When it comes to the world of cinema, there are those who watch it, those who make it, and then there are those like Robert Saucedo who live it. His journey with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is a testament to his unwavering passion for film and the hospitality industry. Robert’s charismatic personality and remarkable contributions to the Alamo Drafthouse experience have made him a standout figure in the industry.
How Did It All Start For Robert At Alamo Drafthouse Cinema?
Robert Saucedo’s story resonates with dreamers and enthusiasts alike. His professional career with Alamo Drafthouse began in 2011, but his admiration for the cinema chain dates back even further. His love for the Alamo Drafthouse’s unique blend of curated movies and dedication to a theatrical dining experience was so profound that he would visit the Houston theater weekly, sometimes even more.
Robert Saucedo’s story resonates with dreamers and enthusiasts alike. His professional career with Alamo Drafthouse began in 2011, but his admiration for the cinema chain dates back even further. His love for the Alamo Drafthouse’s unique blend of curated movies and dedication to a theatrical dining experience was so profound that he would visit the Houston theater weekly, sometimes even more.
Robert became determined to be part of the Alamo Drafthouse family and started regularly leaving his resume at the box office. When that wasn’t working, he took matters into his own hands by emailing our very own Neil Billingsley-Michaelsen, CEO and president of Triple Tap Ventures, and head of the Houston franchise – “just letting him know that I loved Alamo Drafthouse and if any positions open up, I’d love to join the team.”
That’s right. He went straight to the top, just like an old movie script.
Robert’s persistence paid off. He started as a volunteer host of special movie events in 2010, which led to his first official job the next year at Alamo Drafthouse as an assistant to the President and accounting support. However, Robert’s journey at Alamo Drafthouse had its share of challenges. He freely admits that he wasn’t initially adept at his first assigned roles, but luckily, Neil recognized Robert’s spark of potential.
Neil provided guidance and resources that allowed Robert to discover his true calling: marketing and programming. From 2012 to 2022, he served as the programming director, and as of August 2022, he took on the role of Senior Film Buyer at the corporate office. Robert’s ascent through the ranks highlights his adaptability, dedication, and thirst for knowledge in the world of cinema and the hospitality industry.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s Impact On Robert Saucedo
One aspect that separates Robert is his appreciation for the people he’s worked with throughout his career at Alamo Drafthouse. His background was primarily in nonprofit and creative writing, previously working as a newspaper copy-editor, technical writer, and fundraising with the Boy Scouts of America.
Since the hospitality and restaurant industry was a whole new world for Robert, he was initially overwhelmed by the experience. However, the support and mentorship he received from the Alamo team, from managers to projectionists, servers, and kitchen crew, was invaluable. They gave him the knowledge and insights necessary to thrive in the hospitality and entertainment business. It’s a testament to the familial, collaborative environment that Alamo Drafthouse fosters.
Robert highlights names like Jason Murphy, Nate Wells, Ray Oler, and Ed Dodds as individuals who played a pivotal role in his growth and education. Their guidance and expertise contributed to his success and allowed him to make significant contributions to the Alamo Drafthouse experience.
Getting To Know Robert A Little More…
When discussing films and fictional influences, Robert expressed how when he was younger, he identified with characters created by Kevin Smith, reflecting his geeky and film-loving persona. However, as he’s grown older, he finds a more nuanced connection with Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of Charlie Kaufman in “Adaptation.” The character’s blend of anxiety, curiosity, and a desire to be heard resonates with Robert’s personality. This is a prime example of his evolving perspective on life and cinema.
If he could work a shift with any movie character, Robert presented a fun twist without haste: Spider-Man because he embodies the ideal server. His superhuman reflexes, ability to balance multiple tasks flawlessly, and innate capability to predict incoming orders with his “spider-sense” would make Spider-Man the perfect partner in delivering the Alamo Drafthouse experience.
Speaking of serving, no visit to the theater is complete without some tasty treats. What items from the Alamo Drafthouse menu does Robert enjoy the most? His answer leaves us craving our next trip to the Alamo...
“I'm a big fan of Alamo’s Popcorn. It’s an essential part of any trip to the Drafthouse. I love their Omnivore pizza. It’s a perfect mix of the taste of great pizza with pepperonis, but I can trick myself into thinking it’s healthy because there are vegetables on it. The chocolate cookie shake is absolutely amazing. They take a real freshly baked chocolate chip cookie and then just mix it into a shake form, and you get [these]chunks of warm cookie, and your shake is just delicious.”
Where-Wolf? There-Wolf!
Beyond his work at Alamo Drafthouse, Robert is an imaginative writer and storyteller. During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many in the entertainment and hospitality industry, he faced layoffs as business ground to a halt. During this time, he pursued a personal project he was passionate about but hadn’t found time for - writing comic books. This endeavor allowed him to flex his creative muscles and express his talents.
Robert’s fictional project, “Wherewolf,” tells the story of Larry Chaney, an underachieving reporter who must infiltrate a furry convention to confront a sinister threat terrorizing small-town Texas. This horror comedy story has progressed from a webcomic on Fangoria.com to being published in physical format by Encyclops Productions.
Robert’s creative journey doesn’t stop there. He’s already working on a sequel and moving to full-color with his illustrator. His success as a film buyer and comic book creator underscores his versatility and the boundless creativity he brings to all his endeavors.
Robert Saucedo’s work with Alamo Drafthouse showcases his dedication, adaptability, and passion for the entertainment industry. His story demonstrates the power of persistence and the importance of finding one’s true calling. Robert’s creative pursuits and warm personality make him a significant asset to any team he joins. Though he started under the umbrella of Triple Tap Ventures, we always knew he was destined for greatness. When he took the leap to become a Senior Film Buyer with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema corporate offices, we were proud to have been able to help him reach that milestone. It’s clear that he’s not just a professional but also a passionate cinephile with a creative spirit. At Triple Tap Ventures, we don’t want our people to succeed solely with us, we want them to succeed in every venture of life!
As Triple Tap Ventures and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema continue to innovate, Robert Saucedo will undoubtedly be at the forefront, making his mark in the world of cinema and entertainment.
