Rob Alicea is a director, screenwriter, producer, and actor in NYC. We got to chat with Rob Alicea about his series “Adulthood”, how NYC inspires him, and what is next for him in 2020.
upfrontNY: When did you know you wanted to pursue film and television?
Rob Alicea: Looking back, it feels like I’ve always known, though I didn’t step into an acting class before the age of nineteen. Once I got up in front of the class to perform my first monologue, it just felt right. Then, as luck would have it, I would be diagnosed with cancer shortly after my twentieth birthday. Just imagine being in the prime of your life, the whole world ahead of you, and suddenly you’re being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. While in the hospital I remember watching the DVD and listening to the audio commentary for Good Will Hunting – something about the hustle it took to get the film made, and the life-altering experience of it all, made me realize that I want to do that. So post-treatment, I kicked things in to full gear pursuing a career as a performer, and later a filmmaker.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about Adulthood?
Rob Alicea: Adulthood is a series I created about four best guy friends and how their lives get flipped upside down when a non-binary tween shows up on their doorstep claiming one of the four is xer dad. The series was originally created as a platform for my friends and I to have something to do, but it evolved into something bigger than I think any of us could have anticipated. Having Alexx Jording join the cast changed everything and helped us to realize that storytellers have both the responsibility and the privilege to be the voice for the voiceless.
upfrontNY: What has been your favorite part so far of filming Adulthood? Adulthood has won several awards. What is it like to see your work being recognized?
Rob Alicea: Writing is about reaching your audience to help give them some kind of catharsis, so seeing how the audience has responded has been such an amazing feeling. Like most artists, you tend to ask yourself, “Is this any good?” “Will anyone care?”, etc. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing people care for and about your characters as deeply as you do. And, of course, I’m lucky enough to work with my best friends. I won’t say that it doesn’t feel like work, because there are certainly long hours and the occasional bump or setback, but it’s all tackled with unwavering enthusiasm and a lot of laughs.
upfrontNY: You are a director, screenwriter, producer, and actor. Are you more passionate of one over the others?
Rob Alicea: It’s a question I’m frequently asked having began my career as an actor, followed by producer, writer and director. I look at each of those four disciplines as four different, but equally important, aspects of filmmaking. If I had to choose one, though, I would say my heart is drawn most powerfully toward writing – it’s an area that enables me to most deeply share myself with an audience.
upfrontNY: You started as a production assistant and worked your way up to becoming a producer. What advice do you give to others who are just starting out in the field?
Rob Alicea: Work hard, keep your eyes and ears open, and wherever you are- be there! We’re in a digital age where we’re constantly being pulled in so many different places at once… just a ton of distractions. The key is focus. But remember to have fun, too. On the flipside, it is an industry, which encourages people to work, work, work and not make much time for much else. A well balanced life is the key to happiness.
upfrontNY: How does NYC inspire you and your work?
Rob Alicea: The people, the energy, the hustle, truly nothing like it. I used to have an office, but eventually gave it up for my local coffee shop. I love being around other creatives who are working toward their goals. There is nothing like New York.
upfrontNY: What is next for you in 2020?
Rob Alicea: I’ll be directing a feature in 2020, releasing season 1 of Adulthood, and, will be teaching more. One of my favorite things to do is to teach others and share the joy with them that filmmaking has brought to my life.
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