Exclusive Interview: Nicholas Manuel Pino Discusses His Debut Feature Film, ‘Bosco,’ Collaborating with His Star-Studded Team, and More

Nicholas Manuel Pino, an award-winning writer, director, and DP, stands out as one of the most captivating emerging voices of his generation. With a focus on heartwarming dramedies featuring POC leads, his body of work has garnered critical acclaim at festivals worldwide.

This February marks the eagerly awaited full-length directorial debut for Pino, titled Bosco. Based on true events, the film presents the remarkable story of Quawntay “Bosco” Adams, who orchestrates a brilliant escape from a federal maximum-security prison to witness the birth of his first child.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Nicholas about the creation of Bosco, his collaboration with Quawntay “Bosco” Adams, assembling an all-star cast, and much more.

PC: How did you first come across Quawntay Adams’ story, and what inspired you to write this screenplay?
Nicholas: I met a producer who watched one of my shorts at Hollyshorts, and they had the life rights to his book, Chasin’ Freedum. He approached me to see if I would be interested in pitching my take on it. I devoured Quawntay’s book; I couldn’t put it down for two days. Even just a few pages in, I knew I had to make this film. I pitched, they hired me to write the script, and here we are, years later, with the help of countless craftspeople and determined producers, including Patrick McErlean, Darryll C. Scott, and Quawntay himself, with a film.

PC: As you were saying, this film is based on a true story and the memoir, Chasin’ Freedum. As you brought Quawntay’s story to the screen, what’s one thing that you wanted to make sure was translated from page to screen? How does the film medium allow you to bring additional color to a story that many are familiar with?
Nicholas: Adaptations are tough. Condensing a 400-page book into a 100-page script was definitely a challenge. My North Star was the emotional truth that the book conveyed. Not being able to delve into the entire story that’s in the book, I wanted to make sure Bosco’s inspiring internal journey from anger and blame to responsibility and service was captured in the shorter time frame we follow him in the film. Films are amazing. The ability to communicate with the audience through cinematography, performance, and music truly helps externalize the internal and immerses the audience in the character’s headspace.

PC: Quawntay has also been heavily involved in this project. What has it been like getting to collaborate with him and bring a chapter of his life story to the screen?
Nicholas: We started working on this film while he was still in prison serving thirteen out of a 35-year sentence. We spoke multiple times a week or fifteen minutes at a time (the prison phone call time limit). Sometimes honing in on the script, sometimes just talking about life. Just having that time together and getting to know what an inspiring soul he is is one of the most meaningful byproducts of this whole process. We became brothers. We did that for two years until one day I got a call from him a couple of months before we went into production. He was out! He fired his court-appointed attorney, appealed his own case, and effectively freed himself, without having to carve through inches of steel this time. He took a very active role in producing and was on set with me every day.

PC: This film does not work unless you cast the right actor to play Quawntay. What was it about Aubrey Joseph, who delivers an incredible performance in this, that made him stand out? As the writer-director, how did you create the space and trust with him to tackle that emotional journey?
Nicholas: I can’t say enough great things about Aubrey. Beyond just his natural gift, his work ethic and passion made me instantly connect with him. From the first phone calls we had, we knew we had a true partner in each other. He has amazing instincts, and we worked tirelessly on every word, comma, and punctuation. He loves the process just like I do. We developed a working language that allowed us to be open with each other and prepared us for the hard days on an indie film set. Our trust in each other was built in those early days of breaking down the script but also just getting to know each other.

PC: In addition to Aubrey, you have a star-studded cast at the helm of this project. How have your experiences in front of the camera, and the fact that you wrote and directed this project, aided you throughout this filming process and collaborating with the likes of Theo Rossi, Vivica A. Fox, Tyrese Gibson, Thomas Jane, and Nikki Blonsky?
Nicholas: Every actor took ownership of their characters and contributed great ideas to the script. I know how tough it is to perform and wanted to make sure they all had what they needed. Every actor works differently. Some like to ask a lot of questions, some don’t like to talk much about it. I respect each method and just try to meet them on their own level. Everyone gave all they had and created incredibly nuanced performances that transcended any expectations I came in with. I’m indebted to them for the care they brought to Bosco’s story.

PC: This is your full-length directorial debut. Did anything surprise you about the experience? What was the biggest takeaway?
Nicholas: The biggest takeaway from this experience was how much I love making films. Despite the countless problems, issues, headaches, and hardships, there’s nothing I would rather be contributing my energy to. I’m very lucky to be able to do it.

PC: This project has also been years in the making. What does this moment mean to you to have it premiere on Peacock? What do you hope audiences take away after seeing it?
Nicholas: It’s been five years since I wrote the film. I have a beautiful two-year-old daughter now that wasn’t even around yet when we made this. We filmed through the pandemic, getting shut down when the cases spiked. It was a rollercoaster. Having the film finally released on Peacock makes me feel very grateful to all of the people who fought through unwelcoming conditions for years to bring this to the finish line. Just like Bosco’s story, determination was a big theme of this production. I’m grateful we were able to tell this story and proud to play a part in it. I hope audiences take away the thought that who we are in our past doesn’t have to define who we are in our future. We can escape our own prison cells by looking inside of ourselves and making bold choices that steer us to our calling as people.

PC: Outside of Bosco, what’s next for you?
Nicholas: I’m constantly writing. Since I wrote Bosco five years ago, I’ve written ten-plus projects that I hope to bring to the screen. I’ve connected deeply with a lot of good people on this film. I’ve been blessed enough to collaborate with Aubrey on a few different projects that we wrote together, including a TV series. Also, Theo Rossi has become another close collaborator, and we’ve written a feature together and developed a series. They’re both more than just actors. They have such a strong story and directorial sense that I would be blessed to work with them for the rest of my career.

To keep up with Nicholas, follow him on Instagram. Watch Bosco on Peacock today.

Photo Credit: Zack Smith