Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Rubio.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My very first working experience in Hollywood was being an extra on a movie called “All The Marbles”. So exciting… knew I wanted more. I studied acting and soon booked acting roles in commercials and a few features. After some time, my good friend Dawn Gilliam, who is an A-list Script Supervisor (Star Wars, Black Panther) taught me how to be a script supervisor and I had a very good career doing that. Working on features like Blade, Training Day, Coach Carter watching and learning from great directors. In 2005, I was hired on Grey’s Anatomy. I did the 2nd episode and every episode except when I was acting on the show as Paramedic Nicole until I started directing.
Along the way, I helped, listened, watched and loaded up with even more experience until the Ex. Prod. Rob Corn gave me episode 920 to direct (he also gave me the Paramedic Nicole acting gig). Today, I am a working freelance director on such shows as Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, Code Black, Chicago PD, just to name a few.
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?
I have to say, for me, it was a pretty smooth road because of the support I had from my Grey’s family. They allowed me to go direct and come back to my job. The hardest decision was leaving to become a full-time director because I felt like I was leaving my family behind. I’ve heard of other shows giving crew members a chance to direct but after they direct a show, they can’t return as crew, they must move on.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Playing outside after school. Jumping rope, tag, gymnastics… just being active. Swimming, playing, riding bikes until the street lights came on, everyday!
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