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

Nicole , appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Being an artist vs working in your chosen industry vs making ends meet are three very different things.

When directing a story I’ve written, there is nothing like it! I love brainstorming, bringing it all together, filming the project, and seeing it completed. I immediately want to do it again from the moment we say, “Wrap!” The indie filmmaking process is long and requires you to wear a lot of hats – which adds to the satisfaction when you’ve pulled it off!

The film industry, in general, is not glamourous. I started my film career as a Production Assistant and moved up to an Assistant Director on set. Both are members of the director’s team who help manage the many moving parts it requires to get the crew, cast, background actors, equipment, etc into place for each filming day. The hours are grueling and you are subjected to the elements. You, essentially, give up your every day life to be a part of the process, and you’re not guaranteed your next job.

All of that being said, I struggle with the idea of doing the same thing, every day, year after year, unless there is some sort of forward momentum. When you work on a film or tv show, the ins and outs of the day will have commonalities, and your general responsibilities are the same. However, each story will be different, the individuals and dynamic within the crew and cast will vary, and ultimately, there is (hopefully!) a finished product.

If I were ever to switch careers completely, I would want to better the world (something with helping people or the environment, perhaps?) and find a way to still create and be around creative people.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I began my filmmaking journey in Philadelphia, PA. I’ve always been a story teller. As a child I loved writing, making up skits, playing with my parent’s video camera, and performing in plays and musical theater. Initially, I wanted to pursue acting. Later, that shifted to wanting to tell my own stories and direct music videos (I watched A LOT of MTv).

I’m child of the 80’s, who was a teen in the 90’s. My influences are linked to such films as: STAR WARS, LABYRINTH, THE NEVER ENDING STORY, WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT, as well as the 90’s era music videos of the likes of Aerosmith and Tom Petty.

I attended Temple University and graduated with a bachelor’s in Film and Media Arts. The most pivotal moment of getting my film degree did not happen in school, rather, when I was connected to a crew member on the Kevin Smith film, “Jersey Girl,” through a member of the faculty. My internship (in the Locations Department) on the set provided me an education that is hard to come by at a university. It opened my eyes to the inner workings of a film set, and allowed me to make connections that would help me become a working member of the tight knit Philadelphia film community.

While still in college, I also fell in love with seeing live music and being a member of Philly’s local scene. I cultivated relationships with other indie filmmakers, musicians, and artists. This resulted in: directing music videos for John Faye, John & Brittany, and Ginger Coyle, writing, directing, and producing a ten episode web series, “Sadie,” as well as, producing two projects with South Fellini: “Alpha Girls: A Satanic Sorority Slasher” and “American Exorcist”

In 2016 I relocated to Atlanta, GA to follow the booming film industry in that area. In 2021 I wrote and directed the short film, “Buried,” soon to be wrapping up post-production.

I’m super proud that when I’ve asked for help, whether it be in the form of time, money, equipment, etc, I’ve delivered on creating something I’m happy with and can share with all who believed in and supported me. I intend to continue doing so for as long as humanly possible.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I remember going to a town hall meeting as a teen to defend keeping arts and music classes in school. The arts have always been threatened by those who do not understand their value. It’s very difficult to make your living as an artist when its value is so subjective. It’s the career your parents don’t want you to have, and/or they worry for you when they know it’s your chosen path.

Living your life as an artist is choosing to survive by way of something other than your passion. Throughout my entire career working toward being a director in the film industry I’ve also been a swim instructor, substitute teacher, yoga instructor, and retail worker.

Whether it’s a book you love to read, a painting or photo you hang on your wall, a song you sing in the car, a show you escape with at the end of a long day, your favorite piece of clothing or jewelry, a building whose architecture you admire (the list could go on), it started as a seed of inspiration within an artist’s heart and mind.

People connect to each other, and within themselves, through creativity and art, even when they don’t consider themselves to be a creative person. It is easier to dismiss artists, then it is to dismiss their art.

I would ask that folks remember what it takes for an artist to provide you with that moment of connection or escape, and whenever possible, to support artists by shopping small, investing in their projects, and spreading the word about their work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I’ve always connected with films and television. I am able to see myself in the characters on the screen. My ultimate goal would be to share my own stories, and have others connect to them on that same level – whether it be from my personal experience, or something I felt would entertain and help an audience escape for a moment in time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nicoleagostino.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/sadiewebseries
• Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1750023/?ref_=fn_al_nm_2

Image Credits
Conrad Haber David Melendez Nicole Agostino Sarah San Juan