Rising Star Stefania Pierucci: “I would love to create a movement that focuses on the importance of the arts in both developmental stages of youth, as well as in healing stages, emotional and physical, for adults”
I would love to create a movement that focuses on the importance of the arts in both developmental stages of youth, as well as in healing stages, emotional and physical, for adults. It is a shame that so many arts programs are being shut down or dissolved as if it is a less important subject than any of the others- my collegiate alma mater being one such arts department. I feel as if, in this technologically forward world, people are losing sight of their individuality, and what it truly means to be inherently human- emotions and expression are being weeded out of the day- to- day. It is important to emphasize how important the arts are for both ourselves as well as future generations. Imagine a world without architecture, music, film, fashion, color… without art, we have nothing.
As a part of my series about pop culture’s rising stars, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Stefania Pierucci. Stefania is the producer and partner of For You Film, LLC, and Producer of the new surrealist drama I Wrote This for You, is a native San Franciscan with over 25 years of theatrical experience under her belt. Stefania is a graduate of Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont and a life-long thespian. Having dipped her toes in multiple facets of the performing arts, both on the stage as a performer, as well as fulfilling other titles such as make- up, wardrobe, and assistant producer, and holding a BFA in Vocal Performance, specializing in Opera and Jazz, she is excited to have been able to use her extensive knowledge during the production of I Wrote This For You, her first full- length feature film.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
Simply! A blue- collared kid from San Francisco, I grew up in the Sunset District and North Beach. I attended Saint Gabriel School and Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, eventually going on to study Opera with an emphasis in vocal Jazz at San Francisco State University. Most of my summers were spent visiting family in Italy, where I believe much of my development really occurred- in the small town of Frontone, in the province of Pesaro/ Urbino, Le Marche, playing in the woods and catching tadpoles, eating pizza and playing soccer and tag in the street with my friends. I was lucky to have been exposed to many places in the world at a young age due to my parents love of traveling and thirst for hands- on education. My mother’s side being Palestinian- Catholic and my father Italian, I had the privilege of growing up with a very unique and colorful world lens. I am forever grateful for my roots, and truly believe that my lineage is a large part of what makes me and my work unique. Throughout my many endeavors, my family has always been supportive and have encouraged me toward fulfilling my goals as an artist, to be true to myself and to never lose sight of who I am and where I come from, and that is something that I will always hold dear to my heart.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I was a young, aspiring thespian, attending university when I met Brennan Keel Cook and Jason Zavaleta. As three creative minds, we clicked instantly, and began working on small projects together. As we grew, so did the projects. Eventually I had the opportunity and privilege of meeting Matt Stoner and am forever grateful. And now, here we are! The three of us have been fortunate and blessed enough to maintain a close friendship for over a decade, and now as partners, we are focusing on continuing to move up!
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Honestly, I would have to say that learning about the process was probably the most interesting aspect of my career thus far. It’s almost like parenting, in a sense. You have the birth of an idea- a script. First, a newborn, calm and relatively easy to maintain, then a toddler, full of energy who grows and moves more quickly than you had ever anticipated, and then the teenager, where the growing pains and edits occur. And finally, adulthood, when the finished product graduates to being independent in the world, or in the films case, shared with it.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
In all honesty I haven’t made very many- there were no room for mistakes with the timeline we were working with. I also believe that this was due partially to my previous involvement in theatre, as well as a great amount of sheer LUCK… lol. You woke up, you grabbed your coffee, got over to set, worked diligently, and wrapped. I would say that if I could do one thing a bit differently, however, I would have been more involved in balancing our budget, only because it would have taken some of the weight off my partner.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
My team and I are currently discussing timeline and budget for our next film, and I am currently writing a script at the moment.
I’m very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
As a minority, I do believe that it is important for film, as well as the Arts in general to be recognized as a medium that has no boundaries. I do feel that accuracy and the writer’s artistic integrity should be respected and maintained. Of course, our world is open for everyone to be involved. Inclusion is definitely key, so long as historical accuracy and artistic integrity are maintained. Many people learn from film- therefore I feel it is our responsibility to present our audiences with complete truth.
From your personal experience, can you recommend three things the community/society/the industry can do help address some of the diversity issues in the entertainment business?
I believe that a lot of it is simply content. If those in the business are presented with fresh, diverse content, there should be no reason for them not to support or produce it. I believe that at this point in time, it’s a matter of what they are being presented with.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
- Care for yourself- You are the backbone of your project. You need to remain both physically and emotionally healthy in order to facilitate, communicate and collaborate. Take breaks, rest, nourish and hydrate regularly, and SLEEP.
- Accidents happen. The universe is forgiving. Don’t stress out- remain calm and focus on finding a solution. Also remember that everything happens for a reason. trust the process. It will not let you down.
- Stay humble. Never forget that everyone on your team is equally important.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would love to create a movement that focuses on the importance of the arts in both developmental stages of youth, as well as in healing stages, emotional and physical, for adults. It is a shame that so many arts programs are being shut down or dissolved as if it is a less important subject than any of the others- my collegiate alma mater being one such arts department. I feel as if, in this technologically forward world, people are losing sight of their individuality, and what it truly means to be inherently human- emotions and expression are being weeded out of the day- to- day. It is important to emphasize how important the arts are for both ourselves as well as future generations. Imagine a world without architecture, music, film, fashion, color… without art, we have nothing.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I am eternally grateful to have been blessed with such a supportive family, friends, and so many talented mentors throughout my life- Faith Winthrop, Cesare Corsi, and Debra Lambert to name a few. I would like to mention in particular, however, my high school Drama Director Valerie O’Riordan. So much of what I have learned and maintained throughout my years in the arts came from the investment she put in me at such a young age. She taught me every aspect of theatre from performance, to stage presence, to production work, to directing, and overall mentality- “to be ready for anything” and to “maintain your artistic integrity” are two of the most important pieces of life advice I have ever received, and I am here today because of that.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Life Moves”. My cousin Roberto sat me down one day and we had a heart- to- heart about some difficult challenges I had been struggling with. I had been studying opera in University, a stage performer from the age of 3. Losing my voice was the most devastating thing I have ever had to endure, but it didn’t excuse me from controlling other aspects of my life. These two words are a constant reminder of the facts of life- nothing is perfect, life always surprises you, there is a lesson in everything, and through it all, you need to MOVE Forward. Because wallowing in the past is painful and being stuck in the present stunts your growth. There is no other option but to pick yourself up and keep going. And if it wasn’t clear enough then, it definitely is now. I wouldn’t have ended up where I am today if I hadn’t maintained my inner strength and continued forward.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Sophia Loren. I have looked up to her since I was a small child- her strength, grace and talent are definitely admirable. I also think she would get a kick out of how many people mention there is a slight resemblance between us, of which I am genuinely humbled and grateful for such a compliment. I think an Italian lunch sounds perfectly delightful! “I’d rather eat spaghetti than be a size zero!”
How can our readers follow you on social media?
You can follow me on Instagram @stefaniaalessandra and @iwrotethisforyoufilm , as well as on
Facebook via our films page “I Wrote This For You”, and my personal blog Stefania Alessandra Producer.