Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio De Jesus Rodriguez
Hi Antonio De Jesus, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started off as most of us do, with a desire to be something more. A desire that starts off completely amorphous, but slowly, with small interactions, tinged with new inspirations, takes on shape. My aspirations were to be an actor. I once dreamed of having even the slightest chance to learn from the greats, Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson, and so many more. Working at a retail store when I was eighteen, I was paired up to work with a new hire. This man was tall, skinny, light skin, from Albania. At first, shyly he began to open up about his life, but once we became buddies, he started talking about film. He had emigrated from Albania to Cali, LA, all to pursue a dream in directing. I began to open up about my desires to become an actor. Soon after, we had a meeting at a Starbucks in NoHo. In this meeting we spoke about a lot of ideas, but the one that stuck with me was that I should write something, for him to direct. I explored the chance, penned it, and lo and behold, I fell in love with writing! We were both amazed that I had discovered a new desire, passion, and ambition. In this profession you don’t get to the top with only the help of one person, though. I still have a lot to climb, and I’ll have many to credit for that, but if it’s the first person that got me started, it’s my long lost friend, Toli.
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?
It hasn’t. This path I’m on, has been unfolding in a slow manner. Several obstacles have made their presence known, but ultimately, I believe we’re our biggest obstacle. We do what we want, when we want. Sadly, when one gets too comfortable, it can have disastrous effects. Even if it means things are totally ok in your life. But in a world that moves fast, as it is in Hollywood, we need to get the work done. That was one of my biggest challenges, getting out of my comfort zone. But I firmly believe Christ has a plan for all of us, and His perfect timing is proper. I had a time of being comfortable, now is the time to get out of that comfort. “Meeting the right people” is something you need. But the biggest defeat in a person’s life is meeting the wrong people. Not meeting those people might just be an even greater need. If you are aspiring to be something, but are held back by vices, or bad habits someone has encouraged on you, it’s time to get away.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a screenwriter! I write scripts in English, and Spanish. I never thought about it, but the bilingualism I acquired in my youth has helped me in ways I never thought possible. Now, as I begin writing my second Spanish screenplay, I am happy to say that I am reaching out to the Hispanic community with a personal story. This is something I’m proud of in my writing.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Be kind, help those that need help, and it’ll come back. Of course, be approachable, too. What good is being kind, if you have a shell that covers over it? Smile, and the opportunities will come. Getting involved with like minded people, in any profession, will get you closer to your goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rodriguezdantonio8.wixsite.com/my-site-2
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anteiradam?igsh=YzAwZjE1ZTI0Zg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
