We recently connected with Taylor Taglianetti and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Taylor thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

To be honest, my priorities recently changed. In making my first feature documentary, I learned more about myself as a person than as a filmmaker.

After spending four years with my subject, 102-year-old Dr. Tucker, I’ve been inspired to model his lifestyle. I know I can’t be a doctor but I find myself looking for a day-to-day work situation where I can truly help people and also create human connection in such a fragmented society.

Although this was a dream project and I put my entire soul into actually getting this done and on my terms, it’s hard to know when documentaries end. I worked on this for four years and it could be another two years of screenings, etc. I didn’t get a salary and I put my life savings into this, too…I just felt a responsibility to make this as both a person and storyteller.

At the end of the process, I found myself being so moved by Howard that I feel like filmmaking isn’t the most immediate way for me to make an impact in society.

It’s easy to throw yourself into your work thinking it will save your soul and it only opens you up to the varieties of life instead.

I don’t want to abandon my creativity and I’m sure I’ll make another project in some capacity when the time is right. But I do find myself obsessed with the loneliness epidemic. I would like to do my part in alleviating it. Not sure what that looks like.

Filmmaking is a very lonely art despite it being collaborative. You sign a social contract where you don’t have free time to explore others. It’s hard to get someone outside the industry to understand your schedule.

I value a work-life balance these days. I do need stability and I am looking for my next role. But I am a stubborn and intense person. I need to find a role that allows me to exist as those things freely. I like coming up with my own ideas and executing impossibilities.

Hopefully I can find something in community building, third spaces, events, or marketing. These seem like worthy areas for me at this time in my life.

I say all of that while writing a script about a life-changing romantic relationship I was in. I would bet my life on the premise. It’s hard to let all of my parts co-exist…they’re all putting up a good fight.

Taylor, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am the Founder and President of the National Organization of Italian Americans in Film & Television (NOIAFT). I am also a producer, director, and celebrity interviewer. I recently directed and produced my first feature documentary “What’s Next?” which world premiered in April 2024 at Cleveland International Film Festival and was nominated for the Documentary Achievement Award at Miami Film Festival. In November 2024, the documentary had a sold-out screening at DOC NYC, the most influential documentary festival in America.

The documentary on 102-year-old neurologist, Dr. Howard Tucker, who is Guinness World Records’ “Oldest Practicing Doctor” has been featured by Good Morning America, The Today Show, The New York Times, CNN, CNBC, People and more. The TikTok account I created to promote Dr. Tucker has generated millions of views and launched him as an internet sensation.

My filmmaking career began at the age of 15 when I directed the short documentary Generation Hollow, which was produced by the leading non-profit Reel Works. The film won the Juror’s Choice for Outstanding Filmmaking at the 2014 Women of African Descent Film Festival and eerily foreshadows the current crisis of how AI is challenging humans in the arts. The film was also my ticket to acceptance at NYU Tisch, where I studied filmmaking.

I got into the film and media industry through a mix of perseverance, passion, and necessity.
My journey could not have been possible without the help of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, who believed in me when I was just 14 years old, awarding me scholarships for high school and later for NYU.. On my scholarship application, I promised to pay it forward, and that promise has guided my career ever since.

Back in 2015, Robert DeNiro was invited to make a graduation speech at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. His opening line was “Tisch graduates you made it… and now you’re fucked.”

The entertainment industry is not going to come knocking at your door to put you to work. The opportunities in the industry often depend on who you know, and not what you know. I discovered that quickly. I saw my peers’ getting opportunities through famous and wealthy relatives, and others like myself without any connections in the industry were left hanging onto a dream and little else. My parents sacrificed a lot to have me attend NYU. Tuition was not cheap. Whatever the scholarship didn’t cover, they paid out of their pocket. They didn’t want a student loan hanging over my head. So, I had little choice but to succeed. I was not going to let them down. I had to make something happen.

I had the idea to create a space where Italian Americans could network, learn, and grow without any barriers. Just as importantly, I wanted to be in a position to present Italian Americans in a positive light—to move away from the stereotypes and tired narratives that have plagued us in the media for far too long. In 2019, with limited resources and a lot of love, I decided to start NOIAFT, the National Organization of Italian Americans in Film and Television. Six years later, we have over 600 members.

Through NOIAFT, I strive to showcase the true diversity, talent, and richness of the Italian American experience, and provide a platform that brings Italian Americans together to support one another.

I used to think what set me apart from others was my energy. I actually think it’s resilience. In my life and in my work, I’ve had every reason to fail. My journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve stayed true to my vision and my integrity, and pushed forward despite many challenges behind-the-scenes.

From a strictly filmmaking perspective, I do think that I understand storytelling from both the artistic and business perspectives. I know how to fundraise, manage production, market a film, and get it in front of the right audience. That versatility allows me to approach challenges holistically, whether it’s launching a film, running a networking organization, or producing an event.

I’m incredibly proud of the impact What’s Next? has had, both as a film and as a movement. The story of Dr. Tucker has resonated with people of all ages, inspiring them to rethink aging and lifelong learning. Seeing the film sell out at festivals, generate worldwide media attention, and connect with audiences on such a deep level has been beyond rewarding.

I’m also proud of the community I’ve built through NOIAFT. When I started, I had no idea it would grow into such a powerful network. Seeing members land jobs, collaborate on projects, and elevate each other’s careers is a testament to why I started it in the first place. I want people to know that I am all in, whether I’m approaching a project, relationship or fleeting moment in time.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I have a pay it forward mentality. I spoke about it in my last response.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Honestly therapy. I think I would have approached my relationship with creativity and the practicalities of it differently if I had a better understanding of myself and what I wanted out of life earlier.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://noiaft.org/ and also https://www.whatsnextmovie.com/
• Instagram: @taylor.taglianetti @noiaft @whatsnextmovie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-taglianetti/

Image Credits

Taylor Taglianetti Solo Photo at DOC NYC – Credit: Colleen Sturtevant

Taylor Taglianetti and Dr. Howard Tucker at DOC NYC – Credit: Colleen Sturtevant

Photo of Dr. Howard Tucker with DOC NYC laurel: – Credit: What’s Next? Movie

Photo of Taylor Taglianetti being honored by the Italian Charities of American – No credit needed, just wanted to provide the description

Photo of Taylor Taglianetti and moderator at Hamptons Doc Fest – No credit needed, just wanted to provide the description

Photo of Dr. Howard Tucker at Progressive Field, still from “What’s Next?” – Credit: What’s Next? Movie