Becoming Rick: Alessio Filippelli on his TV show debut and transforming into an on-screen werewolf

For nearly a decade, Alessio Filippelli has been a recognisable force in fashion, entertainment, and cultural storytelling. Now, he’s stepping into an entirely new era, one that places him directly in front of the camera. In ReelShort’s highly anticipated supernatural drama My Alpha Boss, Filippelli portrays Rick, a powerful werewolf navigating a world of loyalty, destiny, and transformation. We sat down with him to discuss this next chapter, the people who helped bring it to life, and what it means to represent queer visibility in mainstream entertainment.

Q1. You’ve spent years building your reputation in fashion, creative direction, and entertainment. What does this move into acting represent for you?

Alessio Filippelli:
It feels less like a pivot and more like an evolution. Storytelling has always been at the centre of everything I’ve done. Whether I was building brands, creating campaigns, working behind the scenes, or helping shape narratives, I was always fascinated by the emotional connection stories create. Acting simply allows me to step inside the story rather than stand beside it.

For almost a decade, I’ve been fortunate enough to work around incredible artists and creatives. Now I get to challenge myself in a completely different way, and that’s exciting. Growth only happens when you’re willing to be uncomfortable.

Q2. Tell us about Rick. What drew you to the character in My Alpha Boss?

Alessio:
What attracted me to Rick was his complexity. On the surface, he’s powerful, intimidating, and very much part of this supernatural world. But underneath that strength, there’s vulnerability, loyalty, and a deep emotional core.

I’ve always been interested in characters who challenge perceptions. Rick isn’t simply a werewolf. He’s a person navigating identity, responsibility, and belonging. Those themes resonate with me deeply.

Q3. How did this opportunity first come your way?

Alessio:
I have to give flowers where flowers are due. None of this would have happened without Natalia Fuentealba.

Natalia discovered me and believed I could bring something unique to this project. Being cast in My Alpha Boss was a fun opportunity, and I’ll always be grateful that she saw something in me.

Q4. Fractory Films has become a major force in this space. What was your experience like working with the team?

Alessio:
One word: family.

Behind every successful production is someone making sure all the moving pieces come together, and for me, that’s Juliana Betancourth. She is an absolute powerhouse. Her leadership, vision, and commitment to creating quality content are evident in everything Fractory Films does.

You can feel when a production is driven by people who genuinely care, and that energy starts at the top. Juliana has built something really special.

Q5. Director Miguel Angel Ferrer personally chose you for the role. What did that mean to you?

Alessio: Honestly, it felt like a pinch-me moment.

I’ve admired Miguel Angel Ferrer’s work for a long time. The moment I learned he personally chose me for Rick, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement.

To collaborate with someone of his calibre, someone whose creative imprint is so respected within the industry, was incredibly meaningful. Miguel has a very clear vision and a remarkable ability to bring out the best in people. As an actor stepping into a project like this, that’s the kind of director you dream of working with.

Q6. You’ve spoken openly about representation throughout your career. Does playing Rick carry a deeper meaning for you?

Alessio: Absolutely.

As a queer man, being able to portray a strong supernatural character on a platform like ReelShort is incredibly important to me.

Growing up, I didn’t always see people who looked like me or shared my experiences represented in powerful, multidimensional roles. Representation isn’t just about visibility. It’s about possibility.

I hope audiences see Rick as a character first, but I also hope young queer people watching understand that they belong in every genre, every story, and every universe, including worlds filled with werewolves, alphas, and supernatural heroes.

Q7. What was the atmosphere like on set?

Alessio:
The environment was genuinely one of the best parts of the experience.

I want to specifically thank Mauricio Arrioja and Pam Carbonaro. They created a set that felt safe, collaborative, and incredibly fun. That’s not something you can take for granted.

People do their best work when they feel supported, and Mauricio and Pam made sure everyone felt valued. There was professionalism, but there was also joy. Those are the productions people remember.

Q8. Was there a moment during filming when it really hit you that this was your Hollywood moment?

Alessio:
There were a few moments, but I think the biggest one was standing on set in full character and realising that this dream I’d carried for years was suddenly real.

I left Italy at seventeen, chasing opportunities that felt impossible at the time. There were countless sacrifices and moments of uncertainty along the way. Standing there, Rick felt like proof that every risk had a purpose.

Q9. What do you hope audiences take away from My Alpha Boss?

Alessio:
First and foremost, I want them to have fun. This show has everything people love: romance, tension, supernatural drama, surprises, and characters you become invested in.

But underneath all of that, it’s also a story about identity, connection, and transformation. Every character is evolving in some way, and I think audiences will relate to that.

Q10. What would you say to viewers who haven’t watched My Alpha Boss yet?

Alessio:
Prepare to enter a world where nothing is exactly what it seems.

My Alpha Boss is full of passion, power struggles, supernatural twists, and characters you’ll be rooting for from the very beginning.

I’m incredibly grateful to ReelShort for believing in this project and for allowing me to step into this new chapter. To Natalia Fuentealba, Juliana Betancourth, Miguel Angel Ferrer, Mauricio Arrioja, Pam Carbonaro, the entire Fractory Films family, my castmates, and everyone at ReelShort—thank you for trusting me with Rick.

And to the audience: meet Rick. I have a feeling you’re going to remember him.

WATCH NOW

Fashion’s favourite storyteller has entered the supernatural universe.

Alessio Filippelli is no longer just shaping narratives behind the scenes—he’s living one.

In ReelShort’s My Alpha Boss, he transforms into Rick, a werewolf whose loyalty is fierce, whose secrets run deep, and whose presence changes everything.

Credits:

• Talent: Alessio Filippelli @ale_ssiofilippelli
• Photography: Cyril Mahe @cyrilmahe
• Glam: Natividad Bujalance Andrés @natibuja
• Styling: Dani Lee @danahmon
• Location: AC Hotel Beverly Hills @achotelbeverlyhills