We were lucky to catch up with Brian Metcalf recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Brian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Yes, it is by acting as a multi-hyphenate that I am able to make a living, meaning by wearing multiple hats and being paid by each role I take on that I am able to make a living. It is part of the reason I work as a writer, director, producer and actor.
I think networking is an important part to survival. Joining the guilds has allowed me to network so much more.
Initially I had to take a job as a creative director until I was ready to focus on my film career more. I still take side hustles every once in a while in order to survive as Los Angeles is very expensive.
Brian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a writer, director, producer, actor, artist and musician. And all of those are closely related.
I started out working as a visual effects artist and creative director working on trailers, dvds, visual effects for films and TV. I worked largely in computer programs such as Maya, After Effects, Premiere, Photoshop, etc.
But my passion was always filmmaking. I got the opportunity to direct commercials, music videos and my first short film which eventually led to my first feature film.
I initially set out with a certain list of goals that I have been slowly checking off such as getting my first agent and manager, joining the writers guild and trying to insert myself into this industry properly.
What I am most proud of is taking the leap to move over to filmmaking despite constantly being lured back to a regular 9 to 5 job with a steady paycheck.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is having the ability to create worlds, characters and scenarios that are in my head, put it to paper and to be able to see it on screen once completed. There is nothing quite like that feeling.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I hope society remembers the importance of artists, creatives and the ecosystem it creates. Creative programs always seem to be the first ones that are cut in schools such as art, writing and music. Without these creative outlets, there is a dire need to release that creativity. Creativity allows people to come up with new ideas and broaden perspectives of others. It can allow an important message to come out and for change to happen. It can open and change minds and start important conversations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bametcalf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bametcalf1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bametcalf1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmetcalf/
