Ramon Rodriguez Talks Directing, ‘Will Trent’s’ New Style, and His Puerto Rican Shenanigans
Ramon Rodriguez has become one of the most exciting and dynamic figures behind the scenes of Will Trent. As a director, actor, and creator, he’s been instrumental in shaping the show’s evolution. Known for his sharp direction and undeniable charisma, Rodriguez brings a fresh, distinctive touch to the series, especially in its latest season. But his contributions go beyond his work on screen—his Puerto Rican heritage and personal experiences add a unique layer to his creative vision.
In this article, we’ll dive into a conversation with Ramon Rodriguez, exploring his role in Will Trent, the show’s stylistic evolution, and how his Puerto Rican background influences both his personal and professional life. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the show or just discovering it, this behind-the-scenes look will give you a deeper appreciation for the creative force that Rodriguez brings to the table.
The Man Behind the Camera: Ramon Rodriguez as Director
Ramon Rodriguez’s transition from actor to director has been one of the most fascinating parts of his career. With years of acting experience under his belt, Rodriguez has now taken on the role of guiding Will Trent’s visual storytelling in a way that emphasizes both character depth and gripping suspense. His direction in Season 3 has been widely praised, with many noting a distinct shift in the show’s tone and style.
Shaping the Look and Feel of ‘Will Trent’
As a director, Rodriguez brings a unique sense of energy and style to the show. One of the most notable changes in Season 3 is a noticeable shift in the series’ aesthetic. Gone are the more traditional crime procedural visuals of earlier seasons. In their place, Rodriguez infuses Will Trent with a more cinematic, layered feel that brings the characters’ emotional and psychological journeys to the forefront.
Rodriguez himself acknowledges the stylistic change, pointing out that his goal is to make each episode feel like a mini-movie. “We wanted to elevate the visual language of the show,” Rodriguez explains. “We’re telling these incredibly rich, human stories, and we needed a visual style that matched that intensity.”
One example of this new direction is the increased use of shadows and lighting to highlight emotional moments, giving the show a darker, more intense atmosphere. “It’s about creating a space where the tension feels palpable, where the audience can feel the weight of the story, and the characters’ internal struggles,” says Rodriguez.
Blending Action and Emotion: A Director’s Balancing Act
While the show’s visuals have become more striking, Rodriguez’s direction is also known for its careful balance between the action-packed crime drama and the character-driven emotional arcs. His approach to directing ensures that Will Trent never sacrifices one for the other.
Rodriguez says, “At its core, the show is about people, about relationships, about how we deal with trauma, and how we process things. The action is a vehicle for those emotions. If we’re telling a story about Will’s struggle with his past, we need the audience to be right there with him, feeling that struggle in real time.”
This balance between action and emotional depth is one of the standout features of Season 3, and it’s a testament to Rodriguez’s ability to juggle different narrative elements while keeping the audience engaged.
Ramon Rodriguez’s Puerto Rican Heritage and How It Influences His Work
Rodriguez has always been proud of his Puerto Rican roots, and throughout his career, he has openly discussed how his culture has shaped his worldview and his work. His heritage plays a pivotal role in his approach to directing, particularly in terms of bringing authenticity to the characters and stories he tells.
Bringing Authenticity to ‘Will Trent’
While Will Trent is set in the American South, Rodriguez ensures that his cultural background infuses the series with authenticity and depth. From the casting choices to the storytelling approach, Rodriguez is committed to creating a show that reflects the diversity of the world around him.
For example, when it comes to depicting the emotional journeys of the characters, Rodriguez draws from his own experiences of resilience, community, and identity. “Growing up in Puerto Rico, there was always a sense of pride in who we are and where we come from,” he explains. “That sense of identity, of holding on to who you are in the face of adversity—that’s something I think about a lot when I’m working with characters like Will and Faith.”
In his directorial work, Rodriguez is committed to representing real, lived experiences. He believes that authentic storytelling transcends cultural boundaries, allowing the audience to connect with characters on a deeper level, regardless of their backgrounds.
Puerto Rican Influence on the Show’s Themes
Rodriguez’s Puerto Rican background also influences the show’s thematic exploration of family, loyalty, and survival. Puerto Rican culture is deeply rooted in a sense of community, and Rodriguez brings that same ethos to Will Trent, focusing on the importance of relationships—whether familial or professional—and how they shape the characters’ lives.
“Growing up, my family and my community were always at the center of everything,” says Rodriguez. “It wasn’t just about individuals—it was about collective support, about helping each other out when things got tough. That sense of connection is something I try to bring into the show. It’s about the way characters rely on each other and how they overcome challenges together.”
This influence is evident in how the show portrays the relationships between characters, especially within the precinct. Whether it’s the friendship between Will and Angie or the emotional complexities of Faith, the sense of mutual support and understanding is woven throughout the series. These moments of connection and loyalty are core to the show’s emotional weight, and Rodriguez’s personal experiences help bring that authenticity to the forefront.
Ramon Rodriguez’s ‘Shenanigans’: Light-Hearted Moments Amidst the Drama
While Rodriguez is known for his ability to craft intense, emotional stories, he’s also a big believer in incorporating humor and light-hearted moments into the narrative. His Puerto Rican roots, which emphasize the importance of joy and laughter even in tough times, are central to his approach to Will Trent.
“I love the idea of bringing humor into the show,” Rodriguez shares. “Life is hard, and sometimes the only way to deal with it is through laughter, through having fun, through ‘shenanigans’ as I like to call them.”
Rodriguez believes that moments of levity can not only provide relief from the intensity of the cases but also reveal a more human side to the characters. Whether it’s a playful exchange between Will and Angie or a light-hearted interaction between Faith and Ormewood, these moments help ground the characters in reality and make them more relatable.
“Shenanigans are part of life,” he says with a laugh. “Sometimes, you need a little bit of silliness to remind you that there’s joy to be found, even in the darkest of times.”
How Ramon Rodriguez’s Work as Director Influences His Acting
Rodriguez’s experience as a director has also given him a fresh perspective on his acting. Having worked on both sides of the camera, he now approaches his role in front of the camera with a deeper understanding of the story being told.
An Actor’s Insight: How Directing Enhances His Performance
Rodriguez reveals that his experience as a director has changed the way he approaches acting. “Being a director has given me a new appreciation for how everything comes together,” he explains. “When you’re acting, you’re just one piece of the puzzle. As a director, you get to see how everything fits together, how the timing, the pacing, and the emotions all work in tandem.”
This new insight allows Rodriguez to bring an even greater level of depth to his performance on Will Trent. He’s able to consider how his character’s emotions and actions affect the larger narrative and the other characters around him. This sense of the bigger picture makes his acting feel more nuanced and intentional.
Balancing Multiple Roles: Director and Actor on the Same Show
One of the most unique aspects of Rodriguez’s involvement in Will Trent is his ability to balance both directing and acting. It’s no easy feat to juggle these two roles, but Rodriguez has found a way to make it work. “It’s definitely challenging,” he admits, “but I’ve learned to compartmentalize and switch between the two roles.”
By balancing both roles, Rodriguez brings a unique perspective to the show that few directors can provide. His understanding of the story from an acting standpoint allows him to direct with a deeper sensitivity to the emotional arcs of the characters, creating a more cohesive and engaging experience for the audience.
Conclusion: Ramon Rodriguez’s Impact on ‘Will Trent’
Ramon Rodriguez has truly left his mark on Will Trent. His direction has brought a fresh new style to the show, while his Puerto Rican roots add authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance to the characters and themes. His ability to balance intensity with humor, drama with levity, has elevated the series in ways that viewers are sure to appreciate.
By embracing his heritage and his experiences as both a director and an actor, Rodriguez has crafted a vision for Will Trent that is both unique and compelling. His Puerto Rican shenanigans, emotional depth, and keen understanding of storytelling make him an invaluable asset to the show’s creative team, and his work will continue to influence the series for seasons to come. Whether behind the camera or in front of it, Ramon Rodriguez’s contributions to Will Trent are undeniable—and fans are better for it.
