In modern culture, there are plenty of life hacks. Whether it be looking younger, losing weight, or learning quicker with AI, many people look for shortcuts. Gina Angelone is not one of these people.

“There are lots of hacks and people are fascinated by them, and I understand why,” Angelone said. “But I am absolutely dedicated to process. What is it without process? For me, it’s meaningless. If you get to that end result without going through process … you’re still not dealing with your ultimate relationships to that thing.”

Angelone’s commitment has paid off in a successful career as a filmmaker and writer. The Chestnut Hill resident's work has received multiple Emmy awards and top international festival prizes, and she was founding producer of the Emmy-winning television series “Inside the Actors Studio,” formerly on Bravo. With several projects in the works, Angelone spoke to the Local about her life and career, including tales of travels, her most recent documentary, and her gratitude for the challenges she has faced.

‘Continuous travel and exploration’

Angelone grew up in Elkins Park before heading to Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts on a full scholarship. Hampshire College is known for its alternative style of education, which focuses on independent study and research without required classes. Angelone focused on “a mashup of themes,” including critical theory, gender studies, feminist studies, structural linguistics, and philosophy.

Looking to further her education, Angelone was able to use her scholarship to study in Paris for two years with eminent French writers and philosophers. She returned to Amherst, presented her undergraduate thesis, and three days later, took off for Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to work for the U.S. Embassy as an educational advisor. Following that job, Angelone returned to Paris for a BBC television gig.

These early experiences set the stage for “continuous travel and exploration,” a theme in Angelone’s life. The next several decades were spent in New York City and Los Angeles, but she also did stints in places such as Patagonia, Boston, and Tampa. It wasn’t until 2020, when Angelone’s mother was having health issues, that she decided to move back to Philadelphia. She is glad that she did.

“I don’t mean to sound hyperbolic, but there are a lot of idyllic features to living in this pocket of Philadelphia,” Angelone said. “It’s incredibly community-based. People defend it like no other place I’ve lived. … I’ve always found a way to fit in everywhere and grow roots and community everywhere and I’ve lived in some beautiful communities. But this level of integration and diversity here — it’s what makes up an ideal city.”

Working her way up

Angelone said she always loved film, but grew especially fond of it while in Paris, where she gave herself “a cinematic education.” When she graduated from college, Angelone said the natural expectation was that she would pursue a master’s or doctorate degree.

“There was really only one path, which was academic,” Angelone said. “I decided that I didn’t want to be an academic, but I wanted to do something more hands-on. And it felt like all the thinking and analyzing I’d done with words and images was a natural fit for filming. So I thought, ‘Let me go with this.’ Just got on the path and kept going, as we did back in the day with no film school, just total guerilla style.”

From her BBC job in Paris to shadowing producers in New York, Angelone worked her way up the ladder. She took everything from commercials to theatrical work, from film to television.

“If you spend enough time in this industry, you get your hands in everything,” Angelone said.

Throughout her career, Angelone said her work has been divided into two parts: work for hire and passion projects. For Angelone, the passion projects are fewer and farther between because she has to do all of the work — including fundraising.

“Even after a very long and fruitful career, it’s still pounding pavement,” Angelone said. “It’s still hustling. It’s still looking for grants and resources and all the things.”

‘Sitting Still’

Angelone’s latest documentary came out in 2024. “Sitting Still” tells the story of Laurie Olin, a renowned landscape architect who designed the New York Botanical Garden, the Washington Monument grounds, Independence Mall, and many other significant sites. Angelone’s twin sons, Ariano and Amadeo Treviño Angelone, worked on the project as well.

According to Angelone, this project took 10 years to complete, from research and grant proposals to shooting and editing, with a break during the pandemic. Angelone said she was worried the lengthy production time would impact the effectiveness of the film’s message. However, this concern proved to be unwarranted.

“One of the questions is, ‘Is that initial interview still relevant?’” Angelone said. ‘“Do people still care about these things? Can anyone relate to the wise works of a landscape architect? Does that sound enticing enough for a layperson?’... And thank goodness, it’s been the most beautiful and unexpected journey because [the film] is speaking to people and it’s having a beautiful little life in the world.”

After the success of “Sitting Still,” Angelone is working on her latest novel, “Portrait of a Stranger.” She recently signed a deal with Regal House Publishing to release the book in 2028. Angelone is also working on a film about Martha Schwartz, another landscape architect.

Reflecting on a ‘long journey’

Although she has won awards, Angelone said those accolades are never her priority. She is more validated by feedback from viewers of her films. For instance, her 2005 documentary “René and I,” which tells the story of twin survivors of Auschwitz, continues to receive positive responses.

“I still get emails annually from people who see it and write to me,” Angelone said. “Twenty-something years of getting nice emails is really special.”

Looking back on her career so far, Angelone is grateful for the “long journey” she has undergone.

“I think with age, there’s definitely been much more of an ability to slow down and appreciate what’s there, what’s been done, what’s happening, as opposed to just the constant race,” Angelone said. “It’s been nice these last few years to take my foot off the gas a little bit and enjoy the fruits of the labor.”

Learn more at angelone.com.

Maggie Dougherty can be reached at Margaret@chestnuthilllocal.com.