Meet Sophia Gilberto | Aspiring Comedy Writer

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

Hi Sophia, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I remember the first night of college when my new roomies and I were all sitting around getting to know each other, possibly all sharing a single four loko, and it occurred to me how vastly different my upbringing truly was. I always knew it was different but severely underestimated the oddness of it all. I grew up as an only child of a single mom in RURAL New Hampshire, north and then north some more. From age nine to eighteen I attended an independent school that was built next to an Ashram. What is an Ashram? Glad you asked. In short, it is a place for religious retreat, a community of sorts where people go to meditate. This school was in no way religious but indeed was founded in the 70s in a house by some altruistic hippies who decided to start a school with the guidance of two spiritual teachers from India. Some key differences that set us apart, to name a few, were; the entire school only ate vegetarian on the premises, there were about 130 students total for K-12, there was no custodial staff- the kids cleaned everyday after lunch, and every morning the entire school would gather and the teachers would read us a story before our first class… to name just a few small quirks. (I swear I did not grow up in a cult.) I initially learned about this school in second grade from a little girl on my community soccer team. She had very thick curly hair that was always tied into a single long braid that reached below her jersey, I am happy to report that she continues to be my best friend.

Being with the same school mates your entire life creates a very specific bond that I could not, would not change for the world. However, once I got into the real world it felt harder to create a genuine connection since I did not have nine years to cultivate a relationship. Ever since I graduated high school I have gravitated towards smaller communities whether that be a workplace or a social scene and only now as I am writing this have I ever connected this to my upbringing. (Thanks Voyage LA for enabling me to have this breakthrough). These intimate settings I crave are very similar to where I would like to see myself in my career, a writers room. I love working with people and creating ideas, one of the reasons I love the art of directing.

The core values that I took away stick with me in different ways and at different times. It’s easy to forget where you came from as each year passes and you feel further and further away from your old self. So, I actively strive to remember my roots and reflect on the lessons and values that got me here. I promise myself to continue to look at situations from different perspectives, to value and understand nature, to be a forever student and most importantly to follow our school’s motto, Do Good, Be Good and Be One.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love comedy and I love creating characters with such specificity that you either love it or you hate it, I’m not here to appeal to the masses- unless you need a writer’s assistant in which case I will happily sell my soul. I went to school for television writing, specifically comedy writing. However, the past two years have forced me to go in a different comedic direction which is now dark comedy. This pandemic will beat the funny out of you if you let it and I won’t go down without a fight. Laughing at the things I cannot change gives me a sense of control- not to mention lifts some weight off my shoulders.

I have been fortunate enough to be able to stay in this city of angels with other creatives who motivate me to keep writing and creating. Last year I wrote a short (Karin & Brayana Join a Cult) with Project 321 where I wrote and directed a short all within one month which was exhilarating since I thrive on stress and anxiety (hear that Netflix?). The project that I am about to release has been two years in the making, I say that not for you to heighten your expectations but more so because we ended production in March of 2020. This spring it will finally be released and I could not be more excited about it!

This short is a dramatic satire about a family being torn apart by a plant who won’t play by their rules. Lookout for the title: DRACENA.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting I’d love to take them to the many botanical gardens and or Arboretums in the greater Los Angeles area! There are such vast varieties of plants and agriculture in this state that are open all year round it’d truly be a shame to miss. I also love the walk from Venice to Santa Monica, you can view the canals on the tiny side streets of Venice and take the boardwalk all the way to Santa Monica pier. I would also highly recommend stopping for a freshly baked doughnut at Sidecar Doughnuts. Then, stop for dinner at the Santa Monica Fish Market. To finish off the weekend, head to the east side to Smorgasburg on a Sunday to see the largest weekly open-air food market in America with many interesting merchandise vendors as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this Shoutout to the three main constants in my life. The first being my mother who is such a role model for me in the way that she hustles and gives to others. The second is my friend Haleigh, who is such a positive bright light always supporting me no matter what. Lastly, I’d like to thank my partner Nathan, who encourages me, listens to all the crazy things I say and loves me anyway. Love you all very much.

Website: www.sophiagilberto.com

Instagram: @sophiagilberto

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-gilberto

Twitter: @sophiagilberto

Other: Link to Project October – AKA – “Karin and Brayana Join a Cult” https://vimeo.com/474218455?fbclid=IwAR34-xeTuFjwHn5jtt6fXXKyD90b0lAhNtSR8iBIcXwPgP79jZozQmRiG3Q