Meet John Piccarreto | Actor, Producer, Site Location Director and Creative Marketer

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

Hi John, why did you pursue a creative career?

In my past life, my career was in marketing and sales. I had a very successful career working for both Eastman Kodak and International Paper spanning thirty years between the two companies.

While on vacation in 1987 I believe, we were leaving Universal Studios after spending the day on tour there and when exiting the park, I was approached and asked to come for a screen test for a new pilot sitcom. After discussing the details for this pilot called “My Two Dads” I was reluctant due to my scheduling. My daughter was 6 months old and we had left her in Arizona with my in-laws while we took our 4 year old son to Disney and Universal. I was told by the scout that I would need to be at the screen test at 7 :30 am the next morning. This was a problem I was now facing since my flight out to Arizona from California was at 7 am; which we would then pick up our daughter and then fly back to NY (Home at that time) on a Red Eye flight and be back at work to Eastman Kodak the next day. All of this scheduling became a nightmare and so I declined the opportunity. As years passed it always haunted me and I repeatedly asked myself “What If”. I guess it was always a dream and aspiration I had and when the opportunity arose, I took the leap.

I have loved every minute of this new chapter in my life. I’ve had the privilege to be on so many different productions and featured working along side of some of the great artists I admire like Steve Carell in Space Force, Joe Montegna in “As We See It” and Criminal Minds” Patricia Heaton in “Carols Second Act, Billy Bob Thorton in “Goliath, Nathan Fillion in “The Rookie”, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in “The Lincoln Lawyer” Tim Allen “Last Man Standing” India de Beaufort in “ Night Court” and Jake Gyllenhaal in “Presumed Innocent” to name a few since the list goes on and on.

I’ve been blessed to do many independent short films in both lead and supporting roles and am currently involved in producing and cast in a feature Horror Film “Inner Child” written and Directed by Natalie Rodriguez. I am so excited to be a part of this production.

Throughout my Journey I continue to grow and perfect my craft as a SAG AFTRA Member. I find great joy and honor in being a part of my past productions which creates magic and entertainment to our audience and so look forward to future projects that allow me this amazing feeling and so rewarding at the same time. That said, it is a very competitive industry and requires a great deal of time and commitment staying abreast of industry changes and challenges. Auditions which require a great deal of work, understanding the project, becoming the character, self taping, editing and submitting seems like a blur at times. Also staying relevant with Social Media and Networking is also a tasking process. But that all said, when that moment arrives and you’ve booked it, there is no better feeling than once again being a part of that Magic on set!

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.

As an actor, I started doing basic background work. I found it very interesting, and wanted to be a sponge and learn as much as I could about all the elements surrounding the making of any production. I picked this up very quickly. I listen to direction I always arrive early on set, and read all the details thoroughly for what the production requirements are so that when I show up on set I am a dream come true for hair, makeup, and wardrobe. I believe it paid off because very quickly on I found myself being selected by the directors in different productions to be featured with the principal actors, no doubt, due to my appearance, and my professionalism that stood out in the crowd. I’ve Ben featured on shows such as Caroles Second Act, the Goldbergs, Last Man Standing, With Love, The Rookie, Young Sheldon, The Lincoln, Lawyer, Goliath, the Connors, most recently Night Court, Presumed Innocent, and The Family Business. I would also add that I was personally selected to play the role of the Beverly Hilton Hotel Mgr by the director at the last minute for the feature Film “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” The Whitney Houston Story. This work has allowed me to advance and to be cast for student films as the lead and cast in independent films as a supporting actor. Most recently, I am now involved in a project for a feature, horror, film, The Inner Child as associate producer, and cast in the film as well. I look back and now see that these have all been steppingstones in the progression of my career and the dividends are now surfacing for putting in the time, effort and commitment in perfecting my craft.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I would start with the Ronald Reagan library. I’ve been there several times, and each time that I am there I am thrilled to learn more about the history of our 40th president of the United States. There are so many interesting exhibits to learn about Ronald Reagan, and the first lady Nancy Reagan, as well as the revolving exhibits that come through that facility that only enriches your knowledge. Additionally, the grounds are absolutely beautiful and it is an emotional experience to visit both the president and the first ladies final resting place and memorial.

Then I would do some fun stuff like going to Hollywood do the walk of fame, visit the Hollywood sign, do some shopping, souvenirs etc. then head to Santa Monica to view the beaches and catch a bite to eat. I also like to experience taking them shopping to the Grove, it’s always a fun experience great restaurants, the outdoor mall and riding the trolley especially during the holidays because it is so beautifully decorated.

And then, depending on their interest, if there is amusements that they’re looking for we could always head to Magic Mountain Six Flags, or take a ride south to Disneyland, or even do a tour at Universal Studios. I like to give them options so they feel a part of the experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Well, I would have to say my wife Kathy would be instrumental. She definitely puts up with all of the last-minute changes due to production scheduling and long hours. Most importantly, has become my reader assisting me with my auditions. I certainly couldn’t do this without her help and patience. On a separate note, I have worked very closely with Christine Heneise. I met Christine on the set of Dead To Me. Since that time we have collaborated on many projects, including lead roles for student films,, producing our own short for a 48 hour film festival where we won seven nominations and continue collaborating together and now producing a feature horror film, which we should start filming in April 2024. Christine has been a wealth of information. We constantly bounce off each other for ideas, networking, etc. Sometimes in this industry, it feels like you’re alone so it’s really nice to know that we have each other’s back and always willing to help each other when it comes to perfecting our craft.

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

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLClcH67N6qbU997G7ZWdRvKKbiB_616_1&si=L1_ngRKRsJFEqoMS

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Image Credits
John Piccarreto