Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Albert DiCesare. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Albert, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I often struggle to find meaning in what I do. The mental, social, and physical toll of “making” is real, and I think every creative person understands that in their own way. I’m constantly asking myself if it’s worth it to keep going. When I feel like that, I remind myself why I started, what I’m proud of, and what I’ve accomplished so far. At its core, I think I do this to bring people together: to create families. I’ve been lucky enough to help grow a strong one over the past few years. I’ve been part of the Merlin Productions Boulder family since its beginning, and this project will always be the most meaningful to me.

Merlin Productions has a way of creating something out of nothing. Our first feature, Mustard Man, two years ago, was one of the most challenging and rewarding projects I’ve ever been part of. A small team, minimal funding, creative minds, hardworking hands, and true friendship. That combination made it one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. The trust we built through Mustard Man became the foundation for our second feature, The Day Players. That film tested us more than anything we’d done before. Our skills had grown, our trust had deepened, and people literally flew and drove from across the country to be part of this wild idea. Our creative family had grown!

The Day Players was shot in 30 days across more than 50 locations, and it came with its fair share of brutal challenges. But every single person who showed up was genuinely excited to be there, to share in the process, to build something together. Our crew, actors, friends, and family. They are the heartbeat of Merlin Productions. The happiest and most fulfilled I’ve ever felt was when we were all together, each person bringing their own skill set to serve a common vision. That’s why I do this.

I love that feeling of uncertainty. Wondering where this massive project of ours will lead. To the unknown, I think. And I’ve always said, and will keep saying: if we stick together, keep building, and keep having fun as a family, there’s nothing in the world we can’t do.

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?

My name is Albert Johnston DiCesare. I’m a musician, actor, writer, and filmmaker based between Los Angeles and New York. I grew up just outside Boulder, Colorado, and later moved to Santa Barbara, California, to pursue music more seriously. During my time there, I spent three years performing live with multiple bands, and that’s where I first developed a real passion for filmmaking and the creative process behind it.

Things evolved naturally from there. I had already been acting in theater for many years and had some early experience in film with Merlin Productions Boulder, but music was my primary focus. I think at that time, I was so focused on mastering my craft as a musician that I didn’t fully recognize how much storytelling and collaboration through film also inspired me. That changed in my second year at SBCC, when I realized I was dedicating just as much energy, if not more, to acting and filmmaking as I was to music. That realization taught me something important: I don’t have to limit myself to one creative pursuit. I can commit fully to each form of artistry that drives me.

At Merlin Productions Boulder, my team and I are continuing to grow and create together. We’re a collective of friends who build everything from the ground up, music, writing, cinematography, and post-production, all done in-house. We’re fortunate to have a strong community of friends and family who support what we do. Right now, we’re in post-production on our most recent feature, The Day Players. I helped write, produce, and act as one of the leads in the film. Currently, I’m focused on assistant editing, music production, and scoring, as we prepare the film to be pitch-ready for release.

What makes our team strong is that every member brings their own specialized skill set, and we all share the same creative drive. We’re excited to see where this next chapter takes us, and what challenges we’ll take on together.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal in life, one I’m still learning how to fully live, is to revel in every moment, even during the hard or uncertain times. This past summer, I was lucky enough to be part of two major projects: our feature film, The Day Players, and an incredible opportunity to act in the A24 TV series, Crystal Lake.

Last spring was a difficult period for me mentally, but every day on set this summer, and every night I played music, I could feel my mind slowing down. I was finally able to process how I was feeling. The joy I get from creating with friends, meeting new collaborators, and building something meaningful together genuinely keeps me grounded. It saves me.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Friends. You can always rely on people who want the same thing as you. Over the years, I’ve built a community across California, Colorado, and New York, people who all share the same goal: the liberation of their creativity. They’re the kind of people who will do anything for what they love, even if it means gaining nothing in return. When you surround yourself with people like that, anything is possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15534930/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nottalbert/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MerlinProductionsBoulder
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/merlinproductionsboulder/

Image Credits

Wiley Yankopoulos, Alex Arguijo