Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Juancho Rodriguez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Juancho, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
I would like to quote a recent interview that actress and director Bryce Dallas Howard gave about the importance “to be brave;” especially because it reminds me how brave you need to be when it comes to pursuing a dream so powerful for yourself.
Taking risks is not a skill you can particularly learn, but it is a mindset that you need to constantly feed, no matter how small or big your next goal is. Something that I have taken upon myself to do is to always say “yes,” and then worry about it later. I have discovered that thinking –– and overthinking –– scenarios from every different angle possible will only lead to frustration and fear. If a project lands in your lap and it is bigger than something you have anticipated, say “yes” to it immediately, and then work every angle possible in order to make that project a success.
In effect, I learned to fall in love with my fears, because if I am afraid, then that is a testament that what I am doing is worth the commitment.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a film producer, theatre-maker, writer, director, and actor residing in New York City – dividing my time between NYC and Miami. I am currently producing a few projects for theater, television, and film under my production banner Dawn Kino Entertainment.
Although my main creative focus has been filmmaking, I have gotten intimately involved with the world of theatre in New York City, especially since I am a strong believer that live theatre is quite an impactful and transcendental medium for rich storytelling.
I’m the director and producer of the award-winning documentary short, “In Human Kind,” and I’m also a producer on the upcoming feature film “Shadow Vaults.”
Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel the country with my colleague and dear friend, John Leguizamo, along with the most incredible, hard-working, and inspiring production team, shooting the MSNBC docuseries “Leguizamo Does America,” which premiered April 2023, and was just renewed for a second season.
I have a few very exciting things in the works, including a theatrical experience for young audiences with John Leguizamo; another stage production that I like to refer to as “immediate theatre;” a mega-production for “The Tragedy of Macbeth” in association with Nuance Theatre Company, led by director John DeSotelle, featuring Emmy Award-winning actress Judith Feingold as Lady Macbeth, and Sean Richards as Macbeth; and a music short I’m putting together with my creative family here in New York to be released late 2023.
The acting front is also getting busy…but we will talk about that at a different time.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I came into the entertainment industry, “later” in the game, with nothing but desire, a strong work ethic, and a good attitude; these are the three major skills that, even today, I always come back to when I am starting a new project, or even making it through a current one. These are also the same skills that I attempt to teach new creatives who may just be starting out in the business. Now, I am not sure these are skills in the literal sense of the word, but I wholeheartedly believe they are major forces that will propel you forward.
What I find crucial for someone who is beginning their journey, heck, even if they are already experienced professionals, is to have a good attitude: to make things easier for everybody on their team, to be an eager helping hand, to provide solutions instead of excuses, to always wear a smile on their face. This is the type of artist people want to work with.
Of course, you must nurture your talents and keep up to date with your craft in concurrence; nevertheless, if you are still in the beginner’s phase, your attitude and your ethics will work wonders.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I take a breather, I text a friend, I do something fun…then I remind myself why I am doing what I am doing.
Leading an artistic life, which is in essence an entrepreneurial life, is incredibly taxing and requires so much of you; however, if you adjust your mindset from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this,” you will always find the courage and the energy to continue your journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juanchorodgz/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juansrodriguez3991/
Image Credits
Ivan Meza; Angela Manfredonia
