entertainment at Los Angeles, KTLA (Channel 5 news), he is also the Senior talent booker for the Hallmark Channel’s morning show “Home & Family.”

As Romeo has been very busy making a name for himself in Hollywood, he makes sure to find time to work on projects he is passionate about.

So, in 2018, he accepted the position to be the National Director for Miss Universe in Belize, which, according to him, has been a dream of his since he was a little boy. He and his team in Belize and Los Angeles are responsible for sending a Belizean representative to the annual Miss Universe Pageant each year. Romeo shared with us that he is very proud of his Belizean/Salvadoran roots and sees it as an honor to be able to represent Belize on such a platform as the Miss Universe Pageant.

Romeo graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Television Production from Cal State Northridge, where he was also a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

Romeo shared with me that to be given this opportunity in this industry has been a true blessing and said this is only the beginning. He looks forward to the amazing opportunities the future will bring.

Courtesy of Romeo Escobar

Can you talk to us about your ethnic background and where you grew up?

I left Belize when I was five years old to my now home in Los Angeles, where I currently reside, despite this though I will always be proud of my Belizean/Salvadoran background.

What are some of your favorite dishes that you would recommend to tourists?

Everything! But for me, it’s simple ..Rice and Beans!

Why did you decide to attend Cal State Northridge?

Cal State Northridge is a HUGE school and has one of the best TV/Film programs in California. My cousin had previously graduated from CSUN, so I was familiar with the school. Once there I fell in love with the campus and even became part of the Greek System through TKE fraternity.

Courtesy of Romeo Escobar

You are entering your second year as the National Director for Miss Universe in Belize. Can you share with us how this opportunity presented itself?

I grew up watching Miss Universe with my family. It has always been a family tradition since I can remember. As a child, I dreamed of being the National Director for Belize. I always wanted to do something big for the country and what is bigger than being responsible for selecting our beauty ambassador for the Olympics of Beauty Pageants!

I applied for the franchise in 2016 and it ultimately went to someone else. I figured it was not my time. I went on with my busy life, working two full -time jobs and two part-time jobs in the entertainment industry. In 2018 the Miss Universe organization called me and asked me if I wanted to do it. I thought about it. How would I be able to take this on now with my busy schedule? I flew to NY to meet with the Miss Universe Organization and as soon as I walked into the Miss Universe headquarters, I knew there was no way I could say no! This was my childhood dream and hence here I am two years in!

Courtesy of Romeo Escobar

Have you been able to utilize your journalism degree in television production as the National Director of this Pageant?

I am a TV producer. That is my day-to-day job in LA, and I absolutely utilize my Television production degree and TV knowledge in this position. I write, produce, cast talent, and even stage manage for my National Pageant in Belize. Of course, I have an amazing team that helps me, but I am very hands-on.

Are you involved in any non-profit ventures allowing you to give back to the community?

I have been involved in many non-profit ventures throughout the years. My father is the president of a Non-Profit called I.F.L.A here in LA for over 20 years that gives back goods and monetary donations to Central America. So non-profit and giving back lives in my blood.

Also- my Miss Universe Belize title holders all take part in non-profit and community service work both in Belize and in Los Angeles. Giving back is a very important part of who we are as people.

Where do you see your career headed in the next five years?

I have achieved so much in my career. I have won three Emmy awards, traveled the world producing and interviewed almost all of my celeb idols. In the next five years, I see myself continuing to work in the television and beauty industry, but hopefully getting an opportunity to travel even more.

Courtesy of Romeo Escobar

Can you talk about your transition from journalism to your current position?

My degree is in TV production and I am still doing that. I am a producer for the number 1 news station in Los Angeles, KTLA Channel 5 news. I am also a senior talent booker for the Hallmark Channel’s morning show “Home & Family” and I run The Miss Universe Belize pageant and do publicity on the side, so I think everything that I do is intertwined. I bring all my skills and knowledge to everything I do.

You have interviews with public figures such as Jennifer Lopez and Will Smith. What were some of the things you learned from those experiences?

I learned that celebrities are human just like you and me. I learned that I don’t get nervous around anyone haha.

When you are looking to book talent for “Home & Family” on the Hall Mark Channel? What are some of the talent you are seeking?

We book so much talent daily, from experts to celebrities, cooks and even DIYers

Print journalism has transitioned more into digital journalism over the last five years. What would be your best advice for aspiring journalists out there looking for work?

I would say, be flexible and roll with the changes. If you don’t, you will be left behind. The best advice I always give younger people going into the industry is, be humble and be willing to put in the work. No job is too small. You may be a Production assistant one day and an Anchor the next. You work hard for what you want.

Instagram: @missuniversebelize

Facebook: @missuniversebelizepageant

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Tags: Cal State Northridge, Hallmark Channel, Home & Family, Jennifer Lopez, KTLA, Landon Buford, Landon Buford Interviews, Romeo Escobar, Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, The Hype Magazine, Will Smith

About the Author

Landon Buford Washington State Graduate Past Interviews include Grammy Award Winner Kenny G, David Banner, WNBA President Lisa Borders, What's Trending's CEO Shira Lazar, Ice Cube, NBC's Chicago PD LaRoyce Hawkins, Family Matters Darius McCrary, En Vogues Maxine Jones, Team USA Track & Field Member Norris Frederick, James Kyson, WNBA Great Lauren Jackson, and more.