Earn The Respect And Trust Of Your Peers With Aniello Fontano
Playwright, Screenwriter
Aniello Fontano is a Chicago playwright, screenwriter, and Journeyman (in The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Chicago Local 476, Studio Mechanics).
“For every second you spend on your career, spend two on someone you can mentor.”
What are you trying to change in your industry and why?
Changes need to be made. I’m not the one to designate what those are. I know I’ll continue to boost the voices of the folks who should and challenge my peers to do the same. I’ll continue to exhaust myself to listen, learn, and grow so that I might earn the respect and trust of my peers. Hopefully years from now a person or two feels like I did something right.
Aniello Fontano
With an extensive professional resume in film and theater, he’s currently a candidate in the Dramatic Writing MFA Program at The University of New Mexico where he has received dual Assistantships in Dramatic Writing and Women’s Studies. While at UNM he is studying under Gregory S. Moss, Erik Ehn, Dominika Laster, and Matthew McDuffie. In addition to academic advisement, he is mentored by playwright/screenwriter Christopher Oscar Peña. His anticipated graduation date is May of 2020.
Why do you do what you do?
I can’t sing or dance.
What got you into your line of work?
I’ve always been afraid of day jobs. I’m terrified of looking around me and not seeing art, so I spent my early twenties learning everything I could to keep me in the industry. I auditioned whenever anyone would have me. To fill in dry spells, I learned to properly sweep floors and use a drill. I swept floors and used a drill until I learned how to run lights and sound. I ran lights and sound until I learned how to design. I designed until someone let me assistant direct. I worked as an assistant until they let me direct. I directed until I began to write plays. And eventually, I realized I could sit and write plays and screenplays forever — and fill in the gaps with everything I’d learned.
What is the hardest part of being a working professional?
Answering interview questionnaires online. They’re robotic and formal. And I’m trash at them.
What are the 5 tips you would like to share?
Here’s 14 –
- Push the heart to suffocate the head.
- Jolt the uncensored psyche.
- Vaunt the carelessly bold.
- Scrutinize life unhinged.
- Suffer through extremes.
- Go down with the ship.
- Choose words carefully, make poor choices.
- Chisel, don’t edit.
- Salt the wound.
- Lean into pain.
- Pull the pin, swallow the grenade.
- Fight.
- Laugh.
- Cry.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
No, but I will because my last response feels like an overwritten art school answer combating imposter syndrome…that might’ve been too. Every aspect of your health is important. Surround yourself with folks who are “better” than you (define “better” for yourself). Know when to shut up and listen. Learn something from everyone. Working in the arts is hard and doesn’t get easier -that’s a beautiful thing. Realize it’s very rarely about you.
“For every second you spend on your career, spend two on someone you can mentor.”
Someone wishes they were in your position, don’t forget that. If you do what you love, I hope you work every day of your life. Listen to too much music. Don’t waste time. Work harder. See everything, read everything, period. Don’t agree to online interviews. Appreciate being asked to do an online interview.
