The 25-year-old creative director, talent agent, and manager discusses his meteoric rise, groundbreaking projects, and dedication to mental health and social change.
Alessio Filippelli, an Italian-born creative director, talent agent, and manager, has taken the entertainment industry by storm with his innovative ideas and relentless drive to revolutionize the business. At just 25, Filippelli has already made significant strides, working with major industry players like Disney, Nickelodeon, Halo, Star Wars, and Paramount Plus. His portfolio includes producing and consulting on a variety of entertainment projects, such as music tours, albums, and films.
One of Filippelli’s most notable achievements is producing and consulting on Kat Graham’s Worldwide Long Hot Summer Tour 2022, which featured over 30 shows in 12 different countries. He also handled the graphics and design for her music album, “Toro Gato,” which made history as the first album to be released exclusively as an NFT. This innovative approach not only pushed the boundaries of music distribution but also solidified Filippelli’s reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.
Beyond his work with Graham, Filippelli has held various executive positions in the entertainment world. Currently, he serves as the digital director for Contrast Magazine and its publications, including Contrast Publishing and MDM Media. He is also in the process of launching an app for the company, aiming to create a new platform for artists worldwide.
Filippelli’s creativity extends to fashion, where he collaborated with Kat Graham on the inclusivity-first clothing collection, Galactica. This collection, celebrated for its diversity and representation, sold out globally in less than two weeks. Additionally, he created the first Zoom virtual meet and greet during the pandemic, earning a Webby nomination and global acclaim.
Filippelli’s business expertise is not confined to the entertainment industry alone. In 2022, he shared his social media insights during a panel for the United Nations at the Cannes Film Festival, discussing the power of social media to give a voice to refugees worldwide. His commitment to social change is further demonstrated by his role as a global ambassador for Health 360 and the Americorps program, where he raises awareness about mental health.
In February 2024, Filippelli signed with music distribution company Vydia to represent independent music artists globally and launched his own music label. His aim is to empower artists and foster a community where creativity thrives.
As a gay man, Filippelli has faced his share of challenges, working twice as hard to prove himself in an industry that can be unforgiving. His journey is a testament to resilience and the power of staying true to oneself. Filippelli’s story is one of breaking barriers and achieving success while advocating for inclusivity and mental health awareness.
Grazia: Alessio, you’ve achieved so much at such a young age. Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to enter the entertainment industry?
Alessio: My journey has been a blend of passion, perseverance, and incredible mentorship. I started out in Italy, a shy and insecure teenager who didn’t quite fit the mold. Meeting Kat Graham when I was 13 was a turning point. She saw potential in me that I hadn’t recognized in myself. Over the years, our professional and personal bond grew, allowing me to explore and push the boundaries of my creativity. The desire to tell compelling stories and innovate within the industry has been my driving force.
Grazia: Growing up, did you always know you wanted to work in the entertainment and creative industries?
Alessio: Absolutely! From a young age, I was captivated by the magic of entertainment. I remember watching shows and movies, not just for the storylines, but to understand how they were created. I was that kid who would stage elaborate performances in the living room, directing my friends and imagining the audience’s applause. By the time I was a teenager, I was already experimenting with content creation and exploring various aspects of the industry. The thrill of storytelling, the energy of live performances, and the endless possibilities of creative expression always drew me in. Pursuing a career in entertainment felt like a natural progression, and I couldn’t be more excited about where it has taken me.
Grazia: You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Disney, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Plus. What has been the most challenging and rewarding project you’ve worked on so far?
Alessio: Each project has its unique challenges and rewards, but producing and consulting on Kat Graham’s Worldwide Long Hot Summer Tour 2022 stands out. Coordinating a global tour involved intense logistical challenges and creative problem-solving, but seeing it come together was incredibly rewarding. The tour taught me a lot about resilience and teamwork.
Grazia: Producing and consulting on Kat Graham’s Worldwide Long Hot Summer Tour 2022 was a massive achievement. Can you share more about your experience and the creative process behind this project?
Alessio: It was a life-changing experience. Managing such a large-scale project meant wearing many hats—tour manager, coordinator, even travel agent at times. The creative process was all about collaboration and ensuring every detail, from the dancers to the stage design, reflected Kat’s vision. It was intense, but the thrill of seeing the final product made it all worthwhile.
Grazia: You made history with Kat Graham’s album, Toro Gato, being the first album released exclusively as an NFT. What was the inspiration behind this innovative approach?
Alessio: The inspiration came from wanting to push the boundaries of how music is distributed and consumed. NFTs offered a way to create a unique, secure connection between the artist and the fans. It was about exploring new frontiers in technology and creativity, and it aligned perfectly with our vision of staying ahead of the curve.
Grazia: Your creativity and innovation have significantly contributed to Kat Graham’s success. How do you stay inspired and come up with such groundbreaking ideas?
Alessio: Inspiration comes from everywhere—art, technology, personal experiences, and the incredible people I work with. I always aim to think outside the box and look for ways to merge different worlds. Staying curious and open to new ideas is key to coming up with innovative solutions.
Grazia: You created the first Zoom virtual meet and greet, which earned you a Webby nomination. Can you tell us more about this project and its impact during the pandemic?
Alessio: The pandemic forced us to rethink how we connect with fans. The Zoom virtual meet and greet was born out of necessity but quickly became a beloved format. It provided a personal, interactive experience that bridged the gap created by social distancing. It was gratifying to see how much it meant to fans and how it set a new standard for virtual interactions.
Grazia: Your inclusivity-first clothing collection, Galactica, in partnership with Kat Graham, was a global success. What motivated you to create this collection, and what does inclusivity mean to you?
Alessio: Inclusivity is at the heart of everything I do. The Galactica collection was about celebrating diversity and ensuring everyone felt represented and valued. It was motivated by a desire to challenge norms and create a space where everyone could see themselves reflected in fashion.
Grazia: You’ve been a strong advocate for using social media to give a voice to marginalized communities. How did your participation in the United Nations panel at the Cannes Film Festival shape your perspective on social media’s power for social change?
Alessio: The UN panel was a profound experience. It reinforced my belief in social media as a powerful tool for advocacy and change. Hearing stories from refugees and marginalized communities highlighted the impact of giving them a platform to share their experiences. It’s about using our voices to amplify those who are often unheard.
Grazia: Can you tell us more about your upcoming merchandise collection dropping next Friday? What can fans expect from it?
Alessio: I’m beyond excited about this upcoming collection because it has a truly unique and unexpected origin. I wasn’t initially planning on creating merchandise, but everything changed when a fan made a playful edit of me as a spiritual figure, which quickly went viral on social media. The response was overwhelming—fans were tagging me, sharing the post, and asking if I could turn that concept into a merchandise line. Their enthusiasm and creativity inspired me to bring this idea to life. So, this collection is really for them. And this is just the beginning! We’re already hard at work on new designs and planning a brand-new capsule collection. So, stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!
Grazia: You recently signed with Vydia to represent independent music artists globally and launched your own music label. What are your goals for this label, and what kind of impact do you hope to make in the music industry?
Alessio: My goal is to empower independent artists and give them the resources they need to succeed. The label is about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for unique voices to be heard. I hope to foster a community where creativity thrives and artists feel supported.
Grazia: You’re also the digital director for Contrast Magazine and its publications. How do you envision the future of Contrast Magazine, and what new initiatives are you excited about?
Alessio: Contrast Magazine is all about celebrating diversity and pushing boundaries. I’m excited about launching our new app, which will revolutionize how we feature artists and connect with our audience. We’re constantly looking for new ways to innovate and highlight the beauty in diversity.
Grazia: As someone who has broken barriers and achieved so much, what advice would you give to young, aspiring creatives facing challenges in the industry?
Alessio: Stay true to yourself and don’t be
CREDITS
Talent: Alessio Filippelli @ale_ssiofilippelli
Photography: Manuel Perugini @manuel_perugini
Glam: Elisa Rampi @elisarampi
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