We were lucky to catch up with Alexi Gonzalez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alexi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
In 2020, after six years of dedicated work in the TV and Film industry, I found myself at a crossroads. For the past three years, I had been deeply involved with the hit Netflix series “On My Block” as an Associate Producer/Story Consultant/Assistant to the Showrunner. It was a role that evolved beyond just a title; I became the right-hand person to the Showrunner, intricately involved in every aspect of the production process—from the writer’s room to post-production and even marketing.
As the fourth and final season of the series approached, I was officially/unofficially offered the Directorship that I had been working towards since the beginning of my time with the show. Despite my excitement about this opportunity, concerns about returning in my previous capacity lingered.
Based on my experiences and what I witnessed in the previous seasons, I didn’t feel it was the safest environment for me to continue as an Associate Producer. So, I made the challenging decision to propose a change in my role. I suggested it would be best for me to step down as Associate Producer to focus solely on my role as Director and recommended hiring a new Assistant to the Showrunner to handle some of the duties I had been managing.
Initially, this proposal was well-received, with an understanding that my priority should be delivering the best creative services as a Director. However, late that evening, I received a phone call from the Showrunner and her husband, an executive producer on the show. They expressed concerns about the personal financial implications of my decision to give up my role as Associate Producer.
Despite my reservations, I agreed to sleep on the decision. The following morning, I offered a compromise: I would be willing to return to the show as a Story Consultant in the Writers Room to address the financial stability concerns they had expressed on my behalf. Unfortunately, this compromise was not well-received by the Showrunner, who accused me of being cocky, privileged, and disrespectful.
In the end, the Showrunner stated that all the Producers were in agreement that there was no place for me on the show, despite my years of dedication and hard work. I was uninvited to the show, but understanding the Showrunner intimately, I realized this was a call for me to grovel and seek forgiveness. To use gratitude as a shield from potentially losing everything I had worked for and been promised. In that moment on the phone, I genuinely thanked her for everything she taught me and all the opportunities she presented to me, wishing her luck on the show. It was the biggest risk I had ever taken. It was a heartbreaking moment, as my boss and mentor held a special place in my heart. However, I recognized that my mental health was suffering in that environment, and I couldn’t compromise on that.
As it turned out, the decision to uninvite me from the show was not discussed with the executive producers; they were told I left the show and did not know what happened between the Showrunner and me.
Following this career-altering event, I worked on an HBOMAX show as the pandemic started. My mental health declined further, struggling with an identity crisis and managing the fallout of my relationship with my previous Showrunner and mentor. I decided to take another risk in my life. I sold all my belongings and embraced a nomadic lifestyle, traveling the world and finding a newfound sense of freedom and happiness away from Hollywood. I started my “Eat. Pray. Love” era and loved it!
Then, out of the blue, I received a call from the Showrunner expressing a desire to finish what we had started together. I was officially offered the Directorship for the fourth and final season of “On My Block.” This journey taught me the importance of prioritizing my mental health and staying true to myself, even in the face of adversity. It was a risk that ultimately led to new opportunities and personal growth.
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?
I’m Alexi Gonzalez, a seasoned professional with a decade-long journey weaving through the realms of TV production, travel, and comedy. From directing an episode for Netflix to founding Womb Mates Branding during a transformative three-year exploration across the US and Europe, my path is as diverse as it is captivating. With a knack for inspiring teamwork and ensuring seamless coordination, my leadership shines through collaborative endeavors, leaving a lasting impact on every project I undertake.
As the curtains draw on a nomadic chapter, I set sights on new creative horizons, poised to infuse future endeavors with a wealth of experience and boundless enthusiasm. My global odyssey has been a tapestry of discovery, from traversing 10 states in a self-converted shuttle bus to immersing in the vibrant cultures of five European countries. Along the way, connections forged with fellow adventurers and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature have enriched every mile traveled.
As I transition to a more grounded phase of life, the lessons learned, friendships forged, and the enduring memories of the road fuel an unwavering passion for storytelling and creative expression. The journey may have its twists and turns, but for me, each step is an opportunity to craft narratives that inspire, entertain, and celebrate the extraordinary tapestry of life.
At the heart of my next chapter lies a commitment to harnessing creativity as a force for positive change. With a wealth of experience in production management and creative leadership, I embark on a new journey. Driven by a passion for laughter and a belief in the transformative power of art, my vision encompasses the creation of a dynamic, multi-hyphenated comedy writers’ collective.
This collective serves as a fusion of an accountability group, management team, production house, creative council, and administrative support network. It’s a space where multi-hyphenate comedians can thrive, find balance, and unleash their creative potential. Inspired by the success of previous business ventures and fueled by a commitment to work-life balance and mental fitness, this collective is poised to revolutionize the industry.
Grounded in values of community, authenticity, and artistic expression, we aim to create a supportive ecosystem where laughter flourishes, ideas come to life, and artists thrive. Together, we embark on a journey to champion the art of comedy, celebrate the diversity of voices, and spread joy to audiences worldwide.
Starting my career as a dedicated Director, Writer, and Producer in Hollywood, my spiritual and mental health journey has been truly shaped by the incredible support of the nomadic and comedy communities. Their encouragement and resilience have helped me navigate challenges and grow both personally and professionally to return to Hollywood as a strong artist and well-rounded human.
I believe that art should be done ethically, with respect and encouragement for everyone involved to bring their most creative and collaborative selves to the project. In my writing, my aim is for audiences to see themselves in my characters—not because of their color, creed, or sexuality, but because they laugh at the same things, cry at the same things, and hold the same values. We see ourselves in characters because we all share the task of striving for happiness in some form.
Through the prism of dynamic characters, we can recognize the humanity within all people. I’m passionate about offering audiences characters that are nuanced, leaving room for reflective discussions about morals, beliefs, and ideologies. Regardless of genre, my goal is to encourage these discussions in all my projects.
However, I love animation, sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, with a healthy dose of comedy infused into each. I see humor as a means to disguise meaningful analysis of our current world. In other words, I believe covering broccoli with cheese is a fun way to get audiences to eat their vegetables and still enjoy it!
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
In an industry where many Directors and Showrunners lead like dictators, it’s crucial to recognize that filmmaking is a collaborative effort. Whether it’s a film, commercial, music video, short film, or television series, it takes a village to bring a vision to life. Each member of the team contributes their expertise, and their roles are integral to the project’s success. As a leader, it’s essential to appreciate and acknowledge the value that each team member brings to the table.
Maintaining high morale among your team is all about fostering collaboration and showing genuine gratitude. Expressing authentic appreciation for every individual, regardless of their title, reinforces their importance to the project as a whole. Collaboration goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it involves actively listening to new ideas and demonstrating openness to different perspectives. While not every idea may be feasible, showing appreciation for team members’ contributions encourages creativity and innovation.
It’s essential to cultivate a culture of genuine collaboration and gratitude rather than viewing it as a strategic tactic. When team members feel valued and respected, they are more motivated to contribute their best work. I’ve found that some of the most creative and dedicated services come from individuals who believe in me personally, irrespective of the project. Building trust and belief in each other fosters a positive working environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas and talents to achieve shared goals.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into fostering a culture of collaboration, I highly recommend reading Ed Catmull’s “Creativity Inc.” It offers valuable insights into building creative environments and nurturing teamwork. Continuously honing your communication skills, whether through books, YouTube, podcasts, or workshops, is essential. This empowers you to engage in challenging, courageous, and necessary conversations with your team, which can be transformative in the long run.
Every action you take, and even those you don’t, contributes to shaping the tone and expectations of the culture within your project or workplace. Working on set can be intense, with long hours and high stakes, so I strive to maintain a sense of fun, positivity, and openness while remaining honest with my team. Creating an environment where team members feel supported, valued, and heard can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of production and fostering a collaborative spirit that drives success.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
A resource I wish I had known about earlier is the power of meditation and journaling. It seems simple and not revolutionary, but it truly changed my life, and I wish I had started earlier to contribute to my mental fitness and creative health. I began meditating when I started traveling full-time in my tiny home on wheels and joined the nomadic #vanlife community. On Instagram, it may seem like the community just parties in the desert and lives worry-free lives – and you are right, we do haha. But in addition to our gatherings and celebrations, most of the community is engaged in meaningful healing work that influences their creative pursuits, whether it’s music, art, videography, or other forms of expression. We are all processing and healing our own wounds from the world we left behind to become nomads. That was my intention when I decided to join this lifestyle – to discover my identity outside of my job title and art form.
Meditation was introduced to me at a nomad gathering that offered yoga and meditation workshops throughout the weekend. After attending one group meditation session, I glimpsed the healing work I could practice in the privacy of my daily morning routine. As a writer, I would only write to complete a passion project or because I was paid to do it. I rarely wrote if I knew no one would eventually read it. I decided to make it a habit to reflect, vent, question, and ponder in a notebook at the end of my meditation. It became a morning ritual to meditate and then journal.
When I first started, I asked myself a lot of questions: “How do I do this? Am I doing it right? Do I look stupid? Oh shit, Am I a hippie now for real for real?” The reality is there is no right or wrong way to meditate or journal. Being consistent is the only thing I would emphasize. Have fun with it! Sitting still and quiet with yourself might not sound appealing at first, but it is an opportunity to free your mind and choose what you want to do. You could do meditations to train a sense of calm in your body or to open up your sense of play and creativity, or simply reflect on all the things to be grateful for. There are no rules. Try different guided meditations and see what feels good to you. Journaling afterward is a great way to engage your creative mind further. Writing just for you and your eyes only is freeing. You’re free to question, examine, reflect, be sad, angry, happy, delusional – whatever it is, you are free to do it. That freedom will reflect in the creative work you present to others. Meditation and journaling are something I wish I had started at the beginning of my creative journey, but I’m blessed to have them now.
Contact Info:
- Website: I will have a new website to provide soon
- Instagram: @miss.mad.madam
- Other: Personal IG @miss.mad.madam Travel IG @wombmates.travel
Image Credits
Jared Gonzalez