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

Hi Gerry, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have started numerous businesses since fighting cancer 11 years ago. I decided I was going to pursue every dream I ever had. I had worked in theatre mostly but had dabbled in film work. I began Ferretti Films in 2017 and after a few Youtube series creations I made my first feature film The Mark. This led to more shorts and films and eventually to my current project the dramedy series The Fontanas. I also started my own band which began in 2019 and in 2023 evolved into one of the busiest bands on Long Island. And also in 2019 I founded The New York Long Island Film Festival (NYLIFF) which, now in its 6th year is growing every year. Starting each of these businesses came with its own set of goals and desires but all have at its central core a desire to create something for everyone that will elevate all who participate. As we rise we all rise. I am also father to two daughters and everything I do is also always with the goal of showing them that you can do anything and should always pursue your dreams, believe in yourself and do what you love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a young artist I wanted to be an actor. As I have grown I became more and more attracted to writing and directing. As a young writer I always hit a wall believing I had to write something epic, created from nothing! Eventually I learned to write from the heart and this changed everything. From my music, films and now television once I was able to tune into my innermost thoughts and freely express myself in my storytelling everything changed. I have learned not be afraid to put more of myself into my storytelling. Some stories are clearly reflective of who I am and some are very veiled where only those closest to me can see it. As my writing evolved, my confidence evolved and outside relationships evolved. With this some relationships fall apart as not everyone is happy to see others progress. Letting go of some people was difficult in the beginning but as time moved forward more positive people and things filled in those cracks. Being able to keep moving forward is vital. What sets me apart from many others is I am fortunate enough to have many interests and if film work is slow I move on to music, or working on a series or working on NYLIFF or a new podcast. I am never bored and have learned to enjoy quiet time with my dogs as much as being in a full arena performing with my band, showing a film or spending quiet time with loved ones. I also never let the “odds” affect my thinking. If you are doing, you are succeeding!

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?
As a family man the best times have never been about “where” but more about “with whom”. That being said Ihave had the best times camping in Lake George, traveling to Disney or someplace in The Poconos with my daughters. Not much can top that. I am known for not slowing down and vacations to me always entail, music, activities and seeing different environments and meeting new people. Everything I see and do somehow inspires my work and art and sharing all these different experiences raising my daughters has been the best. Now as my daughters are both heading towards lives of their own good times for me personally always involve doing something I love, at the top of the list is singing with my band and directing a film project. Traveling and meeting new like-minded people is fun and then returning to familiar surroundings. Balancing the simplicity of life and the complexity of this business is the greatest challenge. So if I am going to show you a good time, lets go someplace nostalgic, musical and fun!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I always shout out to my Dad and my children. My father was an artist and musician. I grew up in a musical household. My dad played clarinet and sax and was incredible. We would sit for hours and discuss music, movies, art and would always have friendly debates. This transcended to my relationship with my children. open lines of communication within those closest to me allowed me to show and express my true ambitions. My mother always discouraged “risky” entertainment pursuits, but my father understood and supported me. My children were always there for me as well but always knew that as much as I loved the arts, raising them came first. As they got older, I became more free to pursue my crafts. In one of my stories, a play I wrote one character says “Dreams don’t always come true when you want them to, they come true when they’re supposed to”. Patience is important. My daughters took that quote and made a wall plaque for me one Christmas which hangs proudly in my living room. My kids now know, pursue your wildest dreams, but be patient, stay positive and believe and anything and everything can happen. I also owe a lot to my good friend Katie Schrader who has been by my side through many of my projects as an actress, friend and co-producer…and someone to bounce my nutty ideas off of and help me see through the sometimes-frustrating creative process.

Website: nyliff.com themutantkings.com ferrettifilms.com

Instagram: GDF1965@AOL.COM

Youtube: Gerry Ferretti

Other: Ferrettifilms@gmail.com

Image Credits
All photo credits are Ferretti Films

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