Alec is what they call a multi-hyphenate. He’s a director, shooter, editor, skateboarder, motorcycle junkie, and filmmaker with more than 15 years of experience in branded content and advertising. He’s also an OG Teakster having one of the longest tenures of any Teak employee (which is impressive considering he started at Teak as an intern in high school). Alec recently left Teak to pursue new projects as a Freelance Director and Director of Photography. He is deeply missed, but with his talent we’re excited to see what he does. Check out his work here: https://www.alecrodriques.com/
Tell us some of your go-to content at the moment? What are you reading/listening to/watching now?
I do an embarrassing amount of rewatching old tv shows that I love. I’m currently making my way back through “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” for the millionth time (which I think is now the longest-running live-action sitcom on tv). I love to see how bootleg and raw it was in the beginning and then how they slowly gain production value throughout the years. On top of that, it’s just comedy genius.
What’s the best advice you’ve received that you actually use?
I started out making skate videos with my buddies when I was probably 12 years old. And they were never just skate videos. Skateboarding was a big part of them but they always included other stupid shit we’d get ourselves into. Looking back they kind of serve as little documentaries of us back then. Skate videos eventually turned into skits, short films, ads, etc. I still try and work skating into any projects I can.
My dad always told me that if you want something in life you have to just go for it.
Tell us about a brand you admire and why.
See See Motorcycles is a brand that I admire. They were started with the hopes of keeping motorcycling alive in the Pacific Northwest where it rains 9 months out of the year. And I love that, because I love motorcycles and I love the idea of pursuing something difficult that is against the odds. They’re also deeply involved in the motorcycle community. They put on events, give back, and bring people together. They also make great coffee and whoever designs their clothing is a badass.
What’s your favorite non-famous app on your phone?
This is a tough one because I don’t use many apps aside from the mainstream ones. Also, I’ve been trying to stay off my phone more and more. That said, when I am on my phone I’m probably scrolling Reddit, but their app is famously pretty bad so I use an app called Apollo to browse Reddit instead.
What is the current topic/hobby/subject that you are obsessed with?
I’ve been obsessed with buying old, shitty motorcycles on Craigslist recently. I’ve discovered that it’s more than just the motorcycles that have me hooked – it’s the rush of going to see a bike that you found on the internet, negotiating/haggling with the owner, hopefully reaching a deal, and then praying that it makes it back home without exploding or breaking down. Nothing feels better than when it all works out. And when it doesn’t, well, all you can do is kinda look back and laugh at yourself.
Whats an ad that stands out in your mind or your favorite campaign ad?
Puppy monkey baby. Lol. I wouldn’t necessarily say this is my favorite ad…but it’s definitely one that I’ll always remember..
What’s something that’s brought you joy recently at your work?
My good friend Chris Madera and I have known each other since freshman year of high school when we first started making films together. Over the years we’ve gone through periods where we work together a lot and sometimes not so much. That’s just how things go. But, I’ve recently had the opportunity to work with him more and he pointed out something that I thought was pretty cool. He mentioned that now that we’re in our 30s, he and I have been making films together for the majority of our lives. It made me look back and just reflect on how incredibly lucky we both are to be able to pursue a career that brings us both so much joy..
What’s something that’s brought you joy recently outside of work?
My cat, lol. He’s fat, lazy, orange, and a zen master.
