About me, my market, and what I love most about my work:
I’m a Salvadorian-American television and film critic, podcast producer, and host based in New York City, working professionally as a critic for 7 years. I’ve loved all forms of entertainment since I was a kid and grew up acting, singing, and going to the movies nearly every weekend. With a degree in Theater Arts and a background in acting, interviewing actors and filmmakers is my favorite part of the job because I love talking shop with other artists and getting more into the weeds about an actor’s process, character development, career challenges, and filmmaking overall.
This is my passion project, or passion in general:
My passion project is my podcast Actors With Issues, where I interview actors from TV, film and Broadway about their career journeys, what it takes to be a working actor today and obstacles they’ve dealt with whether it’s dealing with imposter syndrome, Hollywood misconceptions, representation and mental health. We started the show at the height of the pandemic in May 2020 and have gotten to speak with so many incredible artists for almost 200 episodes.
What it means to me to be part of the CCA:
Being part of CCA makes me feel like someone with a background like mine, Hispanic, queer and first-generation American, can share their perspective, and not just have a seat at the table for inclusion’s sake, but a voice that is heard and valued. The creation of the Celebration of Latino Cinema and Television, and being part of its committee, has been a great experience and an opportunity to meet and network with other Hispanic and Latin critics.
My favorite film/TV series that I am currently watching and why:
Hands down, FX on Hulu’s Reservation Dogs. One of the best series of the last three years, not just trailblazing Indigenous representation, but such brilliant storytelling and great performances from the entire cast. Shame it’s ending with season three, but better to go out with a bang than to fall into a poor reflection of its glory days, as we’ve seen happen with many shows. My favorite film(s) of 2023 is the double feature phenomenon that was #Barbenheimer. Barbie was a hilarious, fresh comedy that has become the touchstone of the year for good reason. Surrealist, hilarious, moving, wacky, everything we needed after the past few years of seclusion and insanity. Oppenheimer is in my top 3 Nolan films. Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. delivered career-best performances, with an incredible ensemble cast, and flawless direction from Christopher Nolan. As someone who was always awful at math and science, but is increasingly fascinated by it, I was completely enthralled.
My social media and where you can find my work:
You can follow me on Instagram @JuanAyalaOfficial, check out my column at MulticulturalInsites.com and my podcast at ActorsWithIssues.com, on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!
