For each day in the month of February, the Committee will be highlighting African-American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African-Americans have had on the industry.
Name: Alex Robinson
What’s your job? Picture Editor
List the credits you’re most proud of. “Chicago PD” and “Chicago Med” because they are my first scripted series.
What are you working on right now? “Chicago PD”
Who and what are your influences and/or mentors? Spike Lee’s work inspired me to take a shot at the film industry. Lillian Benson, ACE has been my primary mentor since I made the transition from Reality TV to Scripted Television. I’ve also received significant support and mentorship from the ACE Diversity Mentorship Program.
What books are you reading, shows are you watching and/or movies you’re excited about? I’m currently reading “The Wise Heart” by Jack Kornfield. The movies I most recently watched were “Minari,” edited by the great Harry Yoon, ACE which was amazing, “One Night in Miami” which was also amazing, and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” which I really enjoyed. As for TV, I just finished” Save Me” and season 4 of “Star Trek: Discovery.” I’m looking forward to the new season of “Euphoria.”
What would be your superhero name? Alex Robinson
What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? As an ad agency producer earlier in my career (February 2002), I produced a commercial honoring Langton Hughes for the US Postal Service’s Black Heritage commemorative stamp series. He’s always been one of my favorite writers so I was proud to be a part of honoring him during Black History Month.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Always make the most of every opportunity.
If you could time travel, when would you go and why? I’d travel back to the Harlem Renaissance in hopes of having the opportunity to spend time with the likes of Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston and other artists who’s work helped to define the period. As an English major who spent the most enjoyable years of my adult life (so far) in New York City, I’ve always been fascinated by the period.
What’s a little known fact about you? What are your hidden (or not so hidden) talents? I was born in Moscow, Idaho. My hidden talent is I can make a pretty good cup of coffee.
What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? I first saw “Do the Right Thing” in high school. Spike Lee’s work inspired me to take a shot at the film industry. I always loved the moment when Ossie Davis’s character, Da Mayor, tells Mookie, “Always do the right thing.”
Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? When I first saw “Do the Right Thing” in high school, Spike Lee first put the thought of a career in film in my head.
What’s your personal/professional mantra? Do the work. Always do the work and you can figure out the rest later.
What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? I was pretty blown away by “Parasite.” The first season of “Euphoria” also left me pretty stunned.
What would be your dream project to work on? My dream project would be to work on the “Do the Right Thing” of the 21st century.
