We recently connected with Leonardo Santaiti and have shared our conversation below.
Leonardo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Absolutely, I’ve been fortunate enough to carve out a living solely through creative work, but let me tell you, it’s been a journey of patience, resilience, and a lot of learning from mistakes along the way. It all started with my passion for acting. There’s something magical about being on set—it’s my happy place. My first significant gig was a lead role in an indie feature, which took me to Argentina for three months. Coming back to the States was tough; audition after audition with no bookings really tested my resolve. That’s when I realized I couldn’t just wait for opportunities—I had to create them.
In 2011, I took the plunge and opened my own production company, starting with a bold move—a period piece for our first short film. Directing, producing, editing—I got a crash course in everything. Those skills proved invaluable as I started making videos for friends, which eventually turned into client work. Every set I worked on, every role I played, I was soaking up how things were done, which I then applied to my business.
As I built my acting career, I realized I hit a ceiling in Atlanta and needed a new challenge, which led me to LA. Octavia Spencer, during the shoot of ‘Allegiant,’ told me if I wanted to step up, LA was the place to be. It was a tough move—I had to start from scratch, losing the network I built in Atlanta. But through perseverance and leveraging my connections, I found new representation and clients, replicating the model I used back home.
The COVID lockdown was a real turning point. Unsure if I’d ever return to a physical set, I invested heavily in my home studio—upgrading my voice over and editing equipment. I even dove into motion graphics, a skill in high demand. It’s all about adapting, right?
Staying educated has been key. I continuously update my skills, like learning color grading and AI, to keep me competitive. And I always tell aspiring creatives—keep a steady income while building your creative career. It’s important to have that financial cushion. Last year, I went six months without my main client, which forced me to rebuild my client roster. Having multiple clients and not being afraid of long hours helps.
During those slower periods, I’ve learned to value the downtime. It gives me a chance to engage in other creative hobbies, like woodworking. It’s a wonderful outlet that keeps my creative spirit alive. I believe it’s crucial to always be creating, in one form or another, because it fuels my passion and keeps my skills sharp.
But at the end of the day, it’s about finding joy in what you do. I bring my own flavor to every project, caring deeply about the outcome. I’m still learning, still growing, and turning dreams into reality every day.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hello, readers! I’m Leonardo Santaiti, a first-generation American deeply rooted in my Italian-Argentinian heritage. Born in New York and raised in Atlanta, I’ve always been drawn to the art of storytelling, whether through spoken word, on screen, or behind the scenes.
After earning my Bachelor’s degree in International Business, I decided to chase what really excited me—acting. I landed my first big gig in the critically acclaimed film A Band of Rogues, which kicked off a career that’s taken me from blockbuster hits like Insurgent and Allegiant to voicing characters in Birds of Prey and American Dad!, not to mention some cool performance capture work for NFL Madden and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Yet, the stage holds a special place in my heart. Portraying Thomas Novachek in Venus in Fur allowed me to delve deep into the blend of drama and comedy I adore, bringing complex characters and rich stories to life.
In 2011, I launched Santitan, a production studio born from a mix of ambition and creativity. We’re not just making films; we’re turning the wild, uncharted territories of imagination into narratives that inspire and forge deep, emotional connections. I believe every story is an adventure, a chance to laugh, cry, and dream together.
You could say I’m a bit like a global cocktail—blending flavors from multiple cultures across different parts of the world. This unique mix not only spices up my life, but it also enriches every project I touch. This approach has stirred up some excitement, leading to award-winning shorts like Forgive Me Father and Pony Up, and even snagging me a nomination for my role in Picking Daisies at the Official Latino Film & Arts Festival.
One thing that really sets me apart in this competitive industry is not just what I create, but how I dive into each project. Whether I’m steering the ship from the start or jumping in to add some flavor, my approach mixes creativity, fun, and technical expertise. And if the recipe calls for it, I sprinkle in a bit of humor whenever I can because, let’s face it, while we’re here to inspire and make an impact, we gotta have some fun too, right? This mix of depth and playfulness not only makes my work unique but also keeps things fresh and enjoyable for everyone involved. And just like that, I’ve managed to turn this interview into a food review! Anyone else getting hungry?
That protein bar hit the spot, thanks. And I’m back! Now, where were we? Okay, yea—what I’m most proud of. It’s my ability to continually evolve and adapt. Whether I’m behind the camera or in front of it, I’m always diving into new techniques that enhance my storytelling. This relentless pursuit of improvement is what I bring to every project at Santitan. We don’t just solve problems; we create compelling, impactful narratives that do more than just tell a story—they make you feel it.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, know that when you engage with my work, you’re experiencing a piece of a lifelong journey of creative exploration and passion. Every project is an opportunity to create something unique, and I cherish the chance to bring new ideas to life. I invite you to join me on this journey, to create something truly unforgettable together, long after the screen fades to black.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
One of the best parts about being an artist? It’s definitely the connections and collaborations. Each project is like a journey we’re all on together, tossing around ideas and creating something truly memorable together. And collaborating just makes everything better.
What I truly love, though, is to entertain and bring joy to others, which in turn brings joy back to me. We form a beautiful feedback loop, feeding each other’s happiness. This is a vital part of why I do what I do—it magnifies the joy and spreads it further.
Getting deep into my craft also lets me dive into the deeper parts of what it means to be human, exploring those tricky parts of the soul and finding heaven right here on earth. It’s a reminder to myself, and hopefully to everyone who experiences my work—that we are all creators at heart.
So, why do I do what I do? It boils down to three simple things: explore, create, inspire. These words drive everything I do and they are, what I believe to be, the essence of being an artist. They keep me pushing boundaries and, hopefully, encourage others to start their own creative journeys
Have you ever had to pivot?
Pivoting has been a crucial part of my journey, as I mentioned before during the COVID lockdown, when filming halted, and the industry paused, I realized I needed to shift gears—not just to keep my career moving but also to stay creatively engaged.
I turned my attention more towards post-production. I invested in enhancing my home studio, upgraded my editing equipment, and delved deeper into skills, like motion graphics and voice-over work. This wasn’t just about adapting to the ‘new normal’; it was about taking control of my craft in a way I hadn’t before, becoming more self-sufficient and versatile.
This pivot wasn’t just a necessity—it became a significant growth opportunity. It allowed me to expand my offerings and approach projects with a more comprehensive perspective. I believe strongly that change is the only constant in life, and embracing it is crucial. Keeping up with change isn’t just about survival; it’s about evolution. I constantly strive to learn and adapt because that’s how we evolve—not just as professionals, but as people. Each pivot, each shift in direction is a chance to learn something new and apply it in ways that maybe I hadn’t thought of before. That mindset keeps me pushing forward, no matter what challenges come my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.santaiti.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonardosantaiti/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-santaiti/
- Twitter: https://x.com/LeoSantaiti
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SantitanStudios
Image Credits
Wes Klain, Peter Konerko