Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonia Roman.
Hi Antonia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Like many people, I started out in musical theater and as I got older I was fascinated with Film and TV. It wasn’t until I graduated from College that I realized that I would transition into screen acting. Although I never took my acting career beyond being featured on TV, I knew I wanted to learn what went on behind the scenes. So I embarked on the opportunity to be a Production Assistant on various projects for some networks. It was with the hands-on experience for below-the-line various departments that I saw how much work it takes to bring creative ideas to the screen. Years later, I wanted an opportunity to produce some projects. I applied to be an associate producer for an indie film project in NY that unfortunately later on didn’t get funding, so that became a dead deal. But, a year later, I got a call from the Director who mentioned that he wanted me back because the project was revived and now it would be shooting in Los Angeles. Immediately, I jumped on board and had the privilege of being a co-executive producer.
It was that trajectory that led me on a mission to do more projects on the East Coast and then eventually in 2016, I moved to California. Living in LA, was a dream of mine when I was young and now here I am in my 50s living the dream. And I believe it was meant to be this way because you need to have thick skin to live in this state and you need to know how the industry operates. Every day is a new learning journey that will eventually get you to the end goal. I’ve been fortunate to get under my belt some proof of concept projects to shop around town. My recent “Lose to Win” film, is my directorial debut, which is currently in the festival circuit. I was honored to be asked by the writer, Robert Lee Davis, to be part of it.
During the pandemic, when life stopped, I along with other producers put together a Show Talent – Talent Show online that is in its third season. It gave artists a platform to stay active, performing in front of industry guests for feedback and networking. It was also in that 2020 year that I started my writing process focusing primarily on television structure. It was a crash course like no other as I was constantly aiming to meet a deadline for a contest or submission to a fellowship. I have to give due credit to many programs I participated in: Catalyst Writers Group, The Writers Room 50/50, Read Latinx Writers Initiative, ISA Fast Track Fellowship, and a scholarship from the Catalyst Storieroad Institute, just to name a few. It really takes a support system and people who believe in you. And now two years later I have a couple of pilot scripts ready for a green light.
As I continue to move forward with creating projects, my goal is to bring forth stories that can impact people’s lives.
As a Puerto Rican, Latina woman, I would like to see more representation on the screen. I’m with hope in achieving that goal.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
First and foremost, it takes money sometimes to really get what you need in bringing the creative style to a project.
And along with that is attaching showrunners, producers, directors, and actors. Which for many can at times seem impossible. However, it is true when they say “relationships” are key to conquering all those wants.
The pandemic lockdowns I believe made it hard for people to do the regular networking they relied on, but thanks to social media sites like clubhouse, Twitter, and Instagram, more connections became possible. The person you were never given an opportunity to talk with in the past was now front and center on all those audio and visual platforms.
It gave me an opportunity to build relationships in a different way bringing forth new collaborators to help bring projects to life. Something we were fortunate to be part of.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Producing, Directing, and now Writing for me, is my passion. I love putting together ideas from beginning to end and seeing them become a reality. Most of all, I like challenges. That is something that is evident in every creator’s project. But one way or another we progress to obtain an end product.
People know me as the go-to person. I may not always be able to attach myself to several projects but I am always willing to read at least some pages of a script and give feedback or consult. At that point, I’m like a cheerleader on the sidelines. We should always be encouraging each other with positive vibes.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Teamwork. You can’t do this industry alone, you need a great team. Every person counts when it comes to their contribution to making your vision come to life. Appreciate them. Remember them. So important to give credit where it is due. That is why keeping healthy relationships is crucial. Don’t burn your bridges! Although at times, the bridge might seem unstable, someone will eventually step in and reconstruct it, so that it becomes stable again.
What I mean by that is that sometimes you end up working with some toxic people in this industry but you must know how to conduct yourself in that situation. Before you know it, you have moved on to another project and you will end up with a better environment. No matter what, stay professional, respect others and be kind.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thatssofunnyentertainment.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoniaroman1
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/antoniaroman
Image Credits
DP Tony Shand, Director Antonia Roman, Writer Robert Lee Davis, and Actress Lana Baugus
