Robert Pucci: From Law School to Hollywood

December 16, 2014

Robert PucciNew York Film Academy Los Angeles Critical Film Art and Intro To Film Instructor Robert Pucci took a rather interesting turn in his career after passing the bar exams for both New York and New Jersey — a difficult feat in itself. What could be a more challenging career path than passing law school and two bar exams? Acting. Robert’s passion for the craft sent him on his way to Los Angeles to become an actor. However, while playing a recurring role on The Young and the Restless, he realized that, at heart, he is a writer.

Robert has sold over twenty-five screenplays to major Hollywood studios and worked with, among others, Ridley Scott, Oliver Stone, Jan Debont, James Foley, Mark Wahlberg and Roland Joffe. Recently, Robert’s artistic endeavors are focused on books and not screenplays. In his first novel, In Harlem’s Way, Robert continues telling stories and creating characters that examine the complexities of the human heart. Touching on themes of innocence, guilt, forgiveness and ultimately love, the book tells the inspiring story of the unlikely relationship forged between a damaged white youth lost in Harlem, and the first African American man he’s ever met, a bond that heals and forever changes them both.

With tremendous experience in the industry, in addition to his grasp on the law, Robert provides invaluable insight to his students on the world ahead of them. “I feel any instructor who has been in the trenches, (and I’ve been in them as an actor, and to a far greater extent, as a writer) offers something worthwhile to young artists,” says Mr. Pucci. “That said, my aim is to make this experience about them and not me, but when I can impart lessons learned by way of trial by fire, I share them.”

Robert currently teaches two courses at the Film Academy that provide an overview of the history of cinema with a look at the many movements and techniques which shape film as they experience it today. In so doing, Robert aims to connect the past to the present and show the students that the filmmakers, actors and writers they currently admire are well-versed in the work of the artists who came before and incorporate what they’ve learned in their own work.

“I find the enthusiasm of the students infectious. I also enjoy interacting with the international student body at NYFA as in each class I learn something new about cultures from around the world.”
Robert’s advice to young screenwriters is the same advice he was given when starting out. “There is much in the entertainment industry that is out of your control, so work diligently and focus on the things which you can control, and the main one is your work output. Always be writing. When you finish one script, immediately start the next one.”