Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alex Nicoletti. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alex, appreciate you joining us today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?
I have been involved with the organization Best Buddies International for the past 11 years. This non-profit organization promotes the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in schools, the workforce, and community. I have become a filmmaker since switching my major in college from special education to film and media arts, and since graduating I have created three short films starring someone with Down Syndrome. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are severely underrepresented in film and television and I am doing my best in creating change. It isn’t that difficult to write roles for people. All you have to do is go out in the world, meet new friends, and figure out ways to incorporate them in your art.
Alex, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I broke into the commercial, television, and film industry in Philadelphia during the COVID-19 pandemic which was difficult to say the least. My first job was a Parking PA in which I had to stand outside for 12 hours and protect the parking spots for the production trucks. Over the following year, I worked as a production assistant until I was able to meet an Art Director on set who, among others, took me under his wing and helped me transition from set production assistant to only working as a Set Dresser, Prop Assistant, and now currently I am getting offers to work as Production Designer and Art Director. Working as a freelancer in the art department has helped me develop new craftsman skills, as well as communication and problem solving skills with a team on set. My experience on professional sets has helped me up the level on my own independent short film productions, and better myself as a director and producer.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice
NFTs are a perfect example of why physical media is so important. When you buy a movie on a streaming service, you don’t actually own it, you just own the link to stream it for unlimited times. When the streaming service decides they no longer want to carry that film, or the rights transfer to another company, that movie can be taken away from the people who “bought” it. I have a lot of friends who are graphic artists and I like the idea that people went crazy for digital art, but at the same time it was all for popularity and almost non of the hype was for the actual artists themselves. Don’t “buy” jpegs online for astronomical amounts of money. It can all be taken away with a click.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I entered college as a Civil Engineering major with my mind set on designing public spaces. I soon learned that is what you have to want to do above all else, because I then failed three courses over three semesters. I decided that if I didn’t change my major soon, I had the potential to waste my parents’ money and fall too far behind in my current major. I simply hated math and was fortunate to attend Temple University in Philadelphia, which had many other incredible programs to choose from. The following two semesters I was an Early Childhood and Special Ed major, before realizing I was simply going to school to then spend the rest of my life at a school.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexnicoletti.com
- Instagram: alex.nicoletti
