Robert J. Azzinari
10 Screenwriters to Watch
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What Azzinari loves about writing that wasn't happening so much when he was a struggling actor and stand up comedian is the ability to work his brain. "I spent all my time trying to please everyone that left no time to work on my crafts," Azzinari says. "It was always, 'Don't make any waves.' I was like, 'I don't know what that means.' I just want to create."
After guest stints on various cable comedy shows like "Stankervision" as well as various commercial roles on "all the locals," Azzinari -- who studied Broadcasting, English and cinema at LIU -- tried his hand at screenwriting so the parts for himself would improve. He currently negotiating first script, with two production companies. He came up with the novel idea of filming the scripts' trailer, extended scenes and even designed the scripts' poster as though it was a finished project. "I had no money and just needed a break" he risked everything. "Please check the website www.threedecadesin.com support those that supported the project, they're all up there on the links page." Azzinari adds in a sincere tone.
"I called any contacts I had, Al Martin the man who got me into standup in New York City, at the Broadway Comedy Club. Peter Dupre a friend that owns the coolest bar in the world Rue B. NYC, another friend of mine in the carting business in Brooklyn. All the rest I did myself write, cast, shot and edited. Not to mention packaged, sent, and stamped."
Azzinari's breakthrough was his script for "Three Decades In," what he calls a "madcap" biopic of a Generation X era guy trying to come to grips with his goals and his reality. Producers took notice and a writer is born, with Jonas Akerlund attached to direct.
"What Rob did was create a funny yet real look at success and how we view ourselves from the inside out, through what I like to call magical realism," says Producer Andrew Lazar, who first saw Azzinari's talent in early spec scripts "Debt" and "Funny Business." "It's 'Rocky' in the world of stand up comedy. It's very special, and Rob has a unique voice."
Surely, Azzinari's plate will soon be overflowing, and the helpings are diverse. He has received acclaim for his initiative with "Three Decades In," and won fans at HBO for a pilot called "Enter the Tale," a hard edged modern Twilight Zone.
The ultimate goal, says Azzinari, is to engage what interests him and avoid being pigeonholed. "I just want to work, I've had my fill of wondering where my next gig will come from and wondering why is everything so hard, and if it ever won't be."
Vital Stats
Age: 31
Provenance: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Inspired by: Rodney Dangerfield films, "Easy Money,"
"Back to School," "Caddyshack" Hal Ashby films,
"Five Easy Pieces," "The Godfather,"
Reps: Agency: CAA; manager: Darren Friedman at Management
360; attorney: Karl Austen at Jackoway Tyerman Wertheimer Austen
Mandelbaum & Morris
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