Meet Robert DiTillio | Actor and Filmmaker

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

Hi Robert, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve loved movies since seeing my first one at a very young age. I found their ability to transport me into another world fascinating. When I was in high school, I started making movies with my friends, mostly on Super-8 film, in which I would act as well as help with production. But when I went to college, I studied business. I didn’t initially think about being an actor or filmmaker as a career choice. However, that quickly changed once I realized I did not want to be part of corporate America or have a 9 to 5 job in the same place for years. The imagination inherent in artistic pursuits inspired me and, more importantly, held my interest the way nothing else in life had. I knew I needed to be in the arts, and specifically the movie and television business. So, I set out to make that happen.

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.
Once I decided that I wanted a career in movies and TV, I did two things simultaneously. I started studying filmmaking at NYU’s School of Continuing Education, and acting at the renowned HB Studios in Greenwich Village, NY. After two years at both places, I started to look for work, and I found it. However, that presented the first challenge. Working in front of and behind the camera caused time conflicts I could not resolve. I made a decision that acting was what I wanted to pursue, so I gave up the production work. I’m passionate about acting, so it was the right choice. However, acting is a very difficult profession. There’s lots of competition for the same jobs, but more than that, there are a variety of reasons you may not get cast that have nothing to do with your talent and abilities. That’s a lesson I learned along the way. Not getting cast is not a personal rejection. For one reason or another, you are just not right for that particular role. Could be something as simple as you’re not short, or tall, enough. But I persevered and wound up doing a bunch of independent movies and music videos in New York. I moved to Los Angeles in 1992, hoping to get my SAG card. That happened within six weeks of my arrival. Since then, I’ve had roles in television, commercials, indy films, web series, and other projects of all shapes and sizes. In 2014, I joined a filmmakers collective called We Make Movies, mainly to act in other people’s projects. But, WMM inspired me to revisit that earlier, second part of my initial creative ambition, to make films. Since being with them, I’ve become an award-winning writer, as well as a director and producer. I’ve sort of come full circle from where I started. What I’m most proud of is my persistence. To quote one of my favorite movies, I’m a “Never give up, never surrender” kind of person. I’m also good at seeing and taking opportunities that arise unexpectedly, and I approach everything I do with integrity. I always strive to do the best work I can, no matter how difficult something is. What I’m most excited about right now is the short horror film I wrote, produced and directed, Easy To Scare, which I’m currently submitting to festivals.

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?
LA is full of great spots. Definitely a drive up PCH going as far as Point Dume at least, to see the beauty of the California coastline, and hopefully some dolphins swimming by. Then dinner at one of the great seafood restaurants on the highway. Most of my friends are into movies like me, so a visit to Hollywood Blvd., the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater. After that, dinner at the Formosa Café, one of the most iconic restaurants in town, and a frequent movie location as well. The Magic Castle is an unforgettable experience, so I’d take them there. After that, Yamashiro for the great atmosphere and beautiful views (unless we ate dinner at the Castle, then Yamashiro will have to be a different night!) West Hollywood is another great destination, and Barney’s Beanery is always a fun place to socialize. If they are into the music scene, the Whiskey has to be a stop. In fact, the whole Sunset Strip is worth a visit. And finally, one of my favorite places since I first visited here with my mom when I was five years old, Universal Studios. A must see for any fan of cinema. But before they leave, we must have breakfast or brunch at Jumpin’ Java in Studio City.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are several people and organizations that have had an important influence on my success and career, but if I had to pick one, it would be my wife and partner of the past 28 years, Christine DiTillio, who has given me more support, love and encouragement than anyone else in the world. Not to mention that she is an excellent actor in her own right and has used her skills to help me rehearse for hundreds of auditions and jobs over the years.

Website: http://www.imdb.me/robertditillio

Instagram: www.instagram.com/robertditillio

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/robertditillio

Twitter: https://twitter.com/robertditillio

Facebook: www.facebook.com/robertditillioactor

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@RobertDiTillio

Other: https://www.facebook.com/EasyToScare https://www.facebook.com/thebookclubshortfilm https://hidden-films.com/2020/06/23/actor-robert-ditillio-on-horror-makeup-endeavors-playing-a-cop-to-perfection-and-partying-with-dean-cain/ https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Fighter-Dean-Cain/dp/B07LGDZ2M4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3N8PY6JQU3GLS&keywords=dragon+fighter&qid=1564950386&s=instant-video&sprefix=dragon+fighter%2Cinstant-video%2C186&sr=1-1

Image Credits
Robert DiTillio, Christine DiTillio