Digestly

A24
A24
Mar 6, 2025

The A24 Podcast | Extreme Personalities with Julio Torres and Emma Stone

A24 - The A24 Podcast | Extreme Personalities with Julio Torres and Emma Stone

Julio shares his experiences of moving from El Salvador to New York, initially struggling with visa issues and working various jobs, including handing out samples and attempting to sell salon packages. He eventually found his passion in comedy, which led to opportunities in writing and directing. Julio emphasizes the importance of being curious and open to new experiences, which helped him navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry. He also discusses the influence of his artistic family background, particularly his mother's work as a fashion designer, on his creative pursuits. Julio's journey highlights the significance of perseverance and adaptability in achieving one's goals, especially in a competitive field like entertainment.

Key Points:

  • Julio faced challenges with visa issues and worked various jobs before finding his passion in comedy.
  • His artistic background, with a mother as a fashion designer, influenced his creative pursuits.
  • Julio emphasizes curiosity and openness to new experiences as key to navigating the entertainment industry.
  • He found success in comedy, leading to opportunities in writing and directing, including at SNL.
  • Perseverance and adaptability are crucial in achieving goals in competitive fields like entertainment.

Details:

1. 👋 Introduction and Greetings

  • The introduction sets the tone for the session by providing a warm welcome to the audience, establishing the context and purpose of the session, and outlining the main topics that will be covered.
  • It is important to include a brief overview of what to expect in the session, any relevant data or metrics that highlight the significance of the topics, and an explanation of the session's objectives.
  • This section aims to engage the audience from the beginning by emphasizing the value and importance of the content that will follow.

2. 🎙️ Conversational Start and Travel Mishap

  • The speaker was denied entry into Costa Rica due to a 'too wrinkly' passport, highlighting the necessity of keeping travel documents in prime condition to avoid such issues.
  • This incident illustrates common travel challenges and emphasizes the importance of verifying the condition and validity of passports prior to travel.
  • The speaker humorously connects this mishap to a personal history of losing items, indicating a pattern of carelessness with important belongings.
  • The speaker frequently loses small items, including passports, and has had to contact police stations to recover lost passports, suggesting a need for improved organizational habits.
  • The speaker's philosophical outlook on losing items includes finding comfort in the idea that their lost possessions may benefit others, pointing to a unique perspective on dealing with loss.

3. 🚗 Driving and Personal Preferences

  • The individual does not have a driver's license and has only attended two driving classes, highlighting their very limited driving experience.
  • They express discomfort with driving due to the size of the car relative to their body, indicating a preference for smaller, more manageable environments.
  • The individual prefers being a passenger when flying as it removes the responsibility of being in control, highlighting a selective approach to control in transportation.
  • Psychologically, they enjoy directing but not driving, suggesting a preference for control in specific, non-physical domains.
  • They make conscious lifestyle choices, such as avoiding certain activities like driving and specific foods, to simplify life and maintain ease.

4. 🌟 Childhood and Early Life

  • The speaker has an extreme personality, showing either strong interest or complete disinterest, with no middle ground.
  • They never learned to ride a bike or operate any vehicle, illustrating a lifelong disinterest in driving or transportation, which influenced the decision to move to New York where public transportation is widely available.
  • The speaker was born on February 11, on a Sunday, with a memorable anecdote of their father being distracted by football during their birth.

5. 🎨 Creative Influences and Family Background

  • The speaker's father had anticipated them being a boy and excelling in football, indicating a potential mismatch between parental expectations and the speaker's actual passions, which included acting.
  • The discussion occurs in El Salvador, highlighting a recent earthquake that damaged a hospital, compelling a house to serve as a temporary hospital, thus demonstrating resilience and adaptability within the community.
  • Physical characteristics from childhood, such as being a 'big baby,' are linked to ongoing physical traits, suggesting that early life conditions have a lasting impact.
  • The earthquake context in El Salvador underscores the challenging environment the speaker grew up in, which may have influenced their creative and adaptive abilities.

6. 🎭 Artistic Aspirations and Personal Discoveries

  • The individual was described as a quiet, well-behaved child, with teachers frequently providing positive feedback about their behavior. Despite this, they struggled academically, suggesting a potential mismatch between behavior and academic performance.
  • They were very shy as a child, which contributed to a strong adherence to rules, a trait that continued into adulthood, particularly concerning literal rules.
  • This individual had clear preferences from a young age, avoiding foods like pizza and hamburgers based solely on appearance, and demonstrated strong discernment in activities, avoiding wheels or machinery.
  • Eventually, they tried foods they initially avoided, but later chose a vegan lifestyle, indicating an evolution in personal choices.
  • The transition from childhood to adulthood saw a continuation of the strong adherence to rules and personal discernment, impacting not just dietary choices but also broader lifestyle and artistic decisions.
  • These personal discoveries and characteristics, including the evolution of dietary habits and a rule-bound approach, likely influenced their artistic aspirations by fostering a disciplined and selective creative process.

7. 🎓 Education and Career Beginnings

  • The individual's early artistic inspiration was heavily influenced by their mother, a fashion designer, which fostered a love for sketching and designing.
  • The family environment was creatively stimulating, with the mother designing furniture and the father encouraging artistic pursuits.
  • Despite early attempts at painting, the individual did not feel it was their primary talent, indicating self-awareness in identifying personal strengths.
  • Initially, the individual aspired to become an architect until the age of 18, showcasing a long-term interest in creative and structural design.
  • The individual eventually transitioned from aspiring architect to pursuing a career in fashion design, influenced by the familial environment and personal interests.
  • Specific milestones in the educational career include engagement with various art and design forms, which helped solidify their career path in fashion.

8. 🌍 Moving to New York and Educational Journey

  • The speaker was influenced by their mother, an architect, which initially sparked an interest in design and architecture.
  • Despite an early passion for movies, the speaker was unaware of career opportunities within the film industry due to limited exposure to theater or production design.
  • The speaker's work is enriched by incorporating real-life events, collaborating with production designers and wardrobe designers to create a cohesive visual language.
  • Choosing comedy was a spontaneous decision, triggered by the speaker's first stand-up attempt shortly after considering the idea.
  • At 18, the speaker moved to New York, a decision delayed by academic challenges despite being well-behaved and personable.

9. 📝 Advertising School and Career Shift

  • The speaker initially pursued architecture but faced financial challenges when admitted to the New School in New York due to high tuition and insufficient financial aid.
  • Opting for a practical and affordable path, the speaker attended an advertising school in El Salvador, earning an Associate's degree in advertising over two years.
  • The decision to shift from architecture to advertising was influenced by a combination of financial constraints and the logical career progression into the advertising field.
  • Post-graduation, the speaker successfully transitioned into a career in advertising, leveraging the skills and education acquired during their studies.

10. 🎓 Pursuing Higher Education and Writing Dreams

  • Achieved a 90% scholarship at the New School after reapplying, highlighting the importance of persistence in educational pursuits.
  • Utilized skills and experience from advertising school, where good grades were earned, to gain entry into higher education, emphasizing the value of relevant background and performance.
  • Successfully advanced academic standing by translating own transcripts, demonstrating resourcefulness and understanding of academic systems.
  • Pursued an English degree with the goal of entering television writing, showing a strategic approach to career aspirations in the creative industry.
  • Set a goal of achieving straight As to secure a significant job, illustrating a focus on academic excellence as a pathway to career opportunities in television writing.

11. 🎥 Film Inspirations and Early Influences

  • Teachers and counselors played a crucial role in recognizing that writing for TV and films was a viable career path, despite a lack of local industry presence.
  • Early media consumption, even before realizing it as a career, was influential in shaping aspirations.
  • Sophia Coppola's 'Marie Antoinette' was a significant inspiration during teenage years, demonstrating the impact of specific directors on career trajectories.
  • Silent film comedians like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton influenced an appreciation for physical comedy and non-verbal storytelling.
  • Recognizing personal physical expressiveness and flexibility, inspired by silent film actors, was seen as an asset in performing arts.

12. 🤣 Comedy and Silent Films

12.1. Physicality and Facial Expressions in Comedy

12.2. Unique Abilities of Actors

12.3. Personal Connections and Influences

13. 🎞️ Film Preferences and OCD Habits

  • The speaker has a strong preference for films like 'Rushmore' and 'Dogville', citing these as significant influences due to their unique storytelling and stylistic elements.
  • They practice a systematic approach to renting films, choosing one Hollywood movie, one with an intriguing cover, one black-and-white film, and one they are genuinely interested in, which reflects a structured method to expand their cinematic exposure.
  • This systematic approach is considered educational, broadening their understanding of different film genres and styles, and likened to an educational experience.

14. 😴 Sleep Challenges and Personal Anecdotes

  • The speaker identifies as having OCD, which has both helped and hindered their life, particularly in education and daily routines.
  • A childhood compulsion involved touching the refrigerator in a specific way and making faces with their hands before being able to sleep, indicating an intricate bedtime ritual driven by OCD.
  • Failure to complete these rituals resulted in insomnia, showcasing the impact of OCD on sleep patterns.
  • The speaker struggled with the concept of 'letting go' to fall asleep, suggesting a deeper anxiety or control issue linked to their sleep challenges.

15. 😌 Finding Joy and Overcoming Insomnia

  • Improving sleep patterns was linked to increased personal happiness and life satisfaction. The speaker noted a correlation between liking life more and experiencing better sleep.
  • The use of melatonin was mentioned, with a specific note that taking even half a pill could induce sleep, highlighting the speaker's sensitivity to sleep aids.
  • Stress and anxiety were identified as significant contributors to insomnia. The speaker experiences difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep during anxious periods, indicating a direct relationship between mental health and sleep quality.
  • Awakening in the middle of the night with heightened anxiety and irrational fears was reported as a common issue, suggesting the need for strategies to manage nighttime anxiety.
  • The discussion highlights the importance of mental well-being in achieving restful sleep, emphasizing non-pharmaceutical approaches such as enhancing overall life satisfaction.
  • Specific strategies for managing stress and anxiety include mindfulness practices and cognitive behavioral techniques. These methods aim to reduce nighttime anxiety, thereby improving sleep quality.

16. 💼 Job Experiences and Life in New York

  • The speaker met a writer from SNL, indicating networking opportunities in media careers.
  • Graduated with Straight A's but faced challenges in securing a sponsor for visa and citizenship, highlighting the difficulties international graduates face in the U.S. job market.
  • Worked with various lawyers, particularly a workers' compensation lawyer, showcasing experience and skills gained in legal translation work.
  • Held multiple jobs, including translation and handing out samples at Fairway supermarkets, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in different job roles.
  • The experience of handing out chocolate samples at Fairway was highlighted as the best, implying the importance of positive customer interactions and job satisfaction.

17. 🍫 Selling Chocolate vs. Hair Packages

  • Selling chocolate involves minimal interaction, as simply standing behind a table is sufficient to attract customers, indicating a passive yet effective sales approach.
  • The job of selling chocolate required minimal supervision, with proof of work being as simple as taking a photograph, suggesting a low-pressure work environment.
  • Conversely, selling hair packages required active engagement, such as stopping people on the street, yet resulted in zero sales, highlighting the challenges of direct selling in this context.
  • The contrast between the relaxed nature of selling chocolate and the demanding task of selling salon packages emphasizes the differences in sales strategies and outcomes.
  • Selling chocolate was stress-free, while selling salon packages proved to be challenging and unproductive, reflecting the impact of product type on selling experience.

18. 📝 Sponsorship and Career Development

  • Attempting to sell salon packages during commuters' busy times resulted in zero sales, underscoring the importance of understanding customer context and timing for effective sales strategies.
  • Successful engagement with potential customers requires thorough preparation and a deep understanding of the product or service being offered to tailor the approach accordingly.
  • Sponsorship was effectively secured through networking with a former professor who was a board member of a small Art Foundation, highlighting the value of maintaining academic connections and leveraging them for career opportunities.
  • The individual's inability to generate income from the sales role emphasizes the challenges associated with commission-based jobs, particularly without adequate training or a strategic approach to customer interactions.

19. 🎤 Stand-Up Comedy and First Attempts

  • Transitioning from working at an art foundation to pursuing a career in TV and movie writing involved significant lifestyle changes and strategic planning.
  • Securing a four-year visa was a critical step, providing stability and time to explore career options without the immediate pressure of visa expiration.
  • Choosing stand-up open mics as a practical entry point into the entertainment industry was a strategic decision, as it required no formal education or connections and offered immediate feedback and experience.
  • Initial experiences in stand-up comedy involved overcoming stage fright and learning to engage live audiences, which were crucial skills for later TV and movie writing endeavors.
  • The challenges faced during this transition included adapting to a new industry culture and building a professional network from scratch, which was facilitated by frequent performances and networking at comedy clubs.

20. 🌟 Stand-Up Competitions and Breakthrough

  • The speaker decided to try stand-up comedy after consulting with a coach and doing online research, marking the start of their comedy journey.
  • They initially wrote down ideas and attended an open mic night without a fully prepared set, demonstrating a leap into the unknown.
  • Their first performance at 'Holy Cow' was self-described as horrible, yet the experience was enjoyable and motivating.
  • The five-minute set was read off a paper, which unintentionally became a distinctive part of the act, adding a unique flavor to the performance.
  • Stand-up comedy was seen as a major personal challenge, offering a sense of control in an otherwise uncertain environment.
  • Performances evoked a feeling of being 'emotionally naked,' highlighting the vulnerability involved in stand-up comedy.

21. 🎭 SNL Journey and Auditions

21.1. NBC's Standup for Diversity Experience

21.2. Career Advancements Post-Competition

22. 🖊️ SNL Writing Experiences and Sketches

  • The audition process initially targeted a cast role but transitioned into a guest writer position within a month, highlighting the rapid progression to a full-time writing role.
  • Key personnel meetings played a crucial role in the transition timeline, taking place within four weeks of the initial audition, emphasizing networking and adaptability.
  • The sketch 'Wells for Boys' is noted for its impact and success, showcasing the writer's ability to create memorable content that resonates with audiences.
  • 'The Silver Woman' sketch, despite not being produced, showcased significant creative efforts and collaboration, leaving a lasting impression and highlighting the importance of creative exploration even when ideas aren't realized.

23. 🎬 Producing and Directing at SNL

23.1. Creative Process and Character Development

23.2. Comedy Execution and Emotional Investment

23.3. Balancing Relatability and Unique Experiences

24. 🎥 Transition to Film and Working with Tilda Swinton

24.1. Transition from SNL to Film Directing

24.2. Collaborating with Tilda Swinton

25. 🎬 Directing and Film Production Challenges

  • Having a trusted collaborator like Dave on set daily reduced the stress of filmmaking, as mutual trust allowed open communication and guidance.
  • Working with Tilda Swinton was unexpectedly seamless and collaborative; her approach was unpretentious and playful, enhancing the creative process.
  • The film production was characterized by a joyful and collaborative atmosphere, with every department working in harmony, contributing to a positive experience.
  • Building a comfortable relationship with key cast members was crucial, as it significantly impacted the film's dynamics and storytelling.
  • Despite the overall positive experience, specific challenges like managing time effectively and ensuring consistent communication across departments were present, but minimized by the strong collaborative environment.

26. 🎥 Navigating Film Marketing and Post-Production

  • Filmmakers often struggle with transitioning from the creative process to marketing, indicating a gap in skill sets between creation and promotion.
  • Using avatars or stand-ins for promotional purposes is suggested as a strategic solution, allowing filmmakers to maintain focus on their creative strengths while still engaging in necessary marketing activities.
  • The overwhelming nature of marketing, characterized by numerous minor decisions, contrasts sharply with the creative freedom filmmakers experience, presenting a significant challenge.
  • Directors, who are respected for managing both creative and promotional responsibilities, exemplify the need for versatile skill sets in successful filmmaking.
  • To address marketing challenges, filmmakers can consider adopting specific strategies such as targeted social media campaigns, engaging influencers, or utilizing data analytics to better understand audience preferences.
  • Case studies of successful film marketing, like the viral promotion of 'The Blair Witch Project,' can offer valuable insights into effective strategies for independent filmmakers.

27. 🎨 Creative Process and Collaborations

  • Directors face numerous small decisions daily, requiring a balance between control and delegation, especially in post-production.
  • The dilemma of when to let go of control versus when to maintain it is crucial for writer-directors, highlighting the importance of trust in team members.
  • Delegating tasks to trusted department heads can facilitate smoother operations, as they bring their expertise to the project.
  • Effective collaboration involves finding partners who share the same vision and excitement for the project, ensuring alignment in creative processes.
  • Admiring someone's work doesn't guarantee effective collaboration; compatibility is often discovered during the project execution.
  • Successful collaborations often occur when directors align with department heads who are not only skilled but also share the director's vision and enthusiasm, enhancing the project's creative outcome.
  • Challenges in collaboration can include differing creative visions and the need for compromise, which can be mitigated by establishing clear communication and shared goals from the outset.

28. 🎨 Production Design and Personal Preferences

  • The speaker enjoys exploring production design aspects that are not typically part of their regular job responsibilities, indicating a passion for creative visual elements.
  • The speaker has a strong interest in production design and wardrobe, suggesting a blend of architectural and fashion design influences.
  • There's a familial influence in the speaker's aesthetic preferences, as they often consult their mother for visual design advice, highlighting a shared geometric and visually appealing style.
  • The speaker's mother's current favorite color is green, particularly a nature-inspired forest green, indicating a preference for natural and calming hues.
  • Previously, the mother favored a bright, blood red, showing a shift in aesthetic preferences over time.
  • The discussion on colors suggests that personal preferences in design are dynamic and can be deeply personal and influenced by family.

29. 💚 Colors and Trinkets

29.1. Preference for Green and Its Significance

29.2. Trinket Trends and Psychological Insights

30. 🎲 Childhood Toys and Imaginative Play

  • Creative play with childhood toys, such as Matchbox cars, fosters imaginative engagement by simulating real-world scenarios like traffic arrangements.
  • Art and creativity are enhanced when individuals enjoy the process and collaborate with people they like, demonstrating that positive environments lead to valuable outcomes.
  • The perception that art must be difficult to be valuable is challenged; enjoying and having fun with creative processes is equally important.

31. 🎤 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

  • The segment humorously reflects on a childhood memory of playing with a Little Mermaid Barbie doll, illustrating creative storytelling and character development from a young age.
  • The conversation transitions to a playful exchange about becoming hosts of a podcast, hinting at future collaboration opportunities in a lighthearted manner.
  • There is a humorous mention of covering topics such as 'best shampoos on the market,' indicating a casual and engaging approach to future podcast episodes.
  • The dialogue ends with an expression of gratitude and confirmation of a continued partnership, suggesting strong professional rapport.
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