Brady Goodman-Williams (BGW): So tell me a little about yourself. Where did you start? How did you get to where you are now?
Rocco Leo Gaglioti (RLG): Well, in 1994, I was scouted to model by a talent scout in Miami, and started modeling professionally in Milan, Paris, and New York City. I then picked up the camera myself and found my love for photography. The success snowballed from there when I decided to build my own TV and film production company, RLG Productions, Corp., in 2000 and started hosting my award-winning flagship “Fashion News Live” in 2004. More recently, I founded and am now the CEO of my own lifestyle and fashion TV network, which I named FNL Network.
BGW: What is FNL Network?
RLG: FNL Network (or Fashion-News-Lifestyle Network) is really my baby. We provide viewers exclusive access to the worlds of fashion, travel, beauty, health, and reality TV. I create most of the original programming (with my stellar team of course), but also feature award-winning films and documentaries and licensed programming from around the world. It's really a one-stop-shop for anyone who appreciates creativity and expression.
BGW: What types of shows are on FNL Network?
RLG: There's a wide variety! Of course, “Fashion News Live” is the most popular show on the network, which takes viewers backstage and front row at major global fashion weeks. But we also have shows like “City Showcase,” where I take viewers on a tour of global destinations. I'm a big traveler, so it comes quite naturally for me. Or shows like “Model Monday” and “Model Diaries” follow successful models in their careers. We also just recently rolled out two seasons of our brand new talk show, “Carol Alt's Living Room,” where supermodel Carol Alt, as the host, interviews big names like Iris Apfel, Nigel Barker, Fern Mallis, and more. So really, there's something for everyone on FNL Network. And a lot of our shows and documentaries have won some impressive awards as well!
BGW: Sounds amazing! How can I watch?
RLG: Right now, you can tune in on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Prime and Amazon Firestick. But more viewing platforms are in the works!
BGW: Okay! I'll have to check it out when I get home. What do you love most about FNL Network?
RLG: Oh that's tough. I love that it's not some massive corporation that is dictated by a board or only cares about profits. It's in indie network that I started from scratch, which means that it's much more flexible and emphasizes freedom of expression.
BGW: I can definitely sense that entrepreneurial spirit. What have been the biggest challenges in getting your business off the ground?
RLG: Oh as every entrepreneur will probably empathize with, everything has been a huge challenge. Nothing has been given or handed over easily. Our entire network is independent and completely grassroots. Of course, I owe the network's success to my amazing teams around the world that work side-by-side with me and shed blood, sweat, and tears.
BGW: How big is your team?
RLG: We have satellite offices in Los Angeles, New York, Ukraine, China, India, and Dubai.
BGW: How often do you make new content?
RLG: We are always creating content, so every month we're putting out new episodes. We also have partnerships where content is provided globally on an ongoing basis.
BGW: So after all that, what do you think makes FNL Network different from other networks?
RLG: We have creativity, freedom of expression, and are bound by no limitations. And also the fact that we are currently the only network on the market to broadcast shows in American Sign Language created by and starring the hearing impaired. My mom is hearing impaired, so I made sure to stress that in FNL Network's vision.
BGW: Wow in ASL? That's incredible. Okay, last thing. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
RLG: If the opportunity isn't there, create your own door. Never stop believing and never give up. And most importantly, make sure to surround yourself with people that have strong points to counterbalance your weak points.
BGW: Amazing! Thank you so much for your time. Best of luck to you and FNL Network!
RLG: Thank you for the interview!
Rocco Leo Gaglioti (RLG): Well, in 1994, I was scouted to model by a talent scout in Miami, and started modeling professionally in Milan, Paris, and New York City. I then picked up the camera myself and found my love for photography. The success snowballed from there when I decided to build my own TV and film production company, RLG Productions, Corp., in 2000 and started hosting my award-winning flagship “Fashion News Live” in 2004. More recently, I founded and am now the CEO of my own lifestyle and fashion TV network, which I named FNL Network.
BGW: What is FNL Network?
RLG: FNL Network (or Fashion-News-Lifestyle Network) is really my baby. We provide viewers exclusive access to the worlds of fashion, travel, beauty, health, and reality TV. I create most of the original programming (with my stellar team of course), but also feature award-winning films and documentaries and licensed programming from around the world. It's really a one-stop-shop for anyone who appreciates creativity and expression.
BGW: What types of shows are on FNL Network?
RLG: There's a wide variety! Of course, “Fashion News Live” is the most popular show on the network, which takes viewers backstage and front row at major global fashion weeks. But we also have shows like “City Showcase,” where I take viewers on a tour of global destinations. I'm a big traveler, so it comes quite naturally for me. Or shows like “Model Monday” and “Model Diaries” follow successful models in their careers. We also just recently rolled out two seasons of our brand new talk show, “Carol Alt's Living Room,” where supermodel Carol Alt, as the host, interviews big names like Iris Apfel, Nigel Barker, Fern Mallis, and more. So really, there's something for everyone on FNL Network. And a lot of our shows and documentaries have won some impressive awards as well!
BGW: Sounds amazing! How can I watch?
RLG: Right now, you can tune in on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Prime and Amazon Firestick. But more viewing platforms are in the works!
BGW: Okay! I'll have to check it out when I get home. What do you love most about FNL Network?
RLG: Oh that's tough. I love that it's not some massive corporation that is dictated by a board or only cares about profits. It's in indie network that I started from scratch, which means that it's much more flexible and emphasizes freedom of expression.
BGW: I can definitely sense that entrepreneurial spirit. What have been the biggest challenges in getting your business off the ground?
RLG: Oh as every entrepreneur will probably empathize with, everything has been a huge challenge. Nothing has been given or handed over easily. Our entire network is independent and completely grassroots. Of course, I owe the network's success to my amazing teams around the world that work side-by-side with me and shed blood, sweat, and tears.
BGW: How big is your team?
RLG: We have satellite offices in Los Angeles, New York, Ukraine, China, India, and Dubai.
BGW: How often do you make new content?
RLG: We are always creating content, so every month we're putting out new episodes. We also have partnerships where content is provided globally on an ongoing basis.
BGW: So after all that, what do you think makes FNL Network different from other networks?
RLG: We have creativity, freedom of expression, and are bound by no limitations. And also the fact that we are currently the only network on the market to broadcast shows in American Sign Language created by and starring the hearing impaired. My mom is hearing impaired, so I made sure to stress that in FNL Network's vision.
BGW: Wow in ASL? That's incredible. Okay, last thing. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
RLG: If the opportunity isn't there, create your own door. Never stop believing and never give up. And most importantly, make sure to surround yourself with people that have strong points to counterbalance your weak points.
BGW: Amazing! Thank you so much for your time. Best of luck to you and FNL Network!
RLG: Thank you for the interview!