Antonio Saillant doesn't realize he is on his way to becoming very successful despite finding himself out of his depth when connecting with Hollywood's best.
Antonio said "So much of my career was based on luck and dreams. Perhaps you'll be lucky and your dreams will come true. My Mother always said that luck happens when the timing is right, but you must always be prepared. Preparation meets opportunity and I have been given extraordinary opportunities to work with filmmakers much before I even deserved to work with them. I learned so much along this road but the trick is to trace the dots along the way. I owe so much to my Mother and God as they are my source of luck."
Antonio believes that any good result will necessitate proper preparation, planning and strategy. Many professional athletes and executives use the 'football team' model as an example. Their preparation begins way before the game. They scout, review films, meet and greet and analyze the other team's strengths and weaknesses. Then they create a strategy to ensure a win. You may find it helpful to think about the result you want, and then work to make it a reality. This should be a part of your preparation process. This is sound advice that can be translated and applied to networking.
Antonio is best known for his amazing networking abilities and charisma. His networking led him to meet and learn from high profile industry professionals as well as being able to gain trust and friendship from his mentors by simply being genuine.
Antonio's long time collaboration with his mentor, Ted Kotcheff, led to the idea of one day working together in producing upcoming film projects. Kotcheff directed many U.S. films throughout the 1970's and 1980's, with perhaps the best-known film being "First Blood" in 1982, starring Sylvester Stallone. In the 1990's, Kotcheff returned to directing various television series such as Showtime's "The Red Shoe Diaries" and NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" where Kotcheff is currently working as Director and Executive Producer.
Antonio also had the privilege to know Sydney Pollack, whose films received a total of 48 Academy Award nominations, winning 11 Oscars. Pollack directed more than 21 films and 10 television shows, acted in over 30 films or shows, and produced over 44 films.
Antonio commented "Learning from Kotcheff and Pollack was definitely a stepping stone in the right direction. In order to gain someone's friendship in the industry, when meeting a director or a producer for the first time, be yourself. Everything you read, learn or experience changes who you are and your goals for who you want to become. You should strive to constantly develop your relationship as you develop yourself."
In time, Antonio formed his own company "Angel Light Pictures" with the goal of developing films for a global audience. Antonio worked with Director/Producer Robert Stock at Stock's Eye, an independent production company which produced the Sci-Fi thriller, "The Ascension" starring Corbin Bernsen. Antonio also worked on the independent film "Heterosexuals" produced by Tony Award Winner J. Robert Spencer, who played Nick Massi in "Jersey Boys" and who is currently starring on Broadway's new musical as Dan in "Next to Normal."
Future works from Antonio include a football drama entitled "The Golden Knights", two comedies entitled "If" and "Pumping Up", as well as thrillers "Wormhole", "The Expendables: Soul Harvest" and "Gripped".
Antonio is true to his beliefs as he remains humble and continues to receive much praise for his works.
By Angela Ledee