Taking Initiative Emboldens Other to Do the Same

Several years back a close friend of mine decided to start a web series. She had no experience directing, writing, or producing but felt compelled to tell her story. Admittedly, I was a little skeptical at first. I didn't share her vision for the project but after a few months I was a believer.

I marveled at how she figured out how to book space for reasonable rates, surround herself with like-minded artists who believed in her project, and consistently create great content. Within the span of several weeks she'd become a three dimensional storyteller. She suddenly knew a little about a lot and wasn't at the mercy of anyone to get her voice out into the world.

Her example inspired me to do the same. In just 3 months I too wrote, produced, and acted in three short films of my own. In the summer of 2018 I hope to make my first feature. 

Taking bold action to make a dream a reality can be contagious. It emboldens others to do the same. And though the goal is not to emulate the exact trajectory of others, we can help awaken the potential in someone, or even ourselves when we've yet to realize how remarkable we can be. 

The Psyche of the Modern Day Artist

I spent years sitting by the phone hoping the perfect part would magically fall in my lap. Eventually, I discovered my story would never be told unless I wrote it.

These are a collection of lessons I've learned in my 12-year journey on how the modern day artist and actor must can create his or her own opportunities. 

-- Creating your own content is much easier than you think with the Internet, accessible state of the art camera gear (including the camera on your phone), and filmmaking resources like Final Draft Pro and Story Writer on Amazon. As Shazi Visram, founder of Happy Family food company notes, “If you are creative and you know how to execute your ideas, you can win and you can build something that is a living, breathing work of art.”

-- Learn from the greats. Watch interviews and read articles from the artists you admire most and pay attention to how they took bold action to get their voices heard. I highly recommend Mark Duplass's speech, "The Cavalry is Not Coming." 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZeWOAliA6Y

-- Find a team of like-minded collaborators committed to creating new and original content and getting it out through the countless channels at your disposal.

-- Just get started and learn as you go.

Be Kind, but Claim Your Space

I once heard an actor describe working with Hugh Jackman as a perfect example of maintaining on-set balance. His castmate explained how the film and theater star was always thoughtful, kind, and considerate to everyone on set but also had the courage to claim his space. 

In other words, he was polite while still cultivating an environment for himself where he could thrive and best serve the story. 

There's a "sweet spot" in being generous while also being clear about when you just need a moment to yourself. 

You can be nice without being soft. 

Getting Honest Feedback

How often have you rushed to a friend for his or her opinion with a problem in your life? How about their take on a new project you've just completed? A short story? A screenplay?

Having a community of like-minded people who have your back is crucial. And those of us who are fortunate to have such a network should never take it for granted.

But it can be a challenge to get the type of feedback you really need to help you take your work to the next level.

Your friends are your friends, which means they're feelings for you are biased. From their vantage point, being objective while trying to be sensitive to your feelings can be a very delicate dance.

Instead, try seeking the opinion of those you may not know as well and aren't afraid to be direct with their input. Rather than pursuing points of view that support those you already have, be on the lookout for thinking that enriches and challenges your own.

Start Before You're Ready

There's a great interview with actor turned screenwriter, Taylor Sheridan on YouTube. Sheridan recently brought to life the critically acclaimed stories, Sicario and more recently, Hell or High Water.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeySPEcoq4Q

During the interview Sheridan admits he knew nothing about writing a film. Perhaps equally important, he knew how not to.

“I have absolutely no idea how to do this but I know exactly how not to…tell the story I want to tell, be honest…I write movies I want to see about things that interest me," he concluded. 

Not only is it crucial to know the pitfalls of creating something meaningful, but I also gathered from Sheridan's words that it's also okay to start before you feel ready. 

You don't have to have it all together to do something remarkable. Just begin.

Decide for Yourself

This morning I met with a close friend's mother to discuss a project I'd been working on since moving back to Oakland. My idea was to create an online community of like-minded people by building a website that produced only positive news, culture, and events. I knew Mrs. Lee would be an excellent resource since she was such a seasoned and well-respected change-maker in the Bay Area nonprofit world.

I showed up at 10:00 am sharp and was greeted warmly. I took a seat at the kitchen table where a handful of warm blueberry scones and fresh sliced mangos awaited me. I opened my laptop before glancing down at the family's Welsh Corgi who looked at me longingly hoping I'd drop a crumb or two.

We spoke easily as the morning light poured through the large kitchen windows. "Sometimes we get really beautiful sunsets," she said. As I sipped my green tea and nibbled on my pastry, I listened attentively as she navigated me through the complicated nuances and setbacks of starting a business. It was a 2 x 4 of truth across the forehead I absolutely needed, and strangely wanted to hear. My background as an actor had taught me the value of self-awareness and to not fear hards truths. "It's really tough," she said. "Some people make it and some people don't." I nodded. I felt briefly as though I were talking to a casting director.

Just before I gathered my belongings and set to leave she shared a family tale. "Let me tell you a story about my son," she said. "When he was really young he was always into architecture. But as someone who worked in the nonprofit world I knew how hard it was to make a living out of it. Lots of architects end up just drafting. So I suggested he consider graphic design. And he's really good at it and eventually got really lucky and found a good job."

I appreciated the story's moral and gave it some thought. "That's great that he found something he's good at," I said. She smiled.

As I pushed my laptop into my bag I heard Mrs. Lee say, "It's good to have passion." I nodded. "It's good. But sometimes it can be exhausting," I joked. "I just don't know how else to be."

I thanked her for her time and headed to my car. On the way, I couldn't help but think, If I were him, I can't imagine not having gone for it as an architect. 

Neither conclusion was right or wrong. I realized we all just need to decide who we are and how bad we want something.