Tony Gentile’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tony Gentile . Check out our conversation below.

Tony, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that brings me joy is Fatherhood and being with my family. I just love having this other job that is sometimes very challenging, but also very rewarding. It forces me to learn, grow, and I love that.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Tony Gentile, a filmmaker and creative producer based in Oxnard, California. For the past two decades I’ve had the privilege of working in the entertainment industry in roles ranging from Senior Editor and Creative Producer to Director, helping bring stories to life for companies like MasterClass, One Commune, and a wide range of clients.

A few years ago, I started my own company ( www.bluewaterpost.com), where we focus on creating content that not only showcases products but also the stories behind them. What makes our work unique is that we approach every project with a documentary mindset, whether it’s an e-commerce video or a feature-length film, I’m always searching for the human element, the heartbeat of the story.

Right now, I’m especially excited about my feature documentary projects. My latest film, Shaping the Future: The Story of Lance Collins, (shapingthefuturemovie.com) explores the life of a surfboard shaper whose innovations transformed surf culture. I’m also developing a new film on former pro surfer and writer Dave Parmenter, as well as a project about world champion water skier Kristi Overton Johnson.

At the core of everything I do is a passion for storytelling as a way to preserve culture and inspire others. Whether it’s through client work, documentaries, or my new nonprofit initiative Shaping the Future, my mission is to capture and share stories that might otherwise be lost, and to help people see themselves reflected in them.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
The people that taught me most about work was my Father and Mother. When I was born, my parents were already separated. However, this allowed me to see them individually, which open the door to more of the things they were doing. I saw first hand what it took to be a mother of three with my mom. And let me tell you, my sister, brother and I were a handful. Then on the flip side of that, I was able to see my father’s passions and what it took for him to achieve his dreams. So those two people, who had very different paths showed me that the effort you put into anything is the what you get out of it. Hard work still does pay off.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
For me, failure taught me the value of taking risks. I used to play it safe, but once I started putting myself out there, trying new things, even if I wasn’t sure they’d work, it completely changed my perspective. Sometimes I fell flat, but each time I got back up, I came away with something I didn’t have before: experience, resilience, and confidence. Looking back, I realize those moments of struggle were just as important as the wins, because no one’s path to success is easy. It’s the stumbles that shape you.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I think the cultural value I’d always protect is authenticity, making sure stories are told truthfully and with respect for the people and communities they come from. For me, preserving culture through storytelling is a way of keeping it alive for future generations.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in the early mornings and late at night, when everything slows down. There’s a stillness in those moments that helps me reset and find balance, both mentally and physically. As someone who juggles family, work, and creative projects, those quiet bookends to the day give me the space to reflect, recharge, and get centered before diving into what’s next.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bluewaterpost.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salvadorgentile/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonygentilebluewaterpost/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.gentile.376
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WaveTools-f5t
• Other: https://www.shapingthefuturemovie.com