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The 35-year-old Eastchester resident and former Yonkers Film Festival nominee has embarked on his newest project, "Somewhere Between," which is loosely inspired by his own experience being frustrated with the massive amount of time people spend on their electronic devices.
The film, produced by Jersey Flix and Rainbow Road Pictures, follows a character named Joe - played by Rocco. Joe is a lonely man in search of a genuine relationship in modern society. However, everyone he encounters falls prey to a number of distractions.
"People are so attached to technology these days. They go everywhere with their iPads and iPhones - they've given them a heartbeat. They treat them like they're actually people," he said.
Rocco said the right message might be able to get people back into living in the moment.
"When did technology become more important than talking to people you care about?" he asked, recalling the experience of having a friend texting while talking to him.
The film has yet to be fully cast, but may feature some other Westchester actors. It is set to be filmed in New Jersey.
Rocco hopes the message the film will ultimately convey is not the denouncement of technology, but finding a healthy balance.
"I want to stress the importance of talking to someone and saying what you mean, and meaning what you say. (The importance of) having lots of weight in your word without thinking about your next Facebook status or where you have to be because you're so busy." he said.
Despite the film's resonant message, Rocco and his team are having trouble acquiring the necessary funds for the film.
Their IndieGogo campaign, which is set to end on March 5, has only $480 raised of the estimated $6,000 production cost for a three-day shoot.
"It's very difficult to do a online fundraiser," Rocco said. "It's easy to use social media to promote it, but you don't want to get annoying about it."
Even if the fundraising goals are not met, Rocco plans on beginning the shooting process in April.
Rocco also hopes to plan a fundraising event, and collect donations during his musical performances around the county.
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