Wisdom from a fool...

Time Travel and You: Enjoying Tomorrows Ideas, Today.

2011-07-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

*WARNING: RANT IMMINENT*
...

-Let me start by saying, I love sci-fi. Like all nerds, I yearn for escapism. Most sci-fi tales (most hero tales in fact) center around someone being or feeling out of place, only to learn they're not only different, but special. As someone who's been an outsider for a long time, this is a very seductive concept. The things that separate them from normal society end up being their strength. What once alienated, now empowers. Some examples: The Matrix, Star Wars, Dune, Men in Black 2, The Last Starfighter, and so on. Also, my parents were really into sci-fi, so I'm sure that helped.
Now, that's just the intro. My father also turned me onto a book called "Chariots of The Gods" by Erich Daniken, which starts to tetter between sci-fi, and science theory. This was a pivotal moment, because it started to blur lines for me, in a good way. I started to realize that sci-fi was reflective, and often used as a metaphor (Robocop, Blade Runner, etc.). I love science anyway, but when I started to dig deeper, I found some amazing shit was going on, not too far from the stories and concepts I'd read about and seen in movies. It made me hungry for more information. Then I discovered Quantum Physics. This is some of the coolest shit I've ever heard. It deals with the fabric of space-time, and how we experience it. Some real life, science-non-fiction. Theory, yes, but still real science. With all of the data being collected from the Hadron Colliders, and current tech, we've started to realize that, some of the ideas from sci-fi may be more accurate than we thought.
This is one main reason I love J.J. Abrams. He incorporates real science theory into his stories, which I appreciate on many levels. For instance, in his remake of 'Star Trek', when Scotty is given the theory for Warp-Drive (which had not yet been discovered) he comments: "". I'm no astro-physicist, but I've done some research. And, this is, in fact, an ACTUAL theoretical concept for warp-travel. We can't move past the speed of light (c = 186k/mps), and even if we could move that fast, we still couldn't reach the closet neighboring galaxy in our lifetime. Black holes, or Worm Holes, were the model, the problem is if an organism (human for instance) tried to pass through an event horizon, we'd be torn apart from the sheer energy. But...if we can warp space-time AROUND an object, it could move anywhere in what would feel like an instant. This, gives me a nerd-gasm.
With all of that said, in my research, I've stumbled upon people, realistically discussing Time Travel. Now, this is no surprise, from as far back as H.G. Wells, people have thought about this. And whether considered crazy or not, scientists have explored this fringe notion for a while. But, only now are we starting to have a firm grasp on how truly relative it all is. Time is relative to a center of gravity. An object further from the center of gravity experiences time differently than objects closer to the center. So, if I went into space for an extended period, when I got back to Earth, I will have aged slightly less, and it will be as if I travelled into the future. The question is, where does that flexibility end? Some theorists have said, time doesn't exist at all! It's like space, it all exists as constant, we just move though it, as we do space, like moving from one end of a room to another. The other side is still there, I'm not. So we move, not time. It's our brain, and our rationale, that give us a coherent linear story, so we can function, instead of overwhelming ourselves with infinite stimuli. Which, ties nicely into quantum theory, which says everything that can happen, does, and we happen to be experiencing this particular one. At first, this made my brain spasm. "No time?! And, you make sense?! WTF!?" Then, it made me feel aware. This is tapping into a universal truth. The big one. What is it all about? I don't think I'm any closer to knowing, but in a time when exploitation and corruption are rampant, and money is worth more than life, we are also at a critical juncture as a species, and we may be on the verge of discovering some of the most mysterious and wonderful secrets of our Multi-verse. If any of this makes any sense, check out Michio Kaku, and the series "The Universe" from the History Channel... It'll stimulate your mind grapes. Or break them...

Love,

-R*

My Directorial Work...

2011-02-28T17:56:00.001-08:00

This is really just to have it all in one place... So, here it is:

Smart Phriend or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Phone from Rocco Rosanio on Vimeo.

Enjoy ;)

Love,

-R*

Tilt-Shifty

2010-10-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

Technicolor Pachyderm

2010-09-16T15:18:00.001-07:00

Summer is coming to a close, and in a place with no real indication of climate change, I've been forced to mind my calendar. Which is not without it's benefits, such as not appearing to be totally lost and actually knowing which day it is. I digress, but there have been some monumental changes in my paradigm. I have a Dinosaur in my life. Now, that may sound a little off-putting to some, maybe even dangerous. But let me assure you, there is nothing more gratifying than winning the affections of a carnivorous reptile lover. They tend to get bitey, but it's worth it. Also, I'm also starting my next feature script (with some help from aforementioned Dino), a comedy about a certain pop-culture sub-set (can't give away too much :P). I feel inspired, and it's beautiful. I'm hoping to hone some of that responsibility I've heard so much about and have this script in a finished 1st draft by the end of the month. I'll keep you posted. Also, if you haven't peeped it yet, check out my latest short: "Smart Phriend" on Vimeo.com or Facebook!
Until next time...

Love,
R*

- Posted on the run, from my iPhone

An object in motion...

2010-06-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

My mother is quite an interesting person, to say the least. She is psychic on some level, and she has been practicing astrology since before I was born. She recently sent me my transit, which is essentially your astrological chart for a certain period of time, in this case three months. It's funny how sometimes you need to be reminded of things you already know, and somehow hearing from an outside source makes them clearer and more profound. It was reassuring, because according to this I was right on track. I've been recently making some drastic changes in my professional life, and it's been great. Although, it has come with a level of uncertainty, and an intense energy that needs managing. Not unexpected, but still challenging. Being volatile goes both ways, it doesn't know the difference, we have to do our best to harness it, or be consumed by it. Therein lies the test. I've chosen my door, but walking through it is just the beginning. As long as I can maintain focus and not get sidetracked, this could be the precipice of a major coup in the modern life of Rocco. Stay tuned...

Love,
-R*

- Posted on the run, from my iPhone

Looking for art in all the wrong places...

2010-06-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

It's a funny thing when business and pleasure merge into a throbbing mess of complication. When personal relationships are the foundation of work, how do you keep it separate? It seems like a no-win. How do you "not take it personal"? And, it seems ultimately ironic that becoming friends with someone you want to work with can make things worse. If I made a film, the first thing I'm thinking is: "How do I involve my people with pertinent skills?" It's the same for most. Which is why this concept is even more confusing, because it seems that my recent attempts to collaborate with my "friends" has back-fired. Several times. In this week alone.

Now, I understand some things are not meant to be, and it doesn't discourage me at all from wanting to make art. It's just frustrating when people around you that you REALLY like working with, get absorbed into a "troop" that wants no part of you. I guess it's life's way of reminding me the only person you can really count on is yourself. I try not to take anything personally, but it gets difficult when you seem to be the odd man out.

With that said, all of this makes me extremely thankful for the people I can be creative with. It's easy to lose sight of the big picture when you're in a shit-storm, but when the chips are down, the whack people reveal themselves, as well as the amazing ones. Even though I've felt so insulted by the actions of some, the truly great ones have shone through the b.s. and reminded me how important they are (you know who you are). And, maybe sifting through the idiots and malcontents is what makes these sacred people so important.

Thanks for reading me vent...

Love,

-R*

Like a Phoenix

2010-02-25T14:16:00.001-08:00

The title pretty much says it all. I've been in a bit of a funk lately, hence my complete lack of interesting or insightful ramblings on this particular forum, but I'm back ;) I'm happy to report I've had a complete and utter turn around, which has led to many rewards from the universe. Now, I stress the order of events. I found my happy, THEN, and only then, did good things start happening. Once again, I've been reminded of one of life's basic principals: you get what you give. It's not as though some magical event transpired that gave me the strength to endure. It was my own decision to change my perspective, that allowed me to be open to the wonders being offered.
The point is, nothing will make you happy but yourself. The good things come to people who are in tune with themselves and their surroundings. So, there is hope for all of us, you just have to decide to love life, and it will love you back ;)

Until next time true believers...

"Life's a game but it's not fair, I break the rules so I don't care..."

Love
-R*

- Posted on the run, from my iPhone

Booyakasha...

2010-01-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

I'm another year older (as of 1/18, thanks you very much), and life is not without it's infinite barage of lessons and mishaps. Now, not trying to throw myself a pity party, but I have a penchant for the pessimistic. Knowing this, I've worked very hard to remind myself of the infinite wonder and mystery of things, and how futile negativity is. All that being said, I forget, and need to be reminded, and the crazy thing is that when you need it most is when you're the most blind to the fact. Sometimes it takes something drastic to bring you back to center, or a culmination of smaller things that finally add up, little droplets of rain eventually making a river that breaks a dam. Either way, I'm thankful for those reminders, in whatever incarnation. Recenty I've had a string of whack events happen to me (I'll spare the details), which didn't help the deep funk I've been in over the last months. But, ironically, it was these things that snapped me back to appreciate the important stuff, and it wasn't until I thought I would crack that it happened. Although, I'd like to think meditating and self-reflection have helped me to harness these moments is depairity and turn them into something positive. Because ultimately, positive begets positive, negative begets negative, and no one or no thing can break that cycle (either way) but you. I'm just happy to be on this side of the fence again, and I'm ready for MY new year. Stay posted...

Ps- LA, please stop raining...pretty please.

Love,
Rocco

- Posted on the run, from my iPhone

DTLA art walk and The Vault

2010-01-15T16:03:00.000-08:00

I had my first Downtown LA art walk excursion...and it was really dope. Amidst the homeless and hipster, the vibe was intense, a mix of disgust and awe. It's a crazy dynamic, there's a bit of tension admittedly, between the people who literally live in the street and the galleries patrons, but in my opinion it added to my expierience. There's something about watching someone with nothing left to lose and has several fresh wounds to his face, barter with a 20-something in tight jeans and an ironic t-shirt for a cigarette and a sip of their beer. My real reason for going was to see my homie Stephen Buchanan (aka Cesl Rock) in a sketch comedy performance called "The Vault" @ the LAPT (Los Angeles Public Theater). The piece was written in one week, and it was a collaborative effort between all of the actors involved, and ran about 35 minutes. The house was packed, and some were turned away, but when the admission is a suggested donation of $3, how could you refuse? Anyway, it was hillarious. From "Avatar" addicts, to the Governator's strong-arm solutions for the budget crisis, I laughed my ass off. The best part, it's now going to happen every third Thursday, 10pm @ the LAPT 514 Spring St between 5th & 6th downtown. If you don't know, act like you know...

Love,
-R*

- Posted on the run, from my iPhone

To boldly go where no one has gone before...

2009-05-28T09:03:00.001-07:00

I just saw the new Stark Trek (J.J. did his thing), and it rocked the casbah. I was super entertained, I'm sad I missed the IMAX. Ce la vie. It's new comic-book day (normally it's Wednesday, but Memorial day threw it off, and I find myself giddy with anticipation for the new Deadpool (which, since the new X-Men movie have been selling like hotcakes), but also pensive. I've been here now for about 1 & 1/2 years, and I felt it was time to check in with myself.

I've finished my script, and now, I have to get it made. Honestly, writing the script is most of the work. If your movie is good, you have a easier time getting it made, it's not rocket science. Not always, but most times (btw, any rich people interested in making a dark, beautiful, gritty drug-laced love story, or any movies for that matter, shoot me an email). I feel I've been productive, I've directed, edited, and produced two music videos (Nathan Nice: Perfect Somedays, and ceslrock: Buggo), plus the one short I wrote (BLU_SCRN). I've been trying to live up to my own expectations, and since the only acting work I've had access to has been commercially, I have quite a ways to go. I just got some new head shots (by Kendra Smith, excellent work) and cut a new theatrical demo reel together, so, I'm trying to get aggressive with sending my stuff out to managers and the like. Although, I know the only sure bet I have is my own script. My advice to people in this industry is: Sure, we all hope to be instantly discovered, but you can't sit around and wait for it to happen, you have to try to make it happen. In this case, I'm taking my own advice, and trying to bring to life my 98 page ticket. Take some responsibility for my career. At least I have to convince myself that I have some control, otherwise, you might as well play the lottery. I mean, if you resolve to make a professional living from acting, or writing, or any art, even if you are gambling, you should find a way to stack the deck ;)

ps - see Star Trek. And, if any casting peeps find this, please, cast me in the sequel. And, the Deadpool movie. ;P

'til next time kiddies.

love,

-R*

... on SAG and New Media.

2009-02-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

Today is a double-whammy, because I've got some shit on mind I've gotta share, and I can't hold back until tomorrow...

SAG. The Screen Actor's Guild. If you live in LA (unless you live in a cave), or are in the industry else where, you're aware that SAG has been on the verge of a potential strike for some time, a few month's to be more specific. There are quite a few issues on the table, such as force majeure (uncontrollable acts of nature/life that complicate or ruin a shoot), number of required SAG background per shoot, but the MOST IMPORTANT of all, is the NEW MEDIA (internet, webisodes, streaming video, video games, etc.). Not only the one area the AMPTP (alliance of motion picture and tv producers) is unwilling to bend which shows it's importance, it also will be the direction ALL future media will be going in. Long gone are the days of DVD rentals and purchases. Between internet piracy, hulu.com (which has been bought out, so someone's making money), and Netflix instant streaming, there won't even be a point to getting a cut of DVD usage/sales. If it wasn't for Criterion Collection, I wouldn't buy DVD's at all, and I'm nostalgic (in that I still like to shoot 35mm, and read actual magazines instead of e-zines), in other words, I'm the exception. People have switched over to digital (aka new media) means for everything. Music first, now film and TV are following the same path, and if we don't get our cut now, we never will, because it will only become more valuable, and harder to fight for.

I have to say, I'm very disappointed in my fellow SAG members for allowing petty scare tactics to make them forget what's important. I've heard things like: "We can afford to strike in this economy...". There are several things wrong with that.

1.) Oldest trick in the book. We're being tempted to take something in a moment of desperation, because we're not thinking clearly. People are afraid they're going to be broke, somehow they've been convinced that the idea of striking and losing money in these "dark" times is scarier than being fucked over for the rest of your career. Taking a shitty deal now, just so we don't strike, will negate any possibility of us getting our piece or New Media.

2.) We're actors, when are we ever stable? You may not book something for months at a time. We are supposed to prepare for this eventuality, with or without a strike, soooo, what really is the difference? None as far as I can see.

3.) I am an actor, professionally. This means, I rely on it to pay my bills and feed me (and my family someday), so the idea that because of these short-sighted deals our "leaders" are taking from the AMPTP will make that future bleak if not impossible, due to the horrible distribution of wealth being generated from the new, but soon to be predominant form of media. If we can't get a living wage, this already next-to-impossible dream, will become a nightmare.

4.) The only time New Media is confusing to the AMPTP is when is involves paying us. When it comes to copyright infringement on them, they seem to have a very clear idea of what's owed to them. I have seen several interviews on MSNBC, Bloomberg, and C-SPAN with producers, and they all seem very confident that they will make a ton of money from the transition to New Media, although it seems they don't plan on sharing with the talent. hmmm...

So, to conclude... New Media is of the UTMOST importance in these upcoming negotiations. DVD's are going the way of the dodo, and so will our pay check if we don't get informed, and start trying to figure out how not to get screwed. And, we can't be short-sighted, we have to keep the big picture in focus, and think about ten years down the line, not just a fix for right now (the AMPTP counts on us sacrificing our greater good for instant gratification).

In solidarity...

Love,

-R*

... on paying it forward.

2009-02-20T16:24:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if it's going to get as deep as the title may imply, but I feel it necessary to prepare anyone reading this for where ever my mind may wander. I do have a point to starting this, but I'm feeling a serious bout of digression coming on. On that note...

I just wrapped on an XBOX commercial (the details of which I can't say due to confidentiality, corny, but real), and it was quite amazing, to say the least. Not only was I very grateful for the opportunity to work in these crazy ass times, but the crew was amazing. In fact, so were the clients and the agency (which, trust me, is not always the case). I'm excited because apparently this is playing all over the world. This is a first for me. The funny part, the events preceding and following the actual shoot were like life was torturing me. My car broke down, my face broke out, my internet and cable went down, I was one broken shoelace from insanity. But I kept reminding myself of the fact I was shooting an international commercial, and that this was all just life testing me to see if I could practice what I preach. Now, this wasn't just an opportunity for me to brag, but I did want to say that I owe it all to my new-found positivity. I was in the middle of a torrential shit-storm a few months ago. And, at one point I said to myself, I'm not going to give up, and let this superfluous b.s. get to me. I realized that as hard as I've worked, and as good as I do my thing, NOTHING is promised, and I am not entitled to anything I haven't manifested on my own. This is also coming off of the heels of me finishing a script, starring in two short films, and directing a music video (all of which I produced or made moves to be involved with on my own tenacity). I'm not saying gifts from the universe aren't welcome and amazing, but that if you expect to write your ticket on that, you're in for constant disappointment. None of this good stuff started to happen until I took full responsibility for my situation and took steps to change it. If you can be truly happy and motivated in the face of adversity, you will succeed. When the chips are down, will you let things throw you off balance, or will you maintain clarity and maneuver like a champion. For me, I feel like my time in LA was to help me cultivate this. New York is one of the hardest places to live in the world, but I feel much more in my element, so it kind of evens it out. Here, it's a different kind of difficult, it's like working out using muscles you didn't even know you had. I feel like figuring this out was a gift, which is what prompted me to share this with the world. Enjoy, and remember: Breathe, and have fun...

Love,

-R*

I moved to LA, yada yada yada, I got my big break...

2008-12-09T02:48:00.000-08:00

So, I've been acting my whole life, professionally for many years, and I have yet to figure it out. The art I understand, but certain business aspects baffle my mind. All I do know, is that if given the choice between death, or not acting...it's a tough call. Not that it should ever get that intense, but if you are going to suffer the trials and tribulations of the entertainment industry, you should have an answer to that question.

On that note, I've noticed there are a lot of frustrated artists out here. And I have a bit of advice from my own experience:

This business can really show you what you're made of. If your not prepared to own your choices, for better or for worse, then pack your shit, move back in with mom, and figure out a plan B. You could also spend your life doing something else that's mundane but is more financially secure. But, if you're ready to face your inner demons, and love the decisions you make, good or bad, then you may have what it takes to ripple the pond that is show-business. You have to accept that, it will take an undeterminable amount of time, and that even if you land that dream job, nothing is promised. It's easy to let the rejection you experience, and the occasional bouts of poverty to jade you, and make you bitter. If not that, then the lack of recognition, not having an audition for months, let alone a booking, can and will have an effect, we are only human. The main difference between a success and a failure, is how we cope with what's thrown at us. My mother once said to me, "It's how you react that defines who you are, not what happens to you...". And that has been one of the best pieces of wisdom I've heard, especially in this business. You can let the negative shit you feel to get the best of you. The frustration can start to permeate from you almost like a stink, and it can get very strong. For me, the solution was to step away from myself, get out of my own head, and really try to remember why I even chose to be an actor and pursue this life. I feel happier, and more alive when I'm performing than when I do anything else. And that, is a beautiful thing. That, is what I want seeping from my pores: love, passion, creativity...not frustration or anger. I want the energy I felt the first time I stepped on stage to permeate my being. THAT, is what will make people want to be around you, and will separate you from the rest. This not only applies in the acting world, but in every aspect of life. I'm not saying to repress, or to be phony. I'm saying to focus on the positive, make peace with the bullshit, and realize you're living your dream (even if it sucks sometimes). Remember, on one coin there are two sides...

Until next time...

Love,

-R*

The Migration (On the front lines...)

2008-11-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

I am an artist. Actually, more specifically an actor. I moved to Los Angeles from New York to try to further my career (and less importantly, to see what this whole west-coast thing was all about). I grew up in the east, and like all humans, I feared the unknown. I was all like, "Fuck LA, I'll go when LA calls, why leave NY, it's so amazing". Now, NY is amazing, don't get me wrong, but in a business where any and every-thing is possible, and you have a better chance of being struck by lightening than "making it", why eliminate ANY avenue for success. It was worth exploring, at the very least. So I left my rent controlled apartment, packed a bag, and hit JFK. Well, not entirely true, I kicked it in Philadelphia with my mom for a week or two, and did a few days on a film before I left (get face time with the fam, and have a credit to roll out with: win-win.) After that, I departed via a JetBlue buddy pass I was bestowed with and came to Hollywood (aka Holly-hood). I was staying with a friend in an office (yes, an office) that he set-up to be livable, although I say livable loosely. Yes it was a roof, and walls, and there was a bathroom...but to shower or cook, we need to outsource to a friend's apartment around the corner (which I thanked the universe for everyday). Now, I lived in NYC for seven years, and I've seen some CRAZY shit. Two weeks on Hollywood Boulevard, blew it all out of the box, I mean that shit is INSANE! But, I digress, It's odd how you start appreciating the little things when you're in a crazy situation, like being alone. Which at the time, would only happen for the twenty minutes I spent in the shower (the bathrooms at the office were, well, office bathrooms shared by the floor. Not very private). But screw it, I was living the dream. I had been working with the agencies in New York that had offices in LA, so I figured it would only be a matter of time before I was right back in the swing of things. A smooth transition. I was half-right.

Here's some little tid-bits for any aspiring actors out there, especially if you want to do the bi-coastal jump:

a.) The agencies are the same, the agents are not. Nothing is guaranteed, just because NY reps you, does NOT mean LA will, and vice-versa.

b.) It's a whole new casting director circuit. All of the national bookings and call-backs in the world don't mean sh*t, and you will have to re-establish yourself (just remember, if you did it once, you can do it again)

c.) Find your inner producer. If you have any self-motivation, you will find there is a LOT of work here, you just may have to look under various rocks and shrubs. Learn to hone other film/stage related skills, and try a new approach. Learn to edit, do make-up, direct even...whatever you can do to stay productive, and maybe even meet other film makers who could later discover you act, and work with you on that level. You NEVER know.

d.) Network, Network, NETWORK!!

e.) Last but not least, put you $$ where your mouth is, and don't be a flake. Make your own films/plays and make them by any means necessary. If you can take something from idea to reality, you will not only attract other creative people, but you will be taken more seriously. There's a lot of crap out there, and a lot of talk with no action, use it to your advantage.

I'm not the best at taking my own advice, so I wouldn't expect anyone else to, but I'm speaking from experience. Since I've lived here, the only reason I've survived has been doing these things. I wrote and directed a short film that I also edited and produced. That film ended up getting me editing work which literally saved my life, it helped my solidify relationships with other film makers, allowed me to indulge my desire to direct, gave me a chance to act, and has brought other scripts my way that people want to make. I'm not saying it'll solve your problems, I'm still not anywhere close to where I want or need to be. But, it will help you survive another day, so you can be in the mix, and maybe get your break. In the mean time, I've discontinued (to put it lightly) my relationship with my legit/theatrical agents out here in LA, which set me back a bit, but I'm not discouraged. I've been writing as much as possible now, for two reasons. One, I have time and a voice, so I'm trying to use them wisely. Two, if no one GIVES you what you want, you have to TAKE it. I'm developing a pilot, and a feature screenplay, and you bet your ass I'm doing it for selfish reasons ;) Until next time...

ONE.