Director Statement - Nayip Anthony Garcia
June 5, 2024
As a young child, my best friends were the ones on the tv screen. I grew up on comedies and films that helped me escape a difficult childhood. The characters in this story were my classmates, best friends, crushes, and my make-believe family. They taught me about life.
I went on treasure hunts with the Goonies, beat the system with Ferris Bueller, and learned to love and forgive with The Breakfast Club.
I’ve always loved over-the-top comedies that were geared for kids but still funny enough for adults. When I read Almost Popular, it took me back to those childhood days where my carefree inner child could kick back and thoroughly enjoy moments of pure comedy imitating life in an unforgettable way.
Nayip Anthony Garcia (f/k/a Nayip Ramos) is a Puerto Rican, Los Angeles based director known for his eye catching visually creative concepts, millennial approved music videos, and consistent career launching results.
Unearthing talent in young adults and introducing them to the world through uniquely personalized visuals has led Nayip to launch the careers of Johnny Orlando, Mackenzie Ziegler, Jordyn Jones, Forever in Your Mind, the Brooklyn and Bailey Twins, Carson Leuders, Kylie Cantrall, Ruby Rose Turner, and countless more.
Nayip has also partnered with some of today’s top artists including Tim McGraw, Camilla Cabello, Sofia Carson, Jordan Fisher, Alessia Cara, and Kelsea Ballerini.
Nayip’s keen knowledge of youth culture’s beating pulse provided a natural transition to scripted youth based content. Nayip directed children’s streaming shows: season three of Chicken Girls and season one of Baby Doll Records. His short film Allen garnered attention from Lions Gate and Blackpills.
Nayip is now focusing his career on feature films and television. “Almost Popular” is his debut.