Name:
Occupation:
Actor, Director, and Singer
Bit of bio:
Fernando Siqueira is an actor, director, and singer based in Los Angeles. He is an associate member of the theater company The Actors’ Gang, founded by Tim Robbins. Fernando has appeared in productions such as “Methusalem or the Eternal Bourgeois,” produced by Tim Robbins, and “Shambles,” directed by Stefan Haves of Cirque du Soleil. He has acted in short films like “Down Here,” a Webby Award winner, and “Before It’s Too Late,” selected for the Outfest Fusion Film Festival. Fernando has trained at institutions such as Nancy Banks Studio, William Esper Studio, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, as well as studying screenwriting at USC and directing at the Sundance Institute. As a singer, Fernando has performed at various independent music venues across Hollywood. Together, Fernando Grostein Andrade and Fernando Siqueira lead Cosmic Dog Studios, developing projects that involve cinema, music, and social impact. The duo also co-directed “Breaking Myths” and formed the band FernandoS, which combines music and cinema in their creations, and they are currently finishing a double album in collaboration with Jaques Morelenbaum.
Name:
Occupation:
Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Musician, Producer, and Entrepreneur
Bit of bio:
Fernando Grostein Andrade is a filmmaker, screenwriter, musician, producer, and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, with works showcased at festivals and cinemas around the world. In 2019, he premiered the feature film “Abe” at the Sundance Film Festival, starring Noah Schnapp (Stranger Things) and Seu Jorge (City of God). Fernando has received critical acclaim, with mentions in Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and the Wall St Journal, and his films have been released in countries such as Brazil, Japan, and Germany. His commitment to social themes is reflected in his filmography and in projects like teaching theater classes in maximum-security prisons and co-founding a movement for education in Brazil. Fernando directed the documentary “Breaking the Taboo,” which features interviews with FHC, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter, and spawned a social network with over 21 million followers, as well as a two-season series on GNT. He was also one of the creators, producers, and directors of the series “Jailers,” based on the book by Drauzio Varella and produced by Rede Globo, which led to a documentary, a fiction feature film, and won the Mipcom Award. Fernando is an alumnus of Harvard, Stanford, and Sundance and was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. He also has a background in award-winning advertising at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and received the GQ Men of the Year Award in 2011.
How do you define a guru?
Fernando Grostein Andrade: A guru is someone who helps you find your own path without pointing it out for you.
What does a normal work day look like for you, starting from the moment you wake up?
Fernando Siqueira: I wake up around seven in the morning, take my dogs for a walk, prepare food, and then discuss the day’s priorities with my work partner. From there, I go through one priority after another. I always set alarms to remind myself to get up from the computer and take healthy breaks, like meditating for five minutes, staying in the sun for fifteen minutes, or going for a walk. This routine helps me stay focused for the long hours needed at Cosmic Dog.
What time do you wake up?
Fernando Grostein Andrade: I usually wake up between seven and seven-thirty in the morning.
What do you have for breakfast?
Fernando Grostein Andrade: For breakfast, I usually have a protein and tapioca, which is a very healthy and delicious Brazilian dish of indigenous origin. Every American should try it.
Do you work out?
Fernando Siqueira: Yes, I’m increasingly practicing calisthenics, where I use my own body weight. I believe that if I can sustain my own body weight, I’ll be healthier. I also ride my bike and love hanging on bars, which is why people sometimes call me a “monkey.”
Do you have a special routine to get you in the zone? Meditation type, maybe?
Fernando Siqueira: Yes, I often analyze my dreams and reflect on their meanings. I like to meditate throughout the day, sitting outside to relax. The other Fernando enjoys aquatherapy, like getting in the pool or going to the ocean. These moments of reflection are key when working on creative projects for Cosmic Dog.
What time do you get to work?
Fernando Siqueira: Since I work from home, I start working as soon as I finish breakfast. That’s when the day truly begins for Cosmic Dog.
What do you have for Lunch? Do you even eat lunch?
Fernando Siqueira: Yes, I make sure to have lunch. I usually eat rice, beans, salad, and a protein, like eggs, chicken, fish, or meat. I also love lentils.
How much work are you hoping to achieve in your working hours?
Fernando Siqueira: I usually aim to work at least nine hours a day. However, there are days when we work more than twelve hours, which isn’t healthy, but is necessary to keep Cosmic Dog moving forward, since we are still a start-up.
Do you take a break in between?
Fernando Siqueira: Yes, I always try to take time to step outside, get some sun, go for a walk, meditate for fifteen minutes, or draw for twenty minutes to give my rational brain a break. These breaks are crucial when working long hours on Cosmic Dog projects.
What does settling in look like for you?
Fernando Siqueira: If it’s at the end of the day, “settling in” means making popcorn and watching a light movie without having to think too much. In terms of life, settling in means working hard while I’m young so that, in the future, I can live in a peaceful place, like an island, surrounded by animals like goats and cows.
Do you turn off your phone when you’re getting emails from work?
Fernando Grostein Andrade: No, I always have my phone on and try to respond to emails as quickly as possible. However, if I’m in a meeting or event, I’ll turn off my phone to focus on the activity. When Cosmic Dog is running on tight deadlines, it’s important to stay connected.
What does a normal wind-down look like for you?
Fernando Siqueira: My wind-down routine includes making popcorn, watching a light movie, listening to music on vinyl, cooking something delicious, and having dinner with my husband. Walking my dogs at night also helps me unwind, as it usually marks the end of my workday at Cosmic Dog Studios.
Loved this story? Discover more inspiring journeys in our “A Day in the Life of a Guru” series, where remarkable individuals share what it truly means to be a guru. From moments of truth to sparks of passion and authenticity, each story offers a unique glimpse into their everyday lives.
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