Life & Work with Ela Rodriguez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ela Rodriguez.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Everything started when I was about five years old. A little girl born on a smaller island with big dreams. Always one to put on a show and making people laugh, I knew I was meant for great things. I participated in talent shows, plays, poem recitals, holiday specials, dance performances, and so much more. Entertainment has always been my priority.

When I got to High School, it was time to decide what I was going to do for the rest of my life. After a lot of thinking, I finally decided to pursue an Acting career and continue doing what I love the most. Unfortunately, for some people, acting isn’t a career… just a “hobby.” So, I started to reconsider my decision. Good thing is I’ve always liked to do many things so my options weren’t limited. Science and Math had been my favorite subjects in school, not that my other courses were lacking. I just found more enjoyment in them. I figured I could study Forensic Science because I liked investigation, solving mysteries and it had a lot to do with math and science. Even my parents thought it would be more beneficial if I had chosen that career. Obviously, I didn’t pursue Forensics or Investigation. In the end, it was my sister who reminded me that this… is my life. My choices. My career. She reminded me that what is most important is to find what makes ME happy. And surely enough… that was acting. I went to the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and a Minor in Filmmaking.

After graduating, I worked as a Theatre Instructor for a year to save up some money and jump into my next adventure: Hollywood! In 2020, I was accepted into the New York Film Academy, LA Campus, to pursue a Master’s Degree in Acting for Film. Immediately after my acceptance, I started packing, readying myself for the jump from Puerto Rico to California. Without hesitation, I moved to Los Angeles to start a new chapter in my life and two years later, I graduated Summa Cum Laude. Ever since then, I’ve been writing, producing, acting, modeling and working on set as much as I can. I consider every chance I have to be on set as an opportunity. A way to get one step closer to my goal. Whether those steps be big or small… I’ll be willing to take them until I’m where I want to be.

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 has been an incredible journey with many challenges. Nevertheless, I’ve came ready to do what it takes to achieve my goals. Some of my struggles along the way have been the lack of family, raising funds to support my projects and finding a reliable agent and/or manager. Being so far away from my family has been the most difficult. They’ve been my biggest inspiration and given me so much support in everything I do.

Not having enough funds to shoot projects I want to create has been an obstacle since it’s what I’m able to do right now. If I am not looking for a role or have downtime, I will write a role for me to play. This is all before I get the role that I’ve been dreaming of my whole life.

Finally, finding an agent/manager has been one of the biggest challenges. One way to achieve my goals faster as an actress is to have representation, but after many submissions, I haven’t had any lucky yet. However, these obstacles haven’t been an excuse to give up my dreams!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actress; as part of my acting career, I also dance and sing. I’ve been on stage since I was in Elementary school. Even though acting is my True North, I also enjoy writing, producing and directing.

Written, produced and co-directed by me: “BROKEN”, my most recent film, has been one of the most challenging projects I have ever done. But, without a doubt, the one I am most proud of. It tells the story of a woman who travels far away from home to work on her dream job, unfortunately her obsession with perfection affects her mental health causing her to almost end her life.

I like to make things happen for myself, I don’t just sit around waiting. That’s what sets me apart from others. Raised far away, in a different culture, different language, and with no family in Los Angeles, I have made the impossible possible. I have worked as a producer, writer, actor, model and production assistant in the Film Industry in Hollywood. I truly believe I have no time to waste. So, every day I wake up and get to work on something to help me get closer to my goal.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Never give up and always give my best. When things start to get difficult is the best moment TO DO something about it. Work. Create. To go out and tell the world “Hey! Good one, but I’m stronger than this”. If we let ourselves be guided by frustration, we will end up giving up and changing plans. BUT if we take that frustration and turn it into a possibility, we are definitely creating a brighter future for ourselves. If there is someone who should always believe in you, it is yourself, so in the face of difficulties, obstacles and everything that comes our way, we must always find a way to see an opportunity to keep fighting.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elarodriguez.com
• Instagram: elarodz_