Meet Carlos Moreno Jr

We recently connected with Carlos Moreno Jr and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My profound work ethic was nurtured by my esteemed acting teacher and mentor, the late Milton Katselas. From September 11, 2001, until his passing in 2008, I had the privilege of studying under his guidance. Following his departure, I continued my education until 2013, seeking wisdom from various instructors at the Beverly Hills Playhouse.

Milton played a pivotal role in helping me discover the hidden gem within myself. I’d often grappled with feelings of inadequacy as an artist, doubting my own worth. However, Milton imparted invaluable lessons, teaching me to believe in myself, fostering enhanced self-esteem and confidence. His mantra, “The more you create, the more you believe; the more you believe, the more you create,” became a mantra I lived by. His parting wisdom to me was a simple yet powerful word: “Believe.”

In addition to bolstering my belief in myself, Milton also instilled in me a strong work ethic. I’ve wholeheartedly embraced his teachings, striving to work diligently and consistently. His wisdom echoed in my ears: “Continue to create, and, in time, the recognition will follow.” I wake up every day, eager to be fully present, allowing the art to flow through me. I perceive art in every nook and cranny of life, deliberately assimilating it into my craft as a writer, actor, and director.

Acting is an art form that lays bare one’s vulnerabilities. It is intensely personal, for we employ our bodies to channel the essence of our characters. Milton’s spirit lives on within me, and I honor his legacy by upholding a strong work ethic. I ensure that my work is executed to the best of my ability, grounded in the ethical principles of an artist.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a seasoned artist with over 30 years in the industry and I still feel as though I just arrived in Hollywood, I’m very optimistic. As an actor, I’ve appeared in over 70 Hollywood and independent films and tv shows from ‘Transformers’ to the show like ‘ER’ ‘Major Crimes’ and recently ‘9-1-1 ‘to playing four characters in the Oscar-winning animated film, ‘Coco.’

Born in McAllen, Texas and raised in the small nearby town of San Juan, I am the son of farmworkers who dreamed of becoming an actor from an early age.

I’m also a filmmaker and have written, produced and directed several short films and a micro web-series My latest short film, “Numb”, has won The Audience Award, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Song at festivals in 2022 and 2023. My directorial debut film “Habanero” won the Rayo Del Sol Award from CineSol Film Festival in Texas, while “Sweet Blight” earned the Audience Award from the California Women’s Film Festival. My recent short “Panacea,” a minimalist futuristic drama about the difficult choices in life, played festivals in Hollywood and Los Angeles as well as the Latino Filmmakers Network’s showcase during the Sundance Film Festival and is streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Google Play.

Currently, I’m developing the comedy web-series “Pepito’s America”, based on the infamous Latin Pepito jokes. 13 short vignettes of Pepito’s America were considered for an Emmy in the Short Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series in 2023. He was also being considered for an Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series as Pepito. The episodic sitcom series is currently being looked at by streaming platforms. On November 18th, LA Film Fest at LA Live showcased all episodes.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, I produced a public service announcement thanking children for helping in the fight against COVID-19 and reminding them about how to protect themselves. For the project titled “We’re All In This Together,” I brought together the “Little Voices of ‘Coco,’” a group of actors who voiced many characters in the Academy Award-winning animated film “Coco.” The video, available in both English and Spanish, was made available to schools nationwide and in Latin America.

Lastly, I am working to direct my first feature film, “No, Güey Jose,” a dark-comedy about a border agent and an immigrant.
A story about a border agent, Taylor, who forms an unlikely alliance with immigrant, Jose, in Mexico. Their survival journey unfolds comically as Taylor relies on Jose’s resourcefulness to escape a powerful cartel led by Don Martinez, driven by revenge. The film highlights the transformative power of friendship and humanitarianism in the face of revenge and love.

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?

Some skills that have made the most impact in my journey are: BE HONEST, BE ON TIME, RESPECT OTHERS, and NO COMMISSARY TALK.

Getting along with artists is a must in the industry. Deals have been shattered because of bad attitudes. I go by principal rules I created myself, LOVE, FORGIVE, RESPECT, GIVE and CELEBRATE/DANCE. These have helped me to be the best positive artist on any set, and I am always looking to solve problems, not give problems.

The few golden nuggets I’d give for those entering this journey of artistry is to be honest with your work, I try not to learn the next line, until I am sure what the previous lines mean to me viscerally. This is how I learn lines, not memorize them. I am more connected when I learn, not to memorize lines.

Being on time is so simple yet artists are always late. Arriving on time is “late” in my view. I always arrive 20–25 minutes ahead of my set time. The sooner you get this to be part of your regime, the better artist you’ll be.

I respect anyone on set. I treat everyone as if they are The President of The United States or Robert Redford. Because they might be the president or a Robert Redford in the future, and they will remember you. People tend to gravitate towards positive energy, and these are some qualities/skills I’ve learned to be my best.

Commissary talk can shut down a production. I learned from my mentor Milton that talking bad about others while working will eventually destroy the positive playground for artists. Try not to talk bad about anyone. If you have a problem with someone on set, deal with them with humor, charm and make it a positive experience so everyone wins, which includes the project.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Financial constraints often represent the primary hurdle faced by ‘genuine’ artists. What I mean by ‘genuine’ is I observe that artists in a stable financial position may lean towards superficiality or glibness in art. This is a trend clearly visible in the latest television shows, often lacking completion or adequate preparation. However, as an artist, it’s my need to create which leads me to do short films as a continuation of my creative journey. Doing these short subject films empower me to overcome the financial challenge.

The world of art is vast and filled with countless creations vying for attention. I regard my art as the finest radio channel, an Island amidst static noise. If my creations are well-made and finely tuned, they will pierce through this noise and reach the spectators. The more I believe, the more I create, the more I create, the more I believe, this is my creative cycle. I firmly hold that a heartfelt creation will resonate with others and attract their hearts and minds.

Therefore, I refuse to let a deficit of funds impede my creative process. I continue to produce the best work I can, focusing on the minutest details. My dedication has rewarded me with opportunities to showcase my work at global film festivals and reach a wider audience. Your creative ability needs to be recognized by just one person to set off a domino effect… I am still in pursuit of that one person. I believe that over time, financial abundance will naturally follow. In the meantime, I continue to create…and you should too.

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Carlos Moreno Jr

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