Meet Antonio Rumie | Filmmaker, Writer and Actor

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

Hi Antonio, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
It seems long overdue, but honestly, taking care of yourself is one of the most powerful habits I’ve developed—well, started to develop. I haven’t mastered it, but it’s a muscle we tend to overlook, even though it’s crucial to succeeding.

As artists, we face rejection, instability, and plenty of days where nothing seems certain. But when the moment finally comes to shine, we must be ready, focused and most importantly- ourselves.

Often times we forget, but being an artist is all about doing art. Whether or not you’re working, you should be doing it. EVERYDAY.

I remind myself just make something. Got to a park. Sing. Write. Paint. Dance in your room. Do a scene. Or simply look at a crowd. Anything to keep your creative muscles alive.

What I’ve slowly come to learn is this: my job of taking care of myself is just as important as my actual job. They’re partners, not opposites.

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.
It’s tricky. It’s so easy to picture your art in your own head, but when someone asks you to describe it, suddenly your mind goes blank.

I was that kid who dressed like a cowboy one day, and a pirate the next. I’d sit in front of the TV for hours, not even realizing I had memorized the entire dialogue of my favorite films. I knew early on that film was my path. I never even considered anything else. The question was never if, it was always where in this world I belonged.

Most of my training focused on acting, both in film and theater. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Acting for Film thinking, “Surely this will give me the answer.” But when I graduated… I still had the same question.

But along the way, something unexpected happened: I fell in love with every corner of this industry. All its little, hidden bits. I directed, produced, wrote scripts, designed sets and wardrobe.

As a kid, I always knew, I was not good at dancing. But suddenly, I now dance almost every day. Iv’e performed on stage, and even choreograph my own pieces.

Writing too. I was the student who voted for the “no-essay alternative” in English class. And yet, here I am, having written a sci-fi novel, multiple feature-length screenplays, and even a musical.

It took some time, but I realized: I don’t need to have a single answer. My art is all of it. The curiosity, the exploration, the constant reinvention. What sets me apart is my versatility.

I understand the emotional and technical sides of production. I can shift from creativity to logistics. I don’t want to be boxed into “just acting” or “just a director.” I want to keep learning. I want to keep creating.

Im at peace with keeping this question in my head, and slowly keep filling it up with more forms of expression I discover.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to eat. If there’s one thing I always prioritize on any trip, it’s where I’m going to eat. Honestly, food is what makes a trip for me.

Sure, LA has tons of trendy spots, but I find the best places are the hidden gems. They are the places stuck between buildings that you’d never think to enter. In a week, I’d take my friends on a pallet tour around the city: Greek, Arab, Italian, Japanese and even more cuisines. And by the end, do the same with desserts.

Now, I’m at a theme park. Call me old-fashioned, but there is nothing I love more than being on a rollercoaster. We’d hit Universal Studios, Disneyland, and then recover at Six Flags the next day.

But I also believe in stepping outside the LA bubble. We could take a mini road trip to San Diego, maybe San Francisco and then meet up at Vegas the next day.

Whether I’m the host or the guest, my goal is always the same: let’s try something new and out of the blue. That’s where the best memories are made.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I didn’t even have to think about it—my teachers and instructors from university. They’ve been, and continue to be, a tremendous influence on my life. They’ve seen my best, and definitely my worst, but were always by my side. They helped shape and strengthen my craft, and in many ways, helped me become the person I am today.

When I first stumbled into that school, I thought acting was my destiny. But I had no idea there was a whole world waiting for me. Thanks to the institution, I got to explore directing, writing, production, dance, even art design. And now I can say, without a doubt, what truly pumps my heart is being on set. Whether I’m in front of the camera, behind it, or somewhere in between—I just want to help make the magic happen.

I would like to acknowledge my acting teachers. In a world full of noise telling us how to “properly” grow up and be an “adult” they gave me permission to be a kid again—to live in the moment, and to revel in the present.

And, of course, my family. They have been my backbone since the very start. Even when I didn’t believe in myself, they did. They’ve picked me up, reminded me of who I am, and pushed me forward. As cliche as it might sound, I wouldn’t be here without them…

Website: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm16025645?ref_=hm_nv_usr_profile

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyrumie/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-rumie-b4b2a625b/

Image Credits
Muska and Andres Bernal