Meet Leonardo Foti | Screenwriter & Director

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

Hi Leonardo, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
That’s a tough one. I’m a screenwriter and a film director, so much of my decision-making comes from the creative side of my brain and functions with words like “inspiration” and “desire.” Not a lot of thinking went into pursuing an artistic career. Very early in my life, I realized I had an imagination that needed an outlet. The need to express my inner world was almost haunting, and the pain of keeping it all in was unbearable. I was lucky. I was fortunate to have found, early enough, a few teachers who understood me and guided me away from insanity into an artistic career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started off my career as a singer and an actor. Early in my development, I started to feel limited by what my own body and voice could accomplish, and that’s when I was lucky to find writing as an outlet for my ideas. As a screenwriter and a director, I have now limitless possibilities.

Getting where I am now professionally was difficult, of course. I came from Italy with a dream in my pocket, by myself, with only hopes and a lot of goodwill. I had to overcome language barriers, immigration protocols, financial hurdles, and an uphill climb in a business that has no mercy and no rule. I did it, and I’m still doing it. The final destination is still far ahead, but along the way, I’m encountering success, joy, and fulfillment, and I’m having a lot of FUN.

There are a few things that set me apart. Creatively my imagination has a unique quality that guides me toward stories that live ON THE EDGE. The edge of good and evil, the edge of right and wrong, the edge of funny and scary, the edge of beauty and oddness. This makes my scripts and my films unique. Some will like them, some will hate them. I care very little, so long that I get to move on and make the next one. I guess, by being on the edge, it’s easier for me to use my imagination to poke others, my audience, and push them to take a journey into their imagination.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A hike up the Hollywood hills is a must! Friman Canyon or Runyon Canyon make for beautiful views and a refreshing walk. I would then take them for brunch at Le Pain Quotidien in Beverly Hills or Studio City and enjoy some organic but delicious french brunch. A 45-minute ride will take us to Malibu, where the sun and waves can wash away any stress. In Malibu, we could end the afternoon with a shrimp cocktail by looking at the sunset at “The Sunset,” a little restaurant on the beach by Point Dume. If there’s still energy for a night out, LA never disappoints. I would recommend The Magic Castle for an exciting and elegant night. A late dinner at Yamashiro, overlooking the city and a comedy club. The all-improv show at The Groundlings on Friday night is just the funniest thing in town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My teachers! My first teacher, Alfredo Totti, my friend and vocal coach in Rome (Yes, I started my career as a singer). Alfredo was the first to understand my artistic soul and guide me into turning my creativity into my profession. Alfredo helped me find my voice, literally and figuratively. Secondly, I owe recognition to Dr. Rasio, my therapist, who was more than a therapist. He was a guide and gave me a sense of how to relate to my creative psyche. Last but not least, Martin Donovan, my friend and my mentor, who, to this day, teaches me how to write and reminds me this is a job that requires heart and integrity.

Website: www.leofoti.com

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