From the vibrant streets of the Dominican Republic to the fast-paced world of New York City, Roman Perez has carved out a remarkable career across multiple creative fields. As an actor, director, and model, he has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion and film, collaborating with brands like Jordan, Nike, and H&M, while also securing roles in acclaimed productions such as Boogie, Blackjack: The Jackie Ryan Story, and Gotham. However, his artistic journey extends beyond performance—his directorial work in Chancleta Man, La Aguila Negra, and I Am Victorious showcases his passion for storytelling, shedding light on themes of perseverance, faith, and resilience.

1. From the Dominican Republic to New York City, your journey has been remarkable. How has your cultural background influenced your work as an actor, director, and model?
   My cultural background has helped me remain humbled. The road has not been easy, but understanding my background and where I came from allowed me to stay focused and disciplined in my work field. There’s so much competition in New York City, but my beginnings have structured for me to understand where I orginated from. 
   
2. You’ve worked with powerhouse brands like Jordan, Nike, and H&M. How does modeling compare to acting for you, and do you approach the two disciplines differently?
   Modeling is more of a serious approach compared to acting, where acting is more of a free space to be creative compared to modeling. The level of focus when modeling for those big brands were more like man i got to be on 100%, whether it was my attitude or actual action shooting. Where as to acting, i’m getting into character and it’s a totally opposite personally from myself which allows me to be another figure during the process of the filming times.
   

3. Your acting credits include Boogie, Blackjack: The Jackie Ryan Story, and Gotham. Which role has challenged you the most so far, and what did you learn from the experience?
   Being in films like Boogie and others, allowed me to share my experiences as a actor and in life with other actors on set. It helped create bond during that time which is so important for me because this is the way we build connections. Most of my acting jobd have been through connections. And i’ve been very fortunate to know people in the industry that have helped me out when it came to movies or other acting jobs. 

4. As a director, you’ve brought unique stories to life with Chancleta Man, La Aguila Negra, and I Am Victorious. What drives you to tell these particular stories, and what message do you hope to leave with your audience?
   Well with Chancleta Man i was to show the world a story of hope. No matter how many times we are let down, if we fight then we can overcome life obstacles. The character Paqualito demonstrates a never giving up mentality. With la Aguila Negra, the message is finding faith. Sharing the testimony of my father Dudo Baez and how he changed his life in the mist of the bad occuring in his life. A story of never giving up and fighting until the end. And lastly the film i am Victorious, focuses on my life story and how i faced many ups and downs to ultimately be victorious at the end. It’s message is to dream big no matter what tries to come our way. 

5. New York City is a hub for independent cinema. How has living in NYC shaped your career, and do you think it offers opportunities that other places might not?
   New York City is the mecca to everything. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. I’ve been privileged to be known in this city, and because of that a lot of my work is respected and helped my career. New York city has so many different avenues of making it. The key component to it is to keep knocking doors and chasing your goals. There’s no other place like this city in my opinion. 

6. You’ve worked both in front of and behind the camera. Do you find yourself drawn more to acting or directing, or do you see them as complementary to one another?
   I love doing both acting and directing, because both are motivations for me to keep pushing in the world of film. When i act, i automatically am in tuned with my character and when i’m directing i focus on the goal of making sure the script are being followed. Acting and directing are both my passions. 

7. Many emerging actors and filmmakers look up to multi-hyphenate creatives like you. What advice would you give to those trying to break into the industry, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds?
   The advice i would give anyone is to keep pushing and never give up. Along the road many doors will be closed and not open, but if you keep knocking in due time those locked doors will be opened. Work on your craft snd practice everyday on your skils as well

8. With your diverse career spanning commercials, film, and fashion, is there a dream project—whether a film, brand, or collaboration—that you would love to take on?
   My dream project is to have my own weekly comedy/family tv show. Shows like prince of bel air, family matters, mr. Bean motivated me to have this dream. With time and dedication i know it will happen. 

9. The entertainment industry is constantly evolving. How do you see yourself growing as a storyteller in the next five years, and are there any new mediums or genres you’d like to explore?
   I see myself growing as a storyteller in the near or far future by sharing on screen moments from the past. Whether it’s the street scenes or even actually showing moments in history such as retro city etc will allow the audience to be more in wonder mode when it comes to watching the creative film. Showing a different view of not the current for me is so important when it comes to film evolvement. 
   
10. Lastly, if you could define your artistic vision in a single sentence, what would it be?
    My artistic vision is that the world is filled with endless positivity if we allow ourselves to create.