Life and Work with Cisco Reyes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cisco Reyes.

Cisco, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
20 years ago, in 1998, after I graduated from Morgan State University in Baltimore, I sold all my personal belongings, packed up my all my clothes and moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams of working in the film and television industry.

20 years later, I’ve been in over 50 movies and over 30 TV shows. I launched my own film company called Melting Pot Entertainment and have numerous film and tv projects in development.

It’s amazing how far faith, will power and determination can take you! My journey is not over!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I’ve lots of ups and downs. From broken friendships and relationships to car accidents, legal problems, financial issues and emotional turmoil. I’ve lost both my parents over the past year. I lost my mother in a house fire that really took a great deal out of me. I wasn’t sure if I was able to continue staying positive and pushing forward. I’ve had close friends and family take advantage of me throughout the years that made me build up walls and make it hard to trust people.

To women, I would tell them to create a strong foundation and support system of people they can trust. Be careful who you surround yourself with because others will judge you by the company you keep. You don’t want others making decisions about you based on the person you hang out with.

If you are pursuing your passion then make sure you train and study for it so people that can help will take you serious. Don’t ever depend on your looks or popularity.

Stay positive, focused, motivated and keep the faith.

Please tell us about Melting Pot Entertainment.
I’m a working actor and that’s what pays my bills. I’m best known for my role as “Jesus” in the crime comedy Next Day Air. I love doing comedy as well as dramas so I don’t really stick to one genre.

I have a degree in filmmaking so since I’ve launched Melting Pot Ent. I have been getting back to my roots and filming projects. I have directed two television pilots that I’m shopping around the industry right now. I’m very proud that my work is being well received and that the relationships that I’ve developed over the years have been very beneficial in getting these projects off the ground.

I love that my brand represents diversity. I call myself a TriniRican which is Trinidadian and Puerto Rican mix. My whole life represents diversity. I went to an all-white high school in Westchester, NY and then attended a HBCU aka Historically Black Colleges and University. Now I’m able to tell stories of every race and culture. I believe that’s what set me apart from the rest. Melting Pot Ent. produces all types of content from horror to drama to comedy, from film to tv, and shines light on every culture, creed, gender, and race. It’s important to me that we give a voice to the under-represented.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
It’s not about what you went through, it’s about how you made it through it. Never let your present circumstances dictate your future. You are stronger, smarter and better than any low point in your life. As long as you have faith in a power like God anything is possible!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ciscoreyes.com
• Email: ciscoreyesproductions@gmail.com
• Instagram: @ciscoreyes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeltingPotEnt/
• Twitter: @ciscoreyes

Image Credit:
Shai Davis, Doralynn Venelueza, Next Day Air, Pump Series, Acting Up Podcast

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