Today we’d like to introduce you to Leo Quinones.
Leo, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a Covina Boy. In 1987 I went for my dream job, working for the Rick Dees In the Morning Show on 102.7 KIIS FM. It’s a move that changed the trajectory of my life. I believe I’m also the only person I know that went from an intern to an on-air personality at KIIS FM ever.
In 1997, I went to the Howard Stern radio station ‘97.1 the FM Talk Station’ & I started doing the Film Freak Movie Talk Show. It was a good run lasting 17 years!
I was hosting many events in the Southland, from giving away cars weekly at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, to hosting radio stations bashes everywhere from the Playboy Mansion to the “Mission Impossible” Red Carpet World Premiere, to hosting movie nights & cooking events at The Grove, Universal Citywalk & Disney’s El Capitan Theatre.
Here’s something you might find interesting, in October 2015, I suffered a major stroke paralyzing the entire right side of my body. My auto-immune system began attacking itself resulting in replacing (2) hips, A rare blood disease requiring (29) days at UCLA hospital & endless rehab.
What to do? I certainly considered retirement & calling it a day. Instead I used my stroke to work harder. Now I own/operate the Film Freak Tours. It is a dream come true! I’ve always looked at those dirty vans on Hollywood Boulevard & just wondered, ‘How can tourists get into one of those rickety vans?
So Film Freak Tours doesn’t do Beverly Hills or Celebrity Homes. We take you to 100% movie locations like “Pretty Woman,” “Back to the Future,” “Rocketman,” “Zombieland,” “Iron Man,” “The Big Lebowski,” & “The Aviator.” Check out my perfect record of over 150 ‘5 Star Reviews’ on TripAdvisor.
I take it as an honor to give tourists from all over the world the Hollywood Magic of their dreams!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not always a smooth road. Due to the stroke I had to take many speech therapy classes. After all, I made my living using my voice speaking & projecting while hosting high profile events.
The biggest challenge right now is getting back onto the Red Carpet, hosting events & doing celebrity interviews. In the past, I’ve interviewed Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell, Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer & Paul McCartney.
I will get back interviewing celebrities in my Film Freak Tours Mobile Studio.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Being the Film Freak has always been so simple to explain. It just means not having to defend your favorite movie – to anyone! Example; If I like the movie, “Step Brothers,” that’s my business. No stuffiness allowed.
I’m most proud of Film Freak Tours. Now any movie lover can enjoy something created just for them. I guess I’m known for being high-energy, somewhat opinionated, and having a good sense of humor. I will not stop until we’re thriving with no less than 10 Film Freak Tour Vehicles!
What sets you apart from others? Other tour guides talk into headphones & that’s basically it. You take their word on everything. I however I’ve lived this crazy TV/Radio life. I talk into a microphone, have a soundbar in every row. When I say, ‘There’s the ‘Pretty Woman” hotel, you can compare it by seeing it in real time up on our big screen, daylight readable TV. Also, there’s USB phone charging ports in every row! It’s a brand new technology never used in the tourist industry.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Hollywood will always be Hollywood. The City of Dreams. Tourism history will be built on what movies Hollywood makes today! Tourists who seek out more than the minimum effort will definitely reap benefits in terms of getting their money’s worth.
Pricing:
- Film Freak Movie Locations Tour $39.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.filmfreak.com
- Instagram: @FilmFreakTours
- Facebook: @FilmFreakTours
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-quinones-1066a145/
- Twitter: @FilmFreakLive
- Youtube: Leo Quinones
- Yelp: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32655-d25231451-Reviews-Film_Freak_Movie_Locations_Tour-Los_Angeles_California.html
- Other: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/leo-quinones1
Image Credits
Each Photo is legally cleared
