Meet Thiago Leoni | Writer/Director

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

Hi Thiago, how does your business help the community?
Around four years ago, on the night that I put out my first short film, I received a random dm from a stranger who had, somehow, come across the movie. In the text, that person thanked me for materializing a feeling she was struggling to cope with, a feeling she couldn’t quite name nor really explain. For her, the feeling was more like a dark cloud roaming over her existence, a storm she thought was only pouring over herself. This person said that, after watching the film, she realized that she wasn’t alone. That the cloud wasn’t only there for her and that by seeing me push that cloud away through art, she began to understand that she could and should find her own way to do the same.

Honestly, I didn’t know what to say at the time. How could I respond to something like that? That was my first time understanding the true power and responsibility of making a film, and already on my first one, which I had made alone in my room. I thanked that person from the bottom of my heart for having gone through the trouble of finding me and reaching out. Little did they know that they were changing my life forever with those words.

After that message, many others followed and, as my films evolved, I learnt better what to say. Not only what to respond to the ones who reach out but, first, what to convey with my projects. What to mean. Today, I am proud to say that people around the globe seem to understand my words without even necessarily speaking my language. My goal is to continue trying to materialize feelings others might think are particular to them. To spark change and bring a sense of collectiveness in this world of many different tribes. I really hope this too can resonate with many. I guess we are all a bit in need for this right now.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the many things I’ve learned along the way is that, to take a step forward, I need to feel confident that I’m staying true to myself. We’re all human beings under constant change. Always being drawn to new influences, perceptions, insights. So try to understand how you are changing today. Pay attention to the person that’s speaking to you, remember your dreams, take in your surroundings, consider your decisions, allow yourself to breathe with your eyes closed. We are all sponges hungry to absorb whatever comes in our direction, so make an effort to be sure that you’re taking in what you think you need. Often, it’s not up to you to control that traffic, and that’s fine – it’s about remaining humble and aware of your transformation process.

Today, the risk of letting a thought pass me by and dissolve in space is what keeps me on my toes. David Lynch would more harshly say that forgetting an idea sparks a yearning to commit suicide. Well, I wouldn’t go that far. But, indeed, whether it’s a frame that captures my eye, a dialogue that reaches my ears, a melody that I’m humming, a dream that resonates, I feel relieved knowing that I have my camera and notebook on me. I guess recording is my way of staying present, of making the moment that just fled eternal. Then, in the future, if and when I use these fragments on a project, I know that the risk of me putting out something fake, something that doesn’t represent me, is no longer there.

So, yeah, I would say it’s all about staying present and aware of where you’re at, of where you want to be. Of looking back at your past not to avoid dealing with the present, but to gather source material in order to move forward with a stronger sense of direction. It’s about trying out new things, new tastes, new places, new movies, new sounds. I can openly say that, throughout my life, curiosity has led me to navigate many fields and interests. A huge chunk of them have stayed with me up until this day, and have proven to be crucial to my craft and day-to-day life. But the ones that, for some reason, didn’t stick, they never left in vain. Instead, they became part of my baggage, part of my knowledge. And, once I got to face them again, I already knew better how to approach them.

For artists and, specially, creators, the drive towards originality asks you to always leave this door open. To merge your reality, your memories, your experiences, all of that, with your work. There is no clocking out, and there is no clocking in either. Thus, even the word “work” kind of loses its meaning. During your day, you’re just being you, the youest-you you can be.

Up until here, my journey has been a compilation of lots of errors, lots of mistakes, lots of no’s and only a few good yes’s along the way. From making home movies, guitar songs, and editing samples in Rio de Janeiro, to writing and directing films, working in renowned movie sets and big production companies here in L.A, the road definitely wasn’t easy, but I’m still grateful for every single turn I took along the way. I do hope this is still somewhere around the middle of the 1st act, though.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
After leaving the airport chaos, I would drive with my friend along the Manhattan Beach coastline with the hope of finding a miracle: a spot with good waves and not that many people in the water. A tough ask, but it’s always worth it anyway. After surfing, I would take them to Ali’i Hawaiian Grill in El Segundo, the best ahi poke in town. Then, I would check RevivalHub.com to see what movies are being screened that night. If nothing catches our eyes, I would drive to the CineFile movie rental store in Santa Monica, catch up with Greg, and pick up a few finds that could get us through the weekend. Next day, we could take a dip at Malibu Creek and drive down to have lunch at LA’s best and most underground barbecue spot: Brazilian BBQ, a family food truck on the corner of Sepulveda and Palms. The only real açaí I’ve ever eaten here. It’s true, you’ll probably even find me there if you do wind up going. At night, I would take them to Los Feliz to catch a show at the Impro Theatre and then some live jazz at The Baked Potato. Lots of driving around, lots of car time. But that’s the thing with L.A: it’s one of the best cities for you to catch up with friends, specially if you choose the 5 South at rush hour.

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?
Well, first and foremost, I need to mention my family who, even after almost 7 years of coping with our long distance relationship, have always stayed on my corner and have always showered me with their utmost support, guidance and affection. Everything I do is for them, and for us to realize it was all worth it.

Then, friends who have stood by me all this time and are always down to help with no matter what; the ones who got me to this point by believing, collaborating, donating, or sharing my work in any shape or form.

PS: I’ll end this by sharing a book that has deeply impacted me growing up called “Rebel Without A Crew”, written by Robert Rodriguez himself. If you’re considering getting into filmmaking, please give this a read.

Website: https://www.thiagoleoni.com

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

Other: IMDb:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14851094/

Image Credits
Photos by: Samar Kauss