We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Chen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Courtney, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My Dad was an immigrant from Taiwan, he came to the states in the 90’s in pursuit of the American Dream. He enrolled in college to study Electrical Engineering when I was young. I remember he was always studying, he would read the materials in English, translate everything into Chinese, and then translate his assignments back into English to turn in. My Dad always provided for my Mom and I. He would work his regular day job, and when money was tight he would get a side hustle usually waiting tables at a Chinese restaurant on the weekends.
I always knew my Dad was a hard worker, but when I went to Taiwan for the first time last year, I really saw my Dad’s hard work and sacrifice. He left his small town to provide a better life for himself and his future family. He went to the land of opportunity and for that I am forever grateful.
A lot of my work ethic is instilled in me by watching my Dad. My favorite motto that I live by is from the Apollo 13 Moon Landing, “Failure is Not an Option”.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a creative in the Film Industry. I started off as a stunt performer and made my way into Stunt Coordinating and Directing.
I got my start in stunts because the film industry boomed in my hometown of Atlanta, GA. I was already a high level martial artist and had competed in Taekwondo and Karate all over the US, including the prestigious Karate US Open and Junior Olympics. My martial arts skills translated well over into stunts. After working my way from ND Stunts to Stunt Double, I became a Stunt Coordinator.
I also own my own production company, where I Direct and Produce my own content.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Collaboration is key! Shooting with known photographers or collaborating with bigger instagram accounts will get you noticed.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of being a creative is having the ability to set my own schedule and being able to spend time with my family. I have a better work/life balance than when I worked a 9-5.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theactionactress.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/thecourtneychen
