Meet Angelo Baxter | Screenwriter/Director/Actor

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

Hi Angelo, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always been an entertainer of some sorts, even throughout my military career. When I made the decision to move out to LA and got my son into acting, I knew this is where I wanted to be. I chose to retire from the military and pursue acting, which was great, but I wanted to do more. I have always had a comedic background so I pitched a movie idea to an executive producer while on set, and he told me that it’s a great idea and to send him a treatment for it. I had no clue as to what that was, so I ended up going to school to learn how to write screenplays. I then wrote that movie in 2022 and now it’s being pitched to several networks. After having wrote a few movies, I moved into directing, which I love. I think that an artistic career is what I had always been craving for. I always thought, if I wouldn’t have spent 21 years in the military, I could’ve probably been the next so-and-so…. but then I realized that, you are where you are, when you’re supposed to be there. I had to live and learn a lot and now I think it’s the perfect time for me continue to pursue all of my artistic endeavors.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a screenwriter and director and I would say what sets me apart from others is my identity and my experiences. There are literally hundreds of thousands of people that do what I do, but the difference is our voices, and what do we bring to the table. We may have had similar experiences, personally and professionally, but we each tell our story in different ways. My voice is one that combines genres and slices of life with moments of levity. Which has been my lifelong experience.

I’m mostly proud of the comedy film I wrote, which was optioned by a production company recently and being shopped around Hollywood. I’m working on another project that’s looking to go into production later this year as well. Overall, I’m just happy that I can create what I like, and it just so happens, other people like as well. So I would say I’m fortunate.

I got to where I am today honestly from going to film school. I graduated from the Screenwriting program at New York Film Academy at Los Angeles and they have an immersive program there and a plethora of professors that take a vested interest in your learning. At the end of the program you attend a pitch fest. At the pitch fest you have the opportunity to pitch your projects that you wrote while in school, to managers, agents, producers etc. They have several independent agencies as well as renowned agencies like CAA. During my pitch fest experience, several producers loved the tv show idea that I had pitched to them and that pilot script I wrote, was a springboard for a horror feature film writing opportunity, which I’m currently working on.

Nothing worth obtaining should be easy. If it’s simply given, there’s no sweat equity, no value in it, in my opinion. I can say that my journey wasn’t easy, but I will say that it taught me a lot about myself and things that I needed to work on if I wanted to continue to pursue this career field. For example, getting feedback on scripts that I wrote would destroy me at first. Until I learned that feedback is necessary and it’s wise to learn how to adjust to constructive criticism. We as artist put our vulnerabilities, our insecurities, our manifestations of our selves through our art, our to the public, I had to learn that it’s okay that everyone doesn’t care for my work, it’s art and it’s subjective. That was a character arc for me and it also taught me that a true artist should create the things that are within themselves, whether everyone enjoys it or not. That’s true artistic freedom.

I want the world to know that I am an artist that takes real life’s experiences and transforms them into something, hopefully someone can resonate with, someone that can walk away with some kind of message or someone that can just simply be entertained. I’m a screenwriter, with something to say and my goal is to empower others by finding ways to open up doors to marginalized audiences

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Food:
There is this fantastic brunch restaurant in Long Beach called Zuzu’s Petals.

There’s another amazing restaurant called MillCross Coffee Bar & Kitchen in Culver City.

Gotta go with some of my favorite BBQ spot- Da Bomb’s BBQ

Stonefire Grill has amazing ambience and always my go-to spot for lunch.

A local sandwich spot called #mydeli in Arcadia, CA. They have been making
some of the most flavorful sandwiches, I’ve ever had. It’s a mom and pop location and they treat you like family.

A soul food restaurant called Georgia’s in Long Beach, really has some savory options.

Mastro’s Steakhouse Malibu and Beverly Hills

Museums/Attractions:
I love the museums here in LA and believe these are a must see for anyone visiting.

Academy Museum

LaBrea Tar Pits

The Broad

Disney Concert Hall

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel

LACMA jazz nights on Friday

Any of the beaches, but I love Redondo Beach

Runyon Canyon

Hollywood sign

Walk of Fame

I’m also a fan of theater and comedy clubs, so I frequent the Pasadena Playhouse, and The Laugh Factory

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to God and helping me realize that all of the obstacles and struggles I had to go through were to get me where I am today.

Shoutout to my mother who tried her best and made the most of what we had.

Shoutout to my sisters Marlene and Deandrea and my son Eli, for always supporting me and checking on my well-being.

Shoutout to my Godmom Pauletta Moore, and my brother Corey Reed, who passed away. When I used to run away from home, I would go to his house and his mother would take me in as one of her own children. Their entire family helped me and I owe them a lifetime of gratitude.

I spoke with my brother before he passed away a year ago and I remember telling him that I was making movies and once I get something big, I was going to put him in it. He always supported me throughout my career. After he passed, I vowed to put his name in every film that I make, every script I write.

Shoutout to my son’s mom’s family especially her mother Dorethea. She gave me a place to stay and she and her family also welcomed me with open arms

Shoutout to everyone that helped encourage me along my journey. To many people to mention, but one in particular is Demetrius Stear. He and his lovely family whom I adore have always supported me and been a great inspiration for me.

Shoutout to all my supporters from my neighborhood in Indianapolis, Indiana, that still support me and show me love which is an amazing feeling. One day in the near future I would love to make a film there and cast locals from the city.

Shoutout to the U.S. Army, they taught me standards and discipline, accountability and responsibility. I’m grateful for the memories, experiences and lifelong relationships and lessons that I have gained during my journey.

And last but not least, I would like to give a shoutout to the New York Film Academy and their wonderful professors who all took me under their wings and groomed me to be the best I could possibly be.

Instagram: ayoo_thats_gelo