Meet Juancho Rodriguez | Filmmaker & Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juancho Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juancho, why did you pursue a creative career?
I do not ever remember a time when I was not dreaming about working in a creative field, especially in entertainment. Ever since I was very little I was completely taken by the allure of the performance arts and how artistic expression is feeding and restorative to the soul.

What continues to intrigue me most, and what I continue workshopping in all of my current projects in development, is the power of story. Few people outside of the creative business might know this, but we as human beings are so attuned to the art of storytelling, and that is what drives me to continue creating in any capacity. There are still stories out there that must be told, there are still many storytellers who must have their story in front of others and, as long we continue living life, this need we have to connect with one another through art will never cease.

Quite honestly, I do not see myself devoting my life to anything else; creativity is both a calling and a craft that requires constant attention. And after having gone through a different career path in the past, a career in the arts is still the most fascinating way that I see to explore who we are as people.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
It has been an interesting road, no doubt. My life has taken unexpected turns, and at one point, I worked as an advertising executive with a hefty amount of exhausting work. It was not until about 5 years ago when I decided to take a grand leap of faith and pursue my journey as a filmmaker and artist — which has been the single most gratifying decision I have ever made.

A creative pursuit is never easy. Nobody really sees what you sacrifice, or rather invest, in order to see projects through all the way to the finish line. Everybody sees the recognition, the “luck” and the “success,” but it is very uncommon for others to see the working late hours, the jumping from meeting to meeting, the schlepping around from one place to the next, the constant rejection.

It is not a flowery road. However, what I will never get tired of saying is that in order for opportunity to find you, you must be there for it. My favorite word is “yes.” I say “yes” to pretty much everything. I will figure it out later. But saying “yes” allows you to be in places where “luck” can come a-knocking.

My story is still being written. In fact, I write a little for it every day. And I am not sure “brand” is the correct term for what I do. I create, I produce, and I help others do the same. My brand is my work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Miami: Wynwood is still in my radar. It is fascinating how the entire area has been transformed and now houses some of the most fascinating local artwork, restaurants and nightlife. I will not get fancy with this response. Wynwood is still the place for me.

In New York City: Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. Everything from Bowling Green to Wall Street to Broadway. That entire area steals my heart every time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I will say it again and again: John Leguizamo deserves a huge amount of recognition for where I am in this creative journey. Through John, I have met the most incredible and talented collaborators, both in Miami and New York City, who I continue being inspired by today.

I would also like to recognize the School of Entertainment & Design Technology at Miami Dade College.

And, most recently, the John Desotelle Studio, and their Nuance Theatre Co., in New York City.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juanchorodgz/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juansrodriguez3991/

Image Credits
Ivan Meza, Luis Muñoz