Meet Steven Tralongo | Screenwriter / Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steven Tralongo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure—it wasn’t something I set out to do from a young age. I didn’t come from a particularly creative family, and for a long time, I actually thought I wasn’t creative at all. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with ADHD just before turning thirty that I started to understand myself better, and in hindsight, it makes sense that I gravitated toward creative pursuits. There’s a spontaneity and fluidity to creative work that aligns with how my brain operates.

When you’re young, creative careers feel more exciting and full of possibility—certainly more thrilling than becoming an accountant. I grew up immersed in skateboard and snowboard culture, which had a huge influence on me. Those worlds are rooted in personal expression: from the way you dress, to the graphics on your board, to the music you choose for your video part. And of course, the videos themselves—we’d watch our favorites over and over.

During my freshman year at the University of Colorado, a guy on my dorm floor had a mini-DV camcorder. He’d film everything—us goofing off, skating, whatever—and then cut it all together, add music, and screen the edits in his room at the end of the week. We’d all pile in to watch, and it was such a blast. I asked for a camera for Christmas, and I was lucky enough to get one. That was probably the moment that set me on this path. I still remember the first time I cut a scene to music—the feeling I got from that was electric. I’ve been chasing that ever since.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is that I’ve been able to stand shoulder to shoulder with top up-and-coming commercial directors—creating work that holds its own—despite having only a fraction of the resources they’ve had access to. I’ve received recognition in the same conversations as directors with reps and production companies behind them, while I’ve remained unsigned and, in many ways, under the radar.

That reality can be both confusing and frustrating. There are times when it feels like I’m pushing a boulder uphill, watching peers get breaks that seem just out of reach. But over time, I’ve learned to shift my focus from what’s not happening to what is. This industry rewards resilience as much as it does raw talent, and I’ve come to see every challenge as a necessary part of the path.

Alongside my commercial work, I’ve also been developing as a writer and filmmaker. In 2024, a short comedy script I wrote made it onto Coverfly’s Red List as one of the highest-rated comedy shorts of the year—out of thousands of entries. That kind of recognition, especially for storytelling, means a lot to me. It affirms that I’m on the right track and that what I’m creating resonates.

It hasn’t been easy. There have been plenty of setbacks, long stretches of doubt, and moments where I questioned whether the effort was worth it. But I’ve grown through those seasons. I’ve learned to keep showing up, to keep sharpening my craft, and to stay grounded in the kind of work I want to make—emotional, cinematic storytelling that actually moves people.

What I want the world to know about me—and my story—is that I’m not here by accident. I didn’t stumble into this. I’ve fought for it. I’ve had to create my own momentum, time and time again, and I’m proud of the work that’s come out of that fight. My journey might not look like everyone else’s, but I think that’s what makes it interesting. It’s built on persistence, heart, and the refusal to quit.

I’m excited for what’s next. Because if I’ve gotten this far on grit alone—just imagine what’s possible with the right support behind me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Newport Beach, about 40 miles south of LA and with summer just around the corner it would be heavy on outdoor activities – Coffee at Miligram in the morning, bikes to the beach, backyard barbecue hangs, Bear Flag, pizza from Sugo, jazz night at Semitropic Wine, cocktails at the Cannery, a Duffy cruise around the bay.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There isn’t just one specific driving force behind where I am today—it’s more like a patchwork of people, ideas, and experiences that have helped me along the way. In the filmmaking world, Renny Maslow and Giorgio Scali, ASC, both brought me into their process and allowed me to learn under them. Watching people operate at a high level, up close, while doing the thing you’re aspiring to do—that kind of exposure is invaluable.

At USC film school, I had a writing professor named Mark Jonathan Harris who’s been a guiding presence over the years. He offered both practical advice and encouragement at times when I really needed it.

On the personal development side, reading Peak by Anders Ericsson was a major turning point. The ideas around growth versus fixed mindsets, neuroplasticity, and the power of deliberate practice had a profound impact on how I approach my work—and myself. I also revisit Robert Rodriguez’s interviews with Tim Ferriss often. There’s something about hearing how he operates—so lean, resourceful, and creatively fearless—that always re-centers me.

Getting my mental health in check has also played a huge role. Tackling depression, self-doubt, and negative self-talk through medication and IFS therapy has been transformative. ADHD coaching and the community I found through Production Transformation Academy (PTA) have also been instrumental in helping me find focus, accountability, and momentum.

And honestly, becoming a father has been one of the most humbling and transformative experiences of all. Raising two kids has forced me to grow in ways I never expected—it’s deepened my sense of responsibility, helped me better understand my values, and reminded me of the kind of person I want to be, both creatively and personally. They keep me grounded and motivated, and I’m endlessly grateful for that.

Website: https://www.steventralongo.com

Instagram: @stralongo

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steventralongo/

Youtube: https://vimeo.com/stralongo