I was surprisingly very shy and insecure throughout my youth. And, I never really felt that I fit in with the other kids. I wasn’t very good at sports and would have preferred to be home watching movies, and getting lost in my own fantasy world. I’d pretend that I was Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday or Molly Ringwald in “Pretty in Pink.”
At that age, the fantasy was always better than the reality, and I was happy when I was completely lost in these films. I remember so clearly, the moment I knew I wanted to be an actress. I was in the 5’th grade and my mother was watching Franco Zephirelli‘s “Romeo and Juliet.”
She called for me to come watch it with her. This was my first introduction to Shakespeare and I was completely enamored. Up until that point, I had never experienced such heightened emotions just from watching a movie. I was happy… or I was sad… And I was in love…, was tormented… and then I was crying hysterically, and I didn’t really understand how a movie, and these actors could have such an ability to cause me to feel such emotions as I was experiencing. I knew that this was an incredible gift- to provoke emotion like this. To be able to stir an audience’s sole, and I knew right then that I wanted to be an actress.
I ended up doing a lot of Shakespearean Plays over the years. I even won an award for my portrayal of “Juliet” at an acting convention in NYC. It was my first public performance and my high school drama teacher helped pick out my monologue. I will always be grateful for her guidance and support.
The first movie I ever booked was the lead role in a horror film, shooting in Massachusetts. I got to play the vigilante who defends the death of all of her friends. It was so much fun, and I learned so much about being on a film set. It was a lot different than Theater, and I loved them both equally, although at the time, I was leaning more towards working in film and television. So, once I graduated from college, I moved to NYC and later to Los Angeles.
indieactivity: Did you study what you do?
Michelle Romano (MR): I studied Theater Arts at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I was in several plays during my college years, and have an obsession with the works of William Shakespeare. My most favorite role so far was playing HELENA in A Mid Summer Night’s Dream. I wanted to be more involved with theater in middle school and High School, but it was very difficult because the plays were all musicals, and I could not sing to save my life! So luckily, I had the chance to act in plays once I got into College.
What is your filmmaking process?
Michelle Romano (MR): As an Actress, I am most familiar with the Meisner Method. I studied at Playhouse West in Hollywood, and then later with James Franco at his Studio4 NY School. I think that every technique is wonderful in it’s own way, and every actor thrives using the technique that is best suited for them.
Do you take courses to improve you craft?
Michelle Romano (MR): Unfortunately, now that I am also Producing projects, it has been harder to find the time to take as many classes as I would like. However, when I can, I do love taking classes and going to workshops to keep up on my craft. In fact, I really wish I could do even more! I always want to be better..to grow as an actress. I am currently taking Summer classes in Boston, and looking forward to studying in LA again this Fall!
How do you combine acting and producing?
Michelle Romano (MR): I started producing my own work after being told repeatedly by Agents, “Come back when you have a Reel.” Or “Come back when you have a ‘Name’.” It was extremely frustrating for me to hear this over and over again, considering I knew that I was never going to have the chance to work if I didn’t have anyone submitting me for these roles in the first place. I knew I had to do it myself.
So, I became a Producer in order to become an Actress. I produced and starred in my first feature film in 2012, and won several acting awards on the festival circuit after that! I realized that there was power in producing- that I could create opportunities for myself that I may otherwise have never gotten- and I have never looked back since.
How did you get into filmmaking?
Michelle Romano (MR): I had no idea how to break into the industry. I didn’t know anyone who had ever pursued this path, and I had to figure everything out on my own. Then, I moved to NYC by myself, and would literally just walk around the city in search of film/tv productions. I would literally crash their sets in order to ask questions and find out how people were hired, and where to go to register for background work.
This led to my first job as an “extra” on the final episode of “The Sopranos” which turned into a featured role as Tony’s niece on the show- one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had, and one that certainly changed my life and set me on the course that I am on now.
What tip or ideas can you give young actors?
MR: Make your own work. Get out there and do it yourself. Don’t sit back and wait for an opportunity to present itself. You have to create opportunities for yourself in this industry.
What is it like working in the filmmaking business?
MR: It is the hardest thing I have ever had to do- to face rejection day in and day out while pursuing a dream that no one understands but you. It can be a lonely place, filled with fake people and broken promises. You have to have a thick skin in this business to survive, and ironically, I haven’t fully mastered that aspect of it just yet lol.
There are times that I wish that there was something else that I could do that would make me happy. But then I always have the same realization… this is it for me… this is the life that I choose… and despite the ups and downs, there is nothing else I would rather do than live this life, and pursue this dream.
What do you want to be remembered for?
MR: I want to be remembered as someone who really went for it…. someone who risked a life of certainty for a life of instability and hard work. Nothing was ever handed to me…nothing. I worked for every success I have ever had. I want to inspire others to do the same… to never ever give up on their dreams.
A brief history on Michelle?
MR: Michelle Romano is an Award Winning Actress and Producer. She is a member of the Producers Guild of America, Women In Film, the New England Television Academy, and serves as a Board Member for SAG-AFTRA. She is also a Judge for the Daytime Emmy Awards. Originally from Boston, Michelle studied Theater Arts at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she performed in several theatrical productions.
Her love for the stage soon landed her in New York City where she also pursued her passion for Film and TV acting. Michelle has been in commercials, print ads, and various film productions. Her love for the Entertainment Industry has influenced her to explore all avenues of the business, including Public Relations, Charity Ambassador work, Directing, and Producing. Michelle is currently in pre-production on several feature films with her company, Roman Media Inc, in which she founded in 2010.
The first feature film, she starred and produced was filmed in New England. The World Premiere took place at the prestigious Festival de Cannes. It has since won numerous awards including several Best Lead Actress Wins for Romano. Michelle is the spokesmodel for several different Beauty lines including a lipstick shade named after her company, called “Roman Beauty” by LTW Custom Cosmetics.
She is an advocate for the organization Childhood Cancer Kids, founded by 7 year old cancer survivor, Sierra Preveza. Michelle also serves as an honorary board member for several Women Empowerment Campaigns, and strives to help others achieve their goals. Michelle continues to Act, Direct, and Produce projects in Los Angeles, Boston and New York.
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